Macular Degeneration Center

Welcome to the Minnesota Lions Macular Degeneration Center, or "The MAC Center" for short. The Center:

• Provides the best possible clinical care for individuals with macular or retinal disease.
• Focuses research on the development of novel therapies for macular or retinal degenerations using translational research methodologies.
• Educates the leaders of tomorrow in patient care and vision research.

The MAC Center was established in November, 1998, through a collaboration of the Department of Ophthalmology and the Minnesota Lions, who provided initial funding. Dr. Timothy Olsen served as the Center’s director from its inception through December 2007. Under his direction, the Center grew into an internationally recognized leader in research and clinical care related to macular degeneration. 

The MAC Center staff currently includes Dr. Joseph Terry, retina specialist; Dr. Todd Klesert, retina specialist; Dr. Deborah Ferrington, full-time faculty member doing basic research with the Center.

The MAC Center continues to be supported by the Minnesota Lions, through the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank. It receives funding from the National Institute of Aging, a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and it receives substantial support from private individuals who have made contributions through the Minnesota Medical Foundation.

To date, more than 1044 donors have made gifts to the Center. We deeply appreciate this generous support.