Vision is one of life’s most precious gifts—allowing us to connect with loved ones, navigate the world and experience its beauty. Yet for millions, eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma and retinal disorders threaten that gift.
Thanks to the thoughtful generosity of an anonymous donor who would like to share the incredible impact of their gift, Baylor College of Medicine is making remarkable strides toward a future where these conditions no longer dictate one’s quality of life.
With an initial gift of $10 million and an additional $6 million investment in 2025, this donor has empowered Douglas Koch, M.D., and his team in the Department of Ophthalmology to accelerate groundbreaking research, expand clinical impact and train the next generation of physician-scientists. Rooted in a trusted relationship spanning more than 50 years of philanthropic partnership, this gift reflects a deep and enduring belief in Baylor’s mission and in Dr. Koch’s visionary leadership.
“Our goal is not only to treat eye disease today, but to redefine what’s possible for tomorrow. This gift helps to make that future attainable.”
“This generous financial support plays a pivotal role in our research to create better outcomes for patients,” said Dr. Koch, professor and Allen, Mosbacher, and Law Chair in Ophthalmology. “It has also provided us with the opportunity to train physician-scientists whom we anticipate will become leaders in our field.”
With Dr. Koch’s leadership, his team has cultivated a dynamic and collaborative environment where innovation flourishes. This transformational support has enabled Dr. Koch’s lab to broaden its research capacity, recruit top-tier faculty, launch promising new initiatives in his team’s already extensive research in cataract surgery and explore new areas of focus, such as corneal disease and glaucoma—conditions that often progress silently until irreversible damage occurs.
This enduring partnership beautifully illustrates how philanthropy can reshape the future of vision care and treatment. It’s not only advancing scientific discovery—it’s shaping lives, empowering future leaders in ophthalmology and revolutionizing the landscape of patient care. Because of this support, Baylor is one step closer to a world where no one has to face the fear of losing their sight.
“Our goal is not only to treat eye disease today, but to redefine what’s possible for tomorrow. This gift helps to make that future attainable,” said Dr. Koch.
Together, we are turning vision into possibility—and giving countless individuals the chance to see a clearer, brighter tomorrow.
