Research Opportunities
The Visual Sciences Research Center features research in the areas of ocular immunology, biochemistry, genetics and extraocular muscle physiology, and clinical areas of corneal disease, diagnostic imaging, glaucoma, refractive surgery and other subspecialties. Many of these projects are supported by the National Eye Institute.
Research is not required for the residents but is strongly encouraged. The department including new and expanded research facilities and has an active roster of faculty members who perform both bench and clinical research. Residents are invited to work closely with any faculty member on any new or ongoing research. There are also epidemiology and biostatistics experts available to help with grant proposals and project development. All residents who are first author on a paper or who present a poster at national meetings receive departmental support. At the end of the year, there is an award for the Best Resident Research conducted during the year and presented at the annual Research Day.
Current and former residents have presented at AAO, ARVO, and international meetings in addition to publishing in the major Ophthalmology journals and online. Topics have included:
Ocular injuries due to paintballs
Age-related glycation products
Ocular GVHD
Pain associated with ischemic cranial nerve palsies
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
BB and Pellet Gun Related Injuries
Trapdoor fractures in children
Age-related macular degeneration
Corneal immunology
Apotosis of Bovine Retinal Pericytes in High Glucose concentrations
Eyelid Manifestations of Systemic Diseases
