Renowned for his groundbreaking work in ophthalmic genetics, Dr. Edwin Stone has now been honored with membership in the prestigious National Academy of Medicine (NAM). This accolade places him among an elite group of health and medicine experts, recognizing his significant contributions to the field.
The NAM election process is highly selective, with current members nominating individuals who have demonstrated exceptional professional achievements and service. This year, the academy welcomed 90 national and 10 international members, increasing its total membership to over 2,500 distinguished individuals.
“We are thrilled that Dr. Stone has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine. This honor reflects the caliber of his work, which has had a transformative impact on the treatment of blinding eye diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma,” stated Denise Jamieson, MD, MPH, the vice president for medical affairs and dean at the UI Carver College of Medicine.
Dr. Stone’s pioneering research has been instrumental in transforming the landscape of ophthalmic genetics. He has made seminal discoveries, including the identification of the first human glaucoma gene and several genes involved in macular degeneration and retinopathy. His current work focuses on developing accessible genetic testing and therapies for degenerative retinal diseases.
“UI Health Care is regarded as a pioneer in genetic ophthalmology, and this reputation was largely established by Ed,” remarked Keith Carter, MD, FACS, chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. “From the beginning, Ed had a strong interest in genetics, and he wanted everybody to have access to these advancements. He secured funding to develop the Carver Nonprofit Genetic Testing Laboratory in 2002, which provides low-cost genetic tests to patients in every state of the U.S. and more than 60 other countries.”
Stone is also the founder of the Carver Nonprofit Genetic Testing Laboratory and has created a web-based teaching tool with a vast collection of high-resolution images to aid global medical professionals in diagnosing Mendelian retinal diseases. His ongoing research endeavors include developing affordable gene and stem cell-based treatments for inherited retinal diseases and identifying new genetic variants that cause or modify these conditions.
Dr. Stone’s academic journey began at the Baylor College of Medicine, where he earned both his medical degree and PhD with honors. He completed his residency and fellowship in ophthalmology and vitreoretinal surgery at the University of Iowa, eventually joining its faculty in 1990. He currently holds the Seamans-Hauser Chair of Molecular Ophthalmology at the UI Carver College of Medicine.
Dr. Stone now stands alongside other esteemed faculty and administrators from UI who have been elected
members of the NAM:
- Francois M. Abboud*
- Edwin G. Abel
- Nancy C. Andreasen*
- Joseph A. Buckwalter
- Kathleen C. Buckwalter*
- Kevin P. Campbell
- John W. Colloton*
- Susan J. Curry*
- Bruce J. Gantz
- Denise J. Jamieson
- James A. Merchant*
- Jeffrey C. Murray*
- Jennifer R. Niebyl*
- Corinne Peek-Asa*
- Deb Schwinn*
- Val C. Sheffield
- Richard J. Smith
- Robert B. Wallace*
- Ronald J. Weigel
- Michael J. Welsh
*emeritus/retired faculty
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