GRF presents Catalyst Award to philanthropists at annual gala

San Francisco-Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) honored leaders in areas of philanthropy, business, and medicine who have been instrumental in “developing a cure for glaucoma” during Thursday night’s Glaucoma 360 annual Gala.

GRF presented The Catalyst Award, the organization’s highest honor; the Visionary Award, and the President’s Award.

Charlot and Dennis Singleton (Photo courtesy of Glaucoma Research Foundation)Charlot and Dennis Singleton of Atherton, CA, received The Catalyst Award in recognition of their outstanding leadership and philanthropic contributions to medicine and education.

“Dennis has served on our board of directors for 18 years,” said Thomas Brunner, president and CEO of GRF. “He and Charlot give generously to support our mission, as well as many other organizations. We are thrilled to recognize both of them for their extraordinary philanthropy and advocacy.”

First to use ALT 

James B. Wise, MD (Photo courtesy of Glaucoma Research Foundation)

James B. Wise, MD, of Glaucoma and Laser Surgery Associates in Oklahoma City, was presented with The Visionary Award for his many contributions to the field of ophthalmology, in particular the development of argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT), a laser procedure for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma.

“Jim was the first to use ALT successfully more than 40 years ago and since then it has proven to be an important tool in the management of glaucoma,” Brunner pointed out. “It is wonderful to honor Jim for his innovation that has helped countless patients preserve their vision as well as his continued and generous investment in our research programs.”

Masashi Oka (Photo courtesy of Glaucoma Research Foundation)The recipient of the President’s Award was Masashi Oka, executive chairman emeritus for MUFG Union Bank and special advisor to the president and CEO of The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ. Oka was honored for his efforts in generating support for the Glaucoma Research Foundation and in recognition of his involvement in many community organizations in the City of San Francisco and Northern California.

“Union Bank and Mr. Oka have been great partners with GRF for many years,” Brunner added. “We are so pleased to have an opportunity to honor him for his involvement and support.”