Midwest Center for Childhood Glaucoma and Cataracts

Javaneh Abbasian, M.D. is the President and founder of MCCGC. She is a pediatric and general ophthalmologist practicing in Chicago at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center. A Chicago native who has lived in the Midwest her entire life (with the exception of a short stint in Pennsylvania for her fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia), Dr. Abbasian has demonstrated throughout her career a passionate commitment to the families and patients with childhood glaucoma and cataracts. Through this foundation, Dr. Abbasian hopes to cultivate for these families a community to call their own, and to promote meaningful advancement in the field through research and education.

Kimberlee Curnyn, M.D. is a co-founder of MCCGC. She is a pediatric and general ophthalmologist practicing in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. She trained in the Midwest at Notre Dame and University of Illinois at Chicago and completed her fellowship at University of Illinois at Chicago. In her dual role as assistant professor at UIC and visiting professor at Lurie Children’s Hospital, Dr. Curnyn mentors residents and fellows, helping to shape the next generation of dedicated, empathic and forward-thinking ophthalmologists. Over the course of her 25 year career, Dr. Curnyn has developed a niche practice around pediatric glaucoma and cataracts. She has volunteered for numerous international medical mission trips, and she devotes her time and energy to improving patient care and education for the next generation of ophthalmologists.

Valerie Katouf, O.D. is the Chief of the Pediatric and Binocular Vision Center at the Illinois College of Optometry/Illinois Eye Institute, located in Chicago’s south side. She is a graduate of ICO and residency trained in pediatric eye disease at SUNY College of Optometry in New York. Since her residency, Dr. Katouf has learned first-hand the critical importance of treating not only the patient, but also the family members in order to combat the effects of pediatric eye disease and work towards optimal visual development. She is a skilled optometrist, revered educator and tireless volunteer of her time on behalf of academic conferences, lectureships and non-profit organizations.