Dallas, Texas – (August 2011) – The Retina Foundation of the Southwest was recently honored at a dinner marking the conclusion of the ExxonMobil Community Summer Jobs Program in Dallas. Selected as the 2011 Agency of the Year, the Foundation received an award and check for $1,000 in recognition of the agency’s accomplishments. The Retina Foundation was one of 60 local organizations selected to participate in the 2011 ExxonMobil Community Summer Jobs Program in Dallas which provides grants for North Texas nonprofits to hire college interns during summer months.

“To be chosen as one of the agencies supported by the ExxonMobil Community Summer Jobs Program is an honor in itself. To receive this recognition as 2011 Agency of the Year is incredible,” said Dr. David Birch, Chief Scientific & Executive Officer. “The internship program gives us a chance to introduce young students to the world of nonprofit research and service within the medical community, and provides us with a bright and dedicated intern.”

Jane Gilmore, a sophomore at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, has been working with macular degeneration patients this summer as the Retina Foundation’s intern. "This internship has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Working at the Retina Foundation of the Southwest has opened doors for me and has helped me with deciding that I want to help others,” said Jane. “Working with the patients and research scientists on macular degeneration has helped me realize that I want to go to medical school after graduating from Northwestern and become an Ophthalmologist.”

The Retina Foundation of the Southwest is one of the country’s premier eye research facilities. Located in Dallas, the Foundation is a leader in research on macular degeneration, causes and treatments of infant eye disorders, and cures for inherited retinal eye diseases.