The Coats’ Community has lost a great leader in the fight against Coats’ Disease.
We are sorry to learn of the loss of Dr. Michael Trese who passed away on October 21, 2022. Dr. Trese was the first recipient of the Jack McGovern Coats’ Disease Foundation Research Grant soon after the Foundation was established in 2006.
Dr. Trese’s pioneering work in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric retina disease and contributions to the education and training of the next generation of pediatric retina specialists offer hope to those of us who advocate for Coats’ disease patients and their families.
We will be forever grateful for his research on Coats’ Disease that inspired and motivated the Founders’ work to fund further research into Coats’ Disease. Those of us in the Coats’ Disease Community, and in all pediatric retina disease communities, owe him a great deal as we have benefitted from his lifetime of dedication to the study, research, education, and treatment of this and many devastating retinal diseases. In 2021, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recognized his contributions to this field with the Academy’s Laureate Award, the Academy’s most prestigious award. He was a most deserving recipient!
“Dr. Michael Trese was a friend and mentor to many, including those who shared his passion to care for and treat pediatric patients with retina diseases. He provided outstanding and innovative treatments as well as empathy to patients and family. Through his actions, he taught a community of pediatric retina specialists worldwide. Together, we honor him by cooperatively striving for excellence and truth providing care for our patients and developing optimal treatments for Coats’ Disease and the many pediatric retina conditions that exist. We, as a community, can make greater progress when we work together and will carry on Dr. Trese’s legacy by treating and performing research to cure blinding diseases.”
~ Dr. Mary Elizabeth Hartnett, Chair, Jack McGovern Coats’ Disease Foundation Scientific Advisory Board
