APEI Abrahamson Pediatric Eye Institute
The Abrahamson Pediatric Eye Institute (APEI) at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center was founded in 1995 by Cincinnati ophthalmologist and philanthropist, Ira Abrahamson, MD. Dr. Abrahamson has long had a vision to "wipe out preventable blindness in children." The APEI began a vision-screening program in 1996 to carry out Dr. Abrahamson's vision.
Ophthalmology has been a life-long, family oriented endeavor for the Abrahamson family. Dr. Abrahamson's father and sister pursued careers and successful practices in ophthalmology. His son, Richard, also practices ophthalmology in Cincinnati with Dr. Abrahamson.
In the beginning of Dr. Abrahamson's career as an ophthalmologist, he performed eye surgeries in the Army. Many of his surgeries were on young men whose eyes were either turning in (esotropia) or turning out (exotropia). Dr. Abrahamson's interest in vision-screening was sparked when he realized that although he may have improved their eye alignment, the results would have been far better if the misalignment (strabismus) had been detected and treated in childhood.
The condition commonly known as "lazy eye" or amblyopia, is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children. If treated by ages 6 or 7, vision can be corrected. If left untreated, amblyopia can cause permanent vision loss and even blindness. For this reason, Dr. Abrahamson wanted to create awareness of early detection of amblyopia by developing and implementing vision-screening programs everywhere.
His dream was made a reality when his mother-in-law left him money to establish a pediatric eye institute if he would match the funds. Dr. Abrahamson graciously answered this with giving an endowment to Cincinnati Children's. This generous funding allowed for the development of the APEI, within the Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology. Dr. Abrahamson continues to raise support for the APEI.
Dr. Abrahamson's philanthropic efforts extend to the Rotary Club, where he has been a member for 15 years. The Cincinnati Rotary Club #17 is the sixth largest Rotary Club in the world. Dr. Abrahamson speaks frequently to Rotary Clubs around the world to spread awareness of the importance of vision-screening programs.
Dr. Abrahamson states, "Through Rotary International, we will wipe out preventable blindness in children throughout the world." In fact, Dr. Abrahamson is on his way to conquering amblyopia in the Bahamas. Since 1997, Dr. Abrahamson has been training other Rotarians and lay people on vision-screening methods there, and hopes to eliminate amblyopia in the Bahamas within the next few years.
Dr. Abrahamson also emphasizes that in order for children to reach their highest educational potential, they must be able to see as well as possible. He stresses that detecting visual disorders early in a child's life is a major factor that is essential for learning development.
Dr. Ira Abrahamson shares in Cincinnati Children's mission of being "dedicated to serving the health care needs of infants, children and adolescents and to providing research and teaching programs that ensure delivery of the highest quality pediatric care to our community, the nation, and the world." Dr. Abrahamson's dedication to programs that teach, educate, and research will ultimately lead to his vision of "preserving sight and preventing blindness."
