Vinay Aakalu, M.D., M.P.H., professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences; section leader and medical director of Eye Plastic, Orbital and Facial Cosmetic Surgery; director of the Ocular Surface Disease Research Program; and associate preceptor of the ASOPRS Approved Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Fellowship, has been awarded a 2025 Eye & Vision Research Grant by the Eversight Center for Vision and Eye Banking Research to support the development of new treatments for ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). OSSN is a type of growth or tumor that appears on the surface of the eye, specifically the outer layer called the conjunctiva or the cornea. These tumors can range from easily removable growths to more serious cancers with extensive spread. The condition is most common in adults, especially individuals with immune system disorders. “I’m very grateful for this grant from Eversight,” says Dr. Aakalu. “Support is critical for early projects like this, as it helps get them off the ground. This grant will provide important resources to allow pilot data to be generated to test a future therapy for patients.” Current treatments include surgery, cryotherapy, and topical medications, but challenges exist in defining tumor margins and minimizing toxicity. “OSSN is a challenging condition because there can be recurrences, with spread and microscopic disease that is difficult to treat surgically,” he says. “Patients need better, less toxic topical treatments." In their investigation, Dr. Aakalu and his team are using ocular surface and tumor cells to evaluate drugs that selectively kill cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue. “We hope to develop proof of concept for a molecule that would eventually be tested in clinical trials,” he says. “Our aim is to provide an option for patients that reduces the need for surgery and lowers the toxicity of topical chemotherapies currently available. There is also potential for this approach to be used in other eye or periocular cancers.” Dr. Aakalu says the team plans to present their findings at national and international conferences, including those hosted by the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), with eventual plans for publication.