James O'Donnell, MD Recognized by Colleagues

At a festive San Francisco dinner, colleagues of Professor Emeritus James O'Donnell, MD, recognized a longtime leader in the treatment of ocular complications of AIDS, and a pioneer in genetics research.

Dr. O'Donnell was Principal Investigator at UCSF for the Studies of the Ocular Complications of AIDS (SOCA). The collaborative multi-center SOCA research program began in 1989, with National Eye Institute funding, including over $1 million for programs at UCSF. Five SOCA trials have been completed, to date. Dr. O'Donnell was involved in major clinical trials evaluating treatment for CMV retinitis, a progressive deterioration of the retina, associated with AIDS. Current treatment slows progression of CMV retinitis but does not yet stop it.

In 1978, Dr. O'Donnell, who was also trained in genetics research, was first to identify the enzyme responsible for the hereditary retinal degeneration, gyrate atrophy. This discovery made treatment possible for the disease.

As Associate Dean for Postdoctoral Education and Continuing Education, Dr. O'Donnell directed postgraduate education in ophthalmology for many years. He first joined the UCSF staff as a clinical instructor of ophthalmology, in 1974.

Dr. O'Donnell remains an active participant in fund raising for ophthalmology through That Man May See.