Endowment

Wills Eye has established several important endowments which support many critical leadership positions, education and research programs. Gifts to these endowments help ensure the on-going success of these programs for generation to come.

General Endowments

The William Tasman Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology
$2.5 million goal

Over the past 43 years, Dr. William Tasman has led Wills Eye as educator, physician, and most notably ophthalmologist-in-chief since 1985. The chair provides a permanent recognition of Dr. Tasman’s enormous accomplishments at both Wills Eye and throughout the ophthalmologic community, where his impact has been immeasurable. In particular, funds from the Tasman Chair support education initiatives such as the residency and fellowship programs, and the retention of the Wills Eye world-class faculty.

Give a gift to the Tasman Chair now!

Cornea

The Peter R. Laibson, M.D. Corneal Fellowship Endowment Fund
$1.5 million goal

When fully funded, the Peter R. Laibson, M.D. Corneal Fellowship Endowment Fund will provide acknowledgement of Dr. Laibson's contribution to Wills Eye's corneal fellowship program, and permanent recognition of an ongoing commitment to education that has been so central to his practice of medicine for over forty years. The income from this endowment will support the corneal fellowship program research projects and associated expenses.

Give a gift to the Laibson Fellowship Endowment now!

Glaucoma

Louis J. Esposito Endowed Professorship in Glaucoma Research
$1.5 million goal

Glaucoma is known as one of the leading causes of blindness throughout the world. Already the largest glaucoma treatment program in the Western Hemisphere, the Louis J. Esposito professorship allows the doctor whom holds the position to dedicate more time and resources towards the research and treatment of glaucoma. George L. Spaeth, M.D. is the current Louis J. Esposito Professor in Glaucoma Research.

Give a gift to the Esposito Professorship now!

Oncology

Brady-Shields Endowed Chair
$2 million goal

Dr. Luther Brady and Drs. Carol and Jerry Shields see more eye tumor patients at Wills Eye than are seen anywhere else in the world. Through resident and fellowship education, as well as research into the field of ocular oncology, the Brady-Shields Chair seeks to preserve sight through better treatments developed by these distinguished physicians here at Wills Eye. Funds from the chair are designated for two areas: Educating future generations of ocular oncologists and continuing research into new treatments and advancements within the field.

Give a gift to the Brady-Shields Chair now!

Pathology

Dr. Noel T. and Mrs. Sara L. Simmonds Endowed Professorship in Ophthalmic Pathology
$1.5 million goal

Wills Eye features one of the few ophthalmic-specific pathology service departments in the United States. The Simmonds Professorship, named for Dr. Noel Simmonds and his wife Sara, helps teachers and students alike to continue the tradition of excellence in education and research for the field of ophthalmic pathology.

Give a gift to the Simmonds Professorship now!