Research at the University of Rochester Eye Institute
The University of Rochester has targeted vision research as
a major area for expansion bycommitting $11 million over five
years to establish the University of Rochester Eye Institute.
The Eye
Institute provides a center of excellence that brings together
basic scientists and clinical faculty from accross the university
campus, along with corporate partners, to conduct translational
research focused on high priority issues identified by the National
Eye Institute.
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Physiological Optics: This program will
develop methods for imaging the eye and characterizing its optical
aberrations, and use these methods for vision optimization,
the development of treatments for presbyopia, and for the diagnosis
and treatment of retinal diseases. This effort capitalizes on
the technological breakthroughs of Dr. David Williams of the
Center for Visual Sciences, his collaborators Drs. Scott MacRae
and Geun-Young Yoon of the Ophthalmology Department, as well
as the expertise of the Optics and Biomedical Engineering Departments.
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Neuro-ophthalmology: The
neuro-ophthalmology research program will emphasize the development
of new methods for the diagnosis and treatment of ophthalmologic
disorders that cause neuronal visual loss. This program builds
on the densely concentrated expertise at the University of Rochester
in visual psychophysics, neurophysiology, neuroscience and visual
rehabilitation.
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Retina: The retinal research program will
focus on understanding the molecular genetics of retinal circuits
in health and diseases, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.
This information will be used in conjunction with efforts to
develop diagnostic screening tools to identify genetic factors
causing a predisposition for disease and to develop therapeutic
interventions, such as genetic therapy, stem-cell transplantation
and photo-dynamic therapy. This program builds on the expertise
of faculty who study retinal ciruitry and genetics and upon
the interest of local industry, such as Bausch and Lomb, to
develop collaborative interactions directed towards understanding
the basis and treatment of retinal disease.
The Eye Institute offers a dynamic, multidisciplinary platform
for basic researchers and clinician scientists interested in improving
eye health. Rochester provides a unique environment for vision
research that includes generous funding for substantial technological
innovation from a number of corporations, including extraordinary
support and scientific collaborations with Rochester-based Bausch
& Lomb.
