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Ophthalmic Research The Department of Ophthalmic Research at the Cole Eye Institute, chaired by Joe G. Hollyfield, PhD, has a strong commitment to improving our understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of vision loss and the exploitation of this knowledge for the development of targeted therapeutics. The faculty in the department is involved in multi-disciplinary and highly collaborative approaches using both basic science and clinical investigation, which serves as a basis for exploring and evaluating treatment strategies to slow and prevent vision loss. Specific disorders that are currently being investigated are retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration (juvenile and age-related forms), diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, vision restoration, ciliopathies, glaucoma as well as corneal disorders such as transplantation, wound healing and repair. Human genetics studies are using DNA samples from patients with inherited retinal diseases with the goal of defining the molecular mechanism responsible for a variety of retinal degenerations. Another area of study is using electrophysiological studies to define the functional status of the retina. The development of animal models of age-related macular degeneration as well as the identification of plasma and tissue biomarkers for early diagnosis of ocular diseases such as uveal melanoma, agerelated macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy is an active area of research. An additional focus is the identification of mechanisms that regulate ciliogenesis in photoreceptors using zebrafish to model human ciliopathies. Researchers are also investigating how diabetes affects eye function. Since diabetic retinopathy involves abnormal blood vessel formation and angiotensin II, studies are probing the mechanisms underlying molecular and cellular consequences of genetic and physiological perturbations of the angiotensin system. Additional research covers neovascularization (new blood vessel formation) as well as vascular permeability in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity. The use of stem cells to combat retinal degeneration is a research area that has recently been initiated. Cell biology approaches are being used to identify the molecular events that contribute to corneal wound healing following LASIK surgery. Improving imaging modalities for the eye as diagnostic as well as intra-operative tools is currently ongoing. One of the many strengths of the Department of Ophthalmology is the close interaction between basic science researchers and clinicians who are committed to achieving our common goal of preventing vision loss. This cohesive community of investigators fosters innovation through collaboration and allows the movement of ideas from both “bench to bedside” as well as “bedside to bench”. Administrative Staff Members: Joe G. Hollyfield, PhD, Chairman, Ophthalmic Research Edward T. Orel, MBA, Administrator Laura Hogan, Department Coordinator