As a concerned patient, Arthur Brody with the encouragement of his wife, Sophie, made a significant gift to glaucoma research being conducted under the direction of Robert N. Weinreb, M.D. Arthur, an engineer and inventor, has a deep seated concern that other glaucoma patients benefit from improved diagnostic testing and treatment. Both he and Sophie look forward to the day when those who are susceptible to glaucoma or already have the disease will not have to face glaucoma blindness.

Because his father had glaucoma, Arthur was diligent in his annual eye examinations. He underwent annual eye pressure checks as well as other tests. Told that his pressure was normal, he was not diagnosed with glaucoma until he went to see a new physician for cataract care. At this point, Arthur learned that there was “normal tension glaucoma” and that he already had moderate to advanced glaucoma. He was referred for his glaucoma management and his ongoing care to “the best person to see for glaucoma treatment” – Robert N. Weinreb, MD, at the Shiley Eye Center at UCSD. Treatment was eventually required and, fortunately, was successful for both eyes. Arthur can see well enough to work, read and drive.

Among the most prolific research teams in the country, the Hamilton Glacuoma clinical and laboratory scientists rank near the very top in the country in coveted National Eye Institute research grants. When Arthur and Sophie learned about the Hamilton Glaucoma Center project, under the direction of Dr. Weinreb, Vice Chair of the UCSD Department of Ophthalmology, they decided to fund a research laboratory to further the work being done there. The funding donated by the Brodys provides resources that are not otherwise available for new research on the optic nerve in glaucoma.

Some 40 years ago, Arthur’s company, Brodart, a leading supplier of library supplies, books, furniture and data processing support systems was awarded the contract by the UCSD Library for

(Arthur and Sophie Brody Gieve to Dr. Weinreb's research fund)

what was known as the “New Campus Program”. They supplied most of the books for the basic collection, which were published as the “Books for College” libraries for not only UCSD, but also for two other University of California libraries in Irvine and Santa Cruz. Brodart also supplied some of the furniture that went into the library at UCSD.

A successful CEO, venture capitalist and Board Member for a number of firms and Foundations, Arthur has served on the UCSD Foundation Board. Both he and Sophie have been generous donors to a wide variety of UCSD programs and causes. The Brodys also donate money through their Brodart Foundation to library causes that will become self sufficient after a “seed money” donation. Through the Arthur and Sophie Brody Foundation, they give to causes that are particularly focused on helping the helpless. Sophie has long been a leader in the San Diego community serving on the Opera Board, Jewish Federation Board and its Executive Board; Board of Jewish Foundation, and the UCSD Cancer Center Board, to name only a few.

Both Arthur and Sophie, through their community and University work, are keenly aware of the significance of philanthropic giving. They have been generous donors to a wide variety of UCSD programs and causes. “It is through the care, concern and giving of generous individuals like the Brodys that we will be able to make a difference for the future of vision and vision care in glaucoma,” said Dr. Weinreb.

The needs for research funding are great. Call for information about how you can contribute to a better future of improved vision! Karen Jellison, Director of Business Development, can be reached at (858) 534-8017.