For Patrick and Patty Burke, John and Helen Conway, Michael Fux and Gloria Rubin, and Mary Graham, gratitude became a shared purpose. Having experienced firsthand the expertise and compassionate care of the Wills Eye Glaucoma Service, these dedicated supporters united with around a common goal: strengthening the future of the program that had done so much for them and countless others through transformational philanthropy.

Together, and with additional philanthropic support from champions and friends including participants in the 2025 Wills Eye Ball, they helped the Wills Eye Foundation to establish the Benefactors Circle Endowed Chair in Glaucoma, a landmark $2.5 million endowment that provides permanent support for one of the world's leading glaucoma programs.

The inaugural holder of the endowed chair is Jonathan S. Myers, MD, Chief of the Wills Eye Glaucoma Service. A nationally recognized clinician, educator, and researcher, Dr. Myers has devoted his career to advancing glaucoma care through pioneering research, surgical innovation, physician education, and compassionate patient care. The endowed chair recognizes his extraordinary leadership while ensuring that future Glaucoma Service leaders have the resources to continue building upon Wills Eye's legacy of excellence.

Glaucoma remains one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, often progressing silently until vision has already been lost. Through research that advances earlier diagnosis, innovative treatments that help preserve sight, and the training of future ophthalmologists, the Wills Eye Glaucoma Service is working every day to change that reality.

The Benefactors Circle Endowed Chair will help sustain those efforts for generations to come by supporting physician-scientists as they pursue groundbreaking discoveries, educate the next generation of glaucoma specialists, and deliver world-class care to patients facing this complex disease.

This remarkable achievement reflects the extraordinary impact that grateful patients can have when they come together in support of a shared mission. United by appreciation for the care they received and confidence in the future of the Glaucoma Service, these generous donors have created a lasting legacy that will benefit patients far beyond their own lifetimes.

Their collective generosity ensures that Wills Eye Hospital will continue to lead the fight against glaucoma: preserving vision, advancing discovery, and bringing hope to patients around the world.

Interested in learning more about supporting glaucoma care, education, or research at Wills Eye Hospital? Contact the Foundation office at giving@willseye.org or 215.440.3154.