Wednesday, July 23, 2025
On July 17, the North Texas Eye Research Institute, or NTERI, received a $2,000 grant from the Southern Dames of America to support its work in eye research.
The Southern Dames of America’s primary purpose is to support eye programs through contributions for ophthalmic research, grants to eye banks and assistance to individuals who are visually impaired. Every four years, the Southern Dames of America’s National Assembly votes to award the Ophthalmic Research Grants to state societies and institutions. Recipients must be a research institution dedicated to eye research.
NTERI was selected for this award because of its reputation in vision sciences and focus on eye diseases, such as glaucoma. This marks the first time that NTERI has received this honor.
University of North Texas Health's Dr. Dimitrios Karamichos
Dimitrios Karamichos, Ph.D., FARVO, vice president for research and graduate studies, executive director and endowed chair of NTERI, accepted this award on behalf of the Institute. Diane Dyess, national recording secretary of the Southern Dames of America, presented the award.
“My family has been in Fort Worth for the last four generations and has watched the UNT Health campus grow,” Dyess said. “My brother went to medical school there, and there is a family history associated with the school as a whole. However, what pushed NTERI to the top of the list was the research being conducted on eye diseases, like glaucoma. Many of us take our vision for granted and don’t think about it until there is a problem. We are thrilled that Texas has such a wonderful place and is conducting research so that others may see.”
Karamichos said the grant is a testament to the work being done at NTERI.
“I am proud to see this support and lead such a wonderful team dedicated to advancing eye health research,” he said.
This grant will support NTERI’s Summer Research Program, which brings undergraduate juniors and seniors, first-year medical students and graduate students to the institute. The program is designed for those interested in pursuing a career in biomedical research. Participants receive hands-on experience and training to conduct research activities and conclude the program by presenting their research at an interdisciplinary poster session.
For more than 30 years, NTERI has advanced research, education and community engagement aimed at understanding the visual system and preventing, treating and finding cures for eye disorders.
From UNT Health Newsroom - Research by Krystle Gabele