Retinal Diseases Research and Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation founded to combat sight-threatening eye disorders, including focal vitreomacular traction (VMT), which affects millions of victims worldwide. The retinal specialists of RDREF have pioneered the development of pneumatic vitreolysis (PVL) as an effective, low-cost treatment for VMT. The foundation's goal is to fund and conduct prospective studies of PVL that will make the wider medical community aware of its effectiveness and bring its benefits to VMT sufferers around the world.RDREF also supports research on retina-related diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and central and branch retinal vein occlusions. An example of related research is Ranibizumab for treating submacular vascularized PED – A Pilot Study, conducted in collaboration with Southern California Desert Retina Consultants Medical, Inc., Black Hills Regional Eye Institute, and UCLA.Other potential areas of research include diabetes, West Nile Virus, and AIDS, and their effect on and relationship to ophthalmology.From time to time RDREF will host educational seminars on retina-related diseases.RDREF welcomes contributions from foundations, organizations, and individuals with an interest in the diagnosis and treatment of retina-related diseases.