Cocktails & Conversation
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
5:30 – 7 p.m.
The Apollo at Emma
5308 West Emma Avenue | Springdale, AR 72764
H&R Block owner Mike Stevens is a co-creator and sponsor of this special Eye on Innovation event, bringing together medical, research and community leaders to highlight the latest advancements in retinal care. As a valued Rogers Lowell Chamber member, Mike is helping connect Northwest Arkansas with innovative research and resources that can make a meaningful difference for families affected by retinal disease.
Dr. Sripathi and Dr. Yardarola Explore What’s Next in Vision Research and Patient Care
While based in Texas, the Retina Foundation is a global medical destination with opportunities for Northwest Arkansas families to connect with patient care at no cost, clinical trials and expertise in the latest developments in vision science. This event will spotlight two areas of research with the potential to change how retinal diseases are diagnosed, understood and treated. Additionally, focusing on new pediatric enhanced care that will provide earlier diagnosis, intervention – possibly preventing the patient’s vision impairment later on in adolescence and adulthood.
BEYOND GENETICS: Why One Sibling Develops Age-related Macular Degeneration
Dr. Srinivasa Sripathi will share the Retina Foundation’s first-of-its-kind AMD Sibling Stem Cell Study is exploring why AMD affects some family members but not others. Dr. Sripathi and his team of researchers are seeking Arkansas-area patients with AMD who have a sibling who does not have AMD to participate in this groundbreaking study.
THE FUTURE STARTS HERE: The Pediatric Inherited Retinal Disease Center Accelerates Hope to Save Vision
Dr. Maria Belén Yardarola will announce the Retina Foundation’s Pediatric Inherited Retinal Disease center opening – the first of its kind resource for families of young children. This center will serve as the leading institution in the central United States accepting patients with inherited retinal diseases. Ophthalmologists are encouraged to refer Arkansas families seeking early diagnosis, specialized expertise and potential access to clinical trials.
For more information, please contact:
Mike Stevens | 479.200.1621 or Amy Johnson [email protected] | 214.543.6533
