The recent story by Lois M. Collins ("Mouse eyes help U. study," March 1) provided an outstanding report on one of many significant research projects that is under way at the University of Utah. As Collins pointed out, the studies being conducted with specially engineered mouse models allow researchers to more quickly and accurately study the retinal degeneration process that occurs with Stargardt disease.

Sadly, animal activists oppose and seek to end all such promising research — essentially because they believe the life of a lab animal is equal to that of a human. Thanks to animal research, many diseases that once killed millions of people every year are either treatable or have been eradicated altogether. Immunizations against polio, diphtheria, mumps, rubella and hepatitis save countless lives.

Thanks to Ms. Collins, whose reporting will go a long way to promote public understanding and respect for the vital role of animal research in medical progress.

Frankie L. Trull

president

Foundation for Biomedical Research

Washington, D.C.