Presenter Biography

William Beltran, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology
School of Veterinary Medicine

William Beltran, D.V.M., Ph.D., received his D.V.M. from the National Veterinary College of Alfort (Paris, France) in 1994, completed a residency in veterinary ophthalmology in 2000 and earned a Ph.D. in comparative biomedical sciences at Cornell University in 2006. He then joined the faculty of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania as an assistant professor of ophthalmology. Dr. Beltran's research is focused on examining the cellular and molecular mechanisms of photoreceptor death in canine models of retinal degeneration, and developing novel therapeutic approaches aimed at curing or slowing the progression of this group of diseases. Research currently conducted in Dr. Beltran's laboratory includes examining the pathways of cell death in the RPGR form of X-linked RP, as well as elucidating the pathogenesis of light-induced photoreceptor death in a model of autosomal dominant RP caused by a mutationinhe Rhodopsin gene. Dr. Beltran's interests also include evaluating neuroprotective and antiapoptotic agents as well as optogenetic tools in canine models.

Keynote Speaker

• Michael Hingson, The Michael Hingson Group, Inc.

Presenters

• Isabelle Audo, M.D., PH.D., Quinze-Vingts Hospital
• Benjamin Bakall, Ph.D., University of Iowa
• William Beltran, D.V.M., Ph.D., School of Veterinary Medicine
• Eliot Berson, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
• Kathy Blake
• Shannon Boye, University of Florida
• Rusty Bromley, Translational Research Acceleration via Consulting
• Tiffany Chan, O.D., Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University
• Charlie Collins, Vision Dynamics, LLC
• Stephen Daiger, University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston
• Arlene Drack
• Jacque L. Duncan, M.D., University of California, San Francisco
• Timothy Elder, TRE Legal Practice, LLC
• Gerald Fishman, M.D., The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who are Blind or Visually Impaired
• David M. Gamm, M.D., Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Duane R. Geruschat, Ph.D., Salus University
• Douglas Goist, National Industries for the Blind
• Michael Grassi
• James T. Handa, M.D., Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University
• Rod Haneline, Leader Dogs for the Blind
• Brian Hurley, National Industries for the Blind
• Christine Kay, M.D., University of Florida
• Mark E. Kleinman, M.D.
• Craig MacFarlane, Edward Jones Company
• Toni March, Office of Blindness and Vision Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services
• Michel Michaelides
• Muna Naash
• Mark Pennesi, M.D., Ph.D., Casey Eye Institute
• Darlene Peregoy, Office for Blindness and Vision Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services
• Eric Pierce, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
• Dan Roberts, Macular Degeneration Support
• José-Alain Sahel, M.D.
• Philip Saunders
• Hendrik Scholl
• Everett T. Shupe II, MBA, CAE, CMP, Shupe Plans
• Janet Sunness, M.D., Hoover Low Vision Rehabilitation Services, Greater Baltimore Medical Center
• Karmen M Trzupek, MS, CGC, Informed Medical Decisions, Inc.
• Dawn E. Turco, Hadley School for the Blind
• Lou Tutt, Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
• Luk H. Vandenberghe, Ph.D., HMassachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Harvard Medical School
• Douglas Walker, Hadley School for the Blind
• Richard G. Weleber, M.D., Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University
• Dan Wenzel, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland
• Kim Walker, Tennessee School for the Blind
• Sandy White, Blind Sports Organization
• Paul Yang, M.D., Ph.D., University of Utah
• Donald Zack
• Michael Zuber