National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (NAEVR) Names New Executive Director

James Jorkasky has been appointed Executive Director of the National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (NAEVR), a 501(c)(4) lobbying organization representing eye and research organizations. In addition, he will be Executive Director of the Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (AEVR), a non-profit organization of eye and vision research organizations. He will succeed Edward McManus, former National Eye Institute Deputy Director, who had managed AEVR/NAEVR since 2000.

Jorkasky, a chemist by training who has nearly 25 years of health care policy experience, was most recently Senior Vice President, Membership and Strategic Development, at the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare). Previously, he served as Vice President, Membership and Communications, at the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed). During his tenure at AdvaMed, Jorkasky directed the Ophthalmic Sector, representing ophthalmic manufacturers on product approval and reimbursement issues and working closely with the ophthalmic and optometric professional societies.

Commenting on Jorkasky's appointment, NAEVR President Dr. Steve Ryan said, "Jim brings a wealth of experience to AEVR/NAEVR. He is a published scientist who understands the importance of research in the development of technological breakthroughs to treat and prevent eye and vision disorders. As a long-time health care advocate, he also knows how to communicate the value of that research to Congress, the media, and consumers. This will be pivotal as Jim works with AEVR's members on initiatives to expand the federal investment in eye and vision research."

Jorkasky earned a BA with Honors in Chemistry from the College of Wooster (Ohio) and an MBA in Business, Government, and Public Policy from the George Washington University.

The Alliance is a non-profit organization comprised of scientists, eye care professionals, and lay advocates whose ultimate goal is to achieve optimal eye care for all Americans through public education and research sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Eye Institute (NEI), and other federal research entities.

The Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (AEVR) is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating Congress and the public about the importance of federal funding for eye and vision research. AEVR is the first organization of its kind to bring together stakeholders in the research community-including ophthalmic and optometric professionals, consumer advocates, and manufacturers-to speak with a unified voice about the economic and societal value of eye and vision research. Visit AEVR's Web site at www.eyeresearch.org.