Benjamin Bakall MD, PhD

President and Founder of Retina Research Foundation of America

Benjamin Bakall MD, PhD is a medical retina and inherited retinal dystrophy specialist. He specializes in the treatment of macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and inherited retinal diseases, and is the Director of clinical research at Associated Retina Consultants. He has a research background in a variety of retinal diseases, including age-related and inherited retinal dystrophies. Dr. Bakall was listed as Best Eye Doctors in America 2021, 2022 and 2023 by Newsweek.

Kyrieckos A. Aleck, MD

Board Member

Dr. Kyrieckos A. Aleck is an emeritus clinical geneticist in Phoenix, Arizona and has been affiliated with multiple hospitals, including Phoenix Children’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. He received his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and completed a residency at Los Angeles County Harbor – UCLA Medical Center. He has published multiple scientific reports on genetic conditions. He is a board member in several nonprofit organizations.

Kendra Klein-Mascia, MD

Board Member

Dr. Kendra Klein-Mascia is a retina specialist in Boston, MA. She received her medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and she completed her ophthalmology residency and medical retina and electrophysiology fellowship at Tufts Medical. Dr. Klein-Mascia has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, presented at national meetings and is an investigator in multiple ongoing clinical research trials. She is actively engaged in fellowship training and medical student education. She is the co-founder of OphthoGenie.

Andrea Bakall, MHA

Executive Director

Andrea Bakall has a Masters in Healthcare Administration and oversees marketing, fundraising and operations for the Retina Research Foundation of America. She strives to promote awareness of retinal diseases within the community while building alliances and fostering opportunities for support to those affected with vision loss and their loved ones.

Todd Gulinson, Associate Broker

Secretary

Todd Gulinson is a caring and compassionate realtor at RE/MAX Fine Properties in Scottsdale, Arizona and supports research and treatment for children with retinal diseases.  Todd Gulinson leads a real estate team committed to helping children in need.  He is in the RE/MAX Hall of Fame, is a significant contributor to Children’s Hospital, and in 2021 was awarded for his 20 year dedication helping Children at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.  He single handedly, through his contributions alone, made his entire brokerage in Scottsdale, AZ a Miracle Network Office; an honor awarded to offices for significant philanthropy.  He is also a very involved husband and father, and shares his passion for animals and children with his wife, a practicing veterinarian.