Henry Ford Health in Detroit has received a $2 million gift from the A.A. Van Elslander Foundation to establish and endow a chair in ophthalmic research.

The Philip C. Hessburg, M.D.–Art Van Elslander Chair in Ophthalmic Research will support educational research initiatives at the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology (DIO). Hessburg, the medical director of DIO, which he co-founded in 1972, has been named the inaugural chair in recognition of his lifetime of contributions to ophthalmology medicine and research. One of the largest ophthalmology practices in the United States, the Department of Ophthalmology at Henry Ford treats more than 55,000 patients per year at 12 locations across southeast Michigan. 

“This generous gift from the A.A. Van Elslander Foundation will play a significant role in our relentless pursuit to help those who are visually impaired maintain their independence while living a satisfying and productive life,” said Hessburg. “One of these efforts is our DIO support groups, which are low-tech and can improve our patients’ lives. At the other end of DIO efforts is the very high-tech approach to artificial vision through nano-electronics. These devices implanted in the eye or the brain may restore some level of useful vision to those who are fully blind.”

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