In 1997, the University of Iowa established the Center for Macular Degeneration. Its mission was to identify the primary causes of age-related macular degeneration and allied disorders; to apply this improved understanding of disease mechanisms to the prevention of retinal degeneration in the majority of people at risk, as well as to the development of sight-saving medical, pharmacological and surgical treatments for those already affected; and to deliver the most advanced medical, surgical, rehabilitative, and educational services available to patients in a timely, caring and cost effective manner. The major focus of the Center was the development of gene-directed therapy for eye diseases.