[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 152 (Friday, December 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1795-E1796]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN APPRECIATION OF DR. ROBERT MORRIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SPENCER BACHUS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 11, 2014

  Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Dr. Robert 
Morris, a Board certified Ophthalmologist, a founding physician of 
Retina Specialists of Alabama, and the President of the Helen Keller 
Foundation for Research and Education. Dr. Morris also serves as 
Chairman of the International Society of Ocular Trauma and an Associate 
of Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Alabama at 
Birmingham.
  Dr. Morris, an outstanding professional and true humanitarian, is a 
leader in promoting better eyesight and vision care in Alabama and 
throughout the nation. It has been my honor to collaborate with him on 
a number of projects during my tine in Congress.
  Dr. Morris' strong devotion to his patients and craft is evidenced by 
his ability to innovate new medical techniques including Vitreoretinal 
surgery while simultaneously managing a large clinical practice. He 
regularly contributes to national and international journals and 
conferences of vitreorenal surgeons and other ophthalmologists. His 
advanced training and surgical skills are particularly recognized in 
the treatment of severe eye injuries and surgeries of the macular 
(center of vision). Further, Dr. Morris pioneered techniques of 
temporary keratoprosthesis (TKP) vitrectomy to completely reconstruct 
injured or infected eyes. He has been consulted to treat patients who 
have suffered severe injury to both eyes resulting from terrorist 
bombs.
  Dr. Morris has received numerous awards including the American 
Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Best of Show Award in 2001 and 2003 for 
videos of macular surgery. He is a recipient of the senior honor award 
from both the AAO and the American Society of Retina Specialists for 
extensive contributions to scientific activities.
  As a teenager, Dr. Morris had a goal of becoming an astronaut. A 
failed eye test for the ROTC during college in Purdue led him to shift 
his focus to pre-medicine. Dr. Morris subsequently enrolled in Medical 
School at the University of Alabama. Six months before graduation, Dr. 
Morris signed up for the Air Force, with the possibility that becoming 
a pilot might provide an alternate pathway to space. However, after 
serving as a reconnaissance pilot in the Air National Guard, Dr. Morris 
made the decision to fully devote himself to the pursuit of 
ophthalmology and his choice has changed innumerable lives for the 
better.
  Dr. Morris' professional accomplishments and life story are most 
impressive, but it is his charitable service that is unparalleled. He 
is quite literally a miracle worker. As President of the Hellen Keller 
Foundation, he and his team devote many weeks each year to treating 
children who have lost their sight.

[[Page E1796]]

  The Hellen Keller statue currently on display in the United States 
Capitol would not have been possible without the leadership of Dr. 
Morris. His tireless dedication was instrumental in ensuring the 
placement of this statue in the Capitol where generations of children 
will be inspired by Helen Keller's ability to overcome obstacles, 
including the loss of vision, to become one of our nation's most 
esteemed educators and advocates.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, let us commend Dr. Robert Morris for his 
accomplishments and professional and charitable service and wish him 
continued success in his many pursuits. He is one of Alabama's finest 
citizens and merits our appreciation for his dedication to his 
patients, charitable endeavors, the State of Alabama and the Field of 
Medicine.

                          ____________________