Residency Research

The Department of Ophthalmology has established a strong research program under the direction of Dr. Dianna Johnson. Within the department, The Center For Vision Research provides an environment to encourage, support, and coordinate research in vision and ophthalmology among approximately 40 vision scientists located in several departments within the College of Medicine. Both basic science and clinical faculty are actively involved in ongoing research.

Major areas of research include:

• the role of neurotransmitters as excitotoxins
• neurotrophins in the developing retina
• macular degeneration
• inherited retinal diseases
• altered blood flow and excitotoxins in glaucoma
• lens biochemistry and cataract formation
• and pathophysiology of intraocular inflammation

Residents are encouraged to pursue basic or clinical science research projects in their areas of interest. At the beginning of the second year of training, each resident is required to plan and design a research project under the guidance of a full time faculty member. The results of the project are presented at the Annual Alumni and Residents Day at the end of the second and third years of training.