The Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins Medicine said Tuesday that it will partner with the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on research, education and patient care. Together, the two internationally renowned institutions hope to cure blinding illnesses, such as diabetic eye disease. They say they will train the next generation of leaders in ophthalmology. And with financial backing from the Saudi government, Wilmer faculty will work in Riyadh. At Hopkins, there will be a new endowed professorship to support the faculty. The collaboration "will allow for more rapid evaluation of potential new therapies," said Peter J. McDonnell, director of the Wilmer Institute.

- Meredith Cohn