About us
The Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK) Eye Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded in March 2022 by Juliette Vila Sinclair Spence. Recognizing the lack of information on AK for both patients and the medical community, Juliette became an AK Patient Advocate to give voice to patients like herself. Her efforts have since evolved into the first worldwide foundation that focuses solely on AK.
OUR MISSION
Acanthamoeba Keratitis is a rare disease of immense pain and suffering. Misdiagnosis is common, prevention is possible, and support makes all the difference. Our mission is to be a fierce advocate for AK warriors around the world.
OUR GOALS
1
To raise global awareness of Acanthamoeba Keratitis.
2
To provide a hub of information about prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
3
To offer hope and support to AK patients, their family and friends across the world.
OUR TEAM
Board of Directors
Juliette Vila Sinclair Spence
CEO, Founder & Patient Advocate
AK Warrior, Patient Advocate, and Founder & Chairwoman of the Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK) Eye Foundation. In 2017, Juliette was diagnosed with AK and underwent an emergency corneal transplant to save her eye. Her personal experience has granted her valuable insight into the challenges and recovery process following the disease. With a multicultural background and skills in project management and marketing communication, Juliette is passionate about making a difference and leads the foundation in increasing awareness and providing support to those affected by this rare eye disease.
Marco Schraven
Treasurer
A board member, treasurer of the AK Eye Foundation, committed to managing the Foundation's financial affairs with care and transparency. With more than 30-year financial industry background, he plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient utilization of the Foundation's resources. Marco has seen the impact of AK on his partner Juliette and their family. This motivates him to be dedicated to the Foundation.
Sabine Widmer
Secretary & Ambassador for Switzerland
A board member and Ambassador for Switzerland for the Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK) Eye Foundation. She has been dealing with AK since May 2020. Despite undergoing four surgeries, multiple therapies, and over 36,000 eye drops in both eyes, she is still fighting to keep her severely damaged eye and regain some vision. As a Swiss teacher, she remains determined and resilient. Sabine's experience has given her a unique perspective and deep empathy for those struggling with AK, and she has made it her mission to raise awareness about the disease and support those going through the same journey.
Advisory Board
John KG Dart, MA, DM, FRCOphth
Professor John Dart from UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, who serves on the AKEF Medical Advisory Board. As a clinical scientist, he is recognized for his collaborative work with other researchers in the laboratory. His research focuses on corneal infections, inflammatory diseases of the ocular surface, and translating these discoveries into clinical trials, with a specialization in Acanthamoeba Keratitis, Pemphigoid, and clinical trials.
Taher Eleiwa, MBBS, PhD
Dr. Eleiwa earned his medical and surgical degrees at Benha University in Egypt, where he also served as faculty for over a decade. He earned his PhD in Cornea and External Eye diseases at the world-renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in the USA. He currently practices as a corneal refractive and cataract surgeon at Magrabi Hospital in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Eleiwa specializes in severe corneal infections, corneal transplantation, and advanced anterior segment disease.
Andrew D. Pucker, OD, PhD, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA
Dr. Pucker is the Executive Director of Clinical and Medical Sciences at Lexitas Pharma Services. He earned his OD, MS, and PhD degrees from The Ohio State University. His independent research and clinical career has focused on dry eye disease, contact lenses, and myopia development. He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and over 160 editor reviewed columns. Dr. Pucker is a Fellow and Diplomate of the American Academy of Optometry, Fellow of the Scleral Lens Education Society, and Fellow of the British Contact Lens Association
Zachary Reynard, OD, FAAO
Dr. Reynard graduated cum laude from the prestigious advanced scholars’ program at the Salus Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He went on to complete a residency in Cornea and Contact Lenses and a fellowship in Dry Eye Disease at the UAB School of Optometry. He has acted as a sub-investigator in multiple dry eye and contact lens clinical trials, and serves as medical editor for the digital publication EyeMedsNow. Dr. Reynard has treated thousands of patients with contact lens complications, including severe infections and corneal transplants.
Christopher A. Rice, PhD
Dr. Rice is an Assistant Professor at Purdue University, USA. He graduated with a Ph.D. from the University of the West of Scotland in 2014 under the mentorship of Dr. Fiona Henriquez-Mui. His graduate studies were elucidating biochemical drug targets in Acanthamoeba. The Rice Research Group are focused on the discovery and development of anti-amoebic compounds and developing more rapid, sensitive, and specific diagnostics for diseases caused by pathogenic free-living amoebae.
Ambassadors
Alvise Callegari
Ambassador for Italy
Alvise is the Ambassador for Italy and coordinator of the Italian support group, he contracted AK in July 2015 by rinsing his contact lens container with tap water. He was followed by the Corneal Disease Center of the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan and after over 11 months of tough struggle he returned to his job as a rafting guide in Italy and bike tour leader trips all around Europe.
Ian West
Ambassador for United Kingdom
Ian is the Ambassador for United Kingdom, AK Warrior, chartered engineer and freelance archaeologist residing in Shropshire, England. After contracting AK in 2016 from contaminated water in his contact lenses, he received prompt and effective treatment, resulting in a full recovery. Ever since, he has actively campaigned to increase awareness of the disease and enhance diagnosis and treatment. To further these efforts, he established the AK Community Fund in collaboration with UK Charity Fight for Sight, dedicated to raising funds for these important causes.
Shari Easthope
Ambassador for Canada
Shari is the Ambassador for Canada, AK Warrior and is a registered Social Worker and Education Assistant based in Calgary, Alberta. In March 2022, she was diagnosed with Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK), which posed considerable challenges but also fueled her dedication to assist others facing similar struggles. She is fervently committed to raising awareness about AK, providing support to those impacted, and advocating for improved resources and care across Canada.