Dr. Ira Wong to assume Medical Director role for Chakshu Research
Los Gatos, CA, / February 19, 2008 – Chakshu Research, a specialty pharmaceutical company targeted at developing a non-surgical treatment for cataract and other degenerative ocular diseases, announced that Dr. Ira Wong, M.D., will serve as Medical Director for their upcoming clinical trials.
“For thirty years Dr. Wong has been sought for his opinions and mentorship by aspiring ophthalmologists (including transplant surgeons) and others looking to make an impact in the field of ophthalmology. He will be responsible for Chakshu’s clinical strategy, interacting with primary investigators and assuring that Chakshu’s trials are conducted for the highest level of patient safety,” stated Chakshu CEO, Amit Goswamy.
Dr. Wong most recently served as a clinical professor of ophthalmology at the Proctor Foundation for Research in Ophthalmology at the University of California, San Francisco and Stanford University. He provided the northern California community with leading-edge immunomodulatory treatments for difficult ocular inflammatory diseases and uveitis. Previously he was Chief of Ophthalmology with The Permanente Medical Group. Dr. Wong has served as a consultant in health care delivery to various federal agencies including the Agency for Health Care Policy Research where he helped develop evidence-based guidelines for cataract care. During the Vietnam era he served as Chief of Ophthalmology – Otolarygnology Service at the US Army Hospital in Okinawa, Japan
Dr. Wong has an extensive list of publications, honors and awards. His research interest has focused on epidemiology, immunology and new therapies for ocular diseases.
With his experience delivering health care and medical expertise, Dr. Wong feels that he can “assist Chakshu to deliver this therapeutic drug, and vastly extend our reach to those with a critical need.”
Dr. Wong served his residency at the University of Iowa and received sub-specialty training in cornea, external diseases of the eye and uveitis at the Proctor Foundation at UCSF.