UC San Diego Shiley Eye Institute & Graves' Disease & Thyroid Foundation to Host Patient Education Event
UC San Diego Shiley Eye Institute and the Graves' Disease & Thyroid Foundation will host a patient education event on Saturday, May 7th from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Shiley Eye Institute, 9415 Campus Point Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0946. Confirmed Presenters: David B. Granet, MD (Ophthalmology); Don O. Kikkawa, MD (Ophthalmology); Bobby S. Korn, MD, PhD (Ophthalmology); Kevin Brumund, MD (Thyroid Surgery); Karen McCowen, MD (Endocrinology); and Farshad Moradi, MD, PhD (Nuclear Medicine).
La Jolla, CA, April 19, 2016 (Newswire.com) - UC San Diego Shiley Eye Institute and the Graves' Disease & Thyroid Foundation will host a patient education event on Saturday, May 7th from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Shiley Eye Institute, 9415 Campus Point Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0946. Confirmed Presenters: David B. Granet, MD (Ophthalmology); Don O. Kikkawa, MD (Ophthalmology); Bobby S. Korn, MD, PhD (Ophthalmology); Kevin Brumund, MD (Thyroid Surgery); Karen McCowen, MD (Endocrinology); and Farshad Moradi, MD, PhD (Nuclear Medicine).
Registration information is available at the GDATF's web site at gdatf (dot) org or by calling 877-643-3123. The cost is $10 and includes a boxed lunch. Scholarships are available for patients with financial need; please contact the GDATF for more information.
Graves’ disease is caused by a defect in the immune system in which antibodies attack the thyroid, often resulting in hyperthyroidism. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, rapid heart beat, shortness of breath, muscle weakness, fatigue, insomnia, and heat intolerance. Similar antibodies may also attack the skin on the front of the lower leg and the cells behind the eyes.
Graves’ disease can wreak havoc on a patient’s physical and emotional well-being, especially if the condition is not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. Complications can include heart failure, osteoporosis, severe emotional disorders, and thyroid storm, which can be fatal. Patients with severe eye involvement can face multiple surgeries to restore eye function and appearance.
“The effects of hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroid eye disease can have a devastating impact on a patient’s quality of life”, stated GDATF Executive Director Kimberly Dorris. “Patients can gain a sense of empowerment by learning about these conditions and making connections with others who understand what they are going through. We are excited to bring this opportunity to patients and family members in the San Diego area."
The UC San Diego Shiley Eye Institute is the only academic eye center in the region offering the most advanced treatments across all areas of eye care. Our world class clinicians, surgeons, scientists and staff are dedicated to excellence, and providing the best possible patient care to prevent, treat and cure eye diseases. Our research is at the forefront of developing new methods for diagnosis and treatments of eye diseases and disorders. In addition to educating the leaders of tomorrow, we are committed to serving the San Diego and global community. For more information, please visit shileyeye (dot) ucsd (dot) edu/.
The Graves' Disease & Thyroid Foundation (GDATF) is the leading source of help and hope for patients living with Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroid eye disease, and related disorders. Services include phone/e-mail support, an online patient support forum, free educational materials and videos, local support groups, and nationwide patient education events. The GDATF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization based in Rancho Santa Fe, CA. For more information, please visit gdatf (dot) org.
Source: Graves' Disease & Thyroid Foundation