North Texas Eye Research Institute builds community partnerships to expand access to vision care

By: Krystle Gabele ◆ November 9, 2026

The North Texas Eye Research Institute (NTERI) at UNT Health Fort Worth is bringing together community partners through a coordinated vision health initiative designed to expand access to care, strengthen partnerships and improve outcomes across the region.

The initiative represents a strategic shift from individual programs and partnerships to a coordinated effort that aligns clinical expertise, community resources and education under a shared vision.

“For years, important work has been happening across our community,” said Dimitrios Karamichos, PhD, vice president of research and graduate studies at UNT Health Fort Worth and executive director of NTERI. “This initiative brings that work together in a more connected, strategic way—so we can reach more people, more effectively, and create lasting impact.”

Through this effort, NTERI will work alongside community partners to provide eye health education and develop opportunities for free eye exams and vision screenings in underserved areas.

The initiative's educational efforts are already underway, including a webinar on dry eye conditions for staff at Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth. Additional educational opportunities are planned, while details for future screening events are still being developed.

Partner collaboration at the core

A key component of the initiative is collaboration with community organizations. Partners include Fort Worth Eye Associates, Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth and KeraLink International, each contributing unique expertise and community relationships.

“Fort Worth Eye Associates is proud to partner with the North Texas Eye Research Institute to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and clinical practice, bringing innovative research and advanced patient care together to better serve the Tarrant County community. Through our FWEA Summer Internship Program and the Scholars in Visual Sciences Symposium, we provide aspiring physicians and scientists with unique opportunities to connect clinical experiences with cutting-edge vision research. By fostering collaboration between practicing ophthalmologists and world-class researchers, we hope to inspire the next generation of medical professionals, advance treatments for eye disease, and ultimately improve the vision and quality of life of the patients we serve,” said Dr. Ann Ranelle, president of Fort Worth Eye Associates.

“Our Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth Client Services Team recently connected with Dr. Karamichos and NTERI. The NTERI Team is working with our team to educate us on the latest in eye diseases and disorders, as well as the medical interventions and treatments. As certified trainers and specialists, we are offering insight and education about the services we provide for individuals that are experiencing vision loss and blindness. Together, we bring healthcare knowledge and training experience to support and lead the community of people who are blind and significantly visually impaired,” said Jay Semple, head of client services at Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth.

“KeraLink International is honored to have entered into a formal partnership with the North Texas Eye Research Institute in 2026. NTERI continues to set the pace for moving the cause of eye health forward across many disciplines. This collaboration is particularly important in its potential to help progress KLI's charitable vision care work around the globe. NTERI's expertise in research, product development, networking, and strategic initiatives makes this partnership a win for our mission to combat ocular disease,” said Tyler Emler, director of development at KeraLink International.

Together, these partnerships will support a more coordinated approach to eye health education and care, helping address barriers to access in underserved communities.

Building momentum through measurable impact

As the initiative develops, NTERI will focus on:

• Expanding access to free eye exams, vision screenings and follow-up care

• Increasing community-based education and prevention programs

• Improving coordination among providers and community organizations

NTERI plans to measure the initiative's success by tracking the number of individuals reached through educational programs, vision screenings conducted and participants identified as needing follow-up eye care. The institute will also evaluate its progress in expanding access to vision health services and increasing awareness of the importance of regular eye screenings.

“This is about more than services—it’s about building a system that works better for the communities we serve,” Karamichos said.

Looking ahead

Over the coming months, NTERI will continue refining the initiative, building additional community partnerships and identifying locations for future screening events. Details about upcoming services, volunteer opportunities and community engagement efforts will be announced as plans are finalized.