Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies

Inherited retinal degenerative diseases are a major cause of blindness worldwide. In these conditions, photoreceptors, the cells responsible for transforming light into a signal that can be transmitted to and interpreted by the brain, are dysfunctional and/or slowly destroyed.

Veterinary ophthalmologists and vision scientists from the Division of ExpeRTs are dedicated to identifying the genetic causes of inherited blindness, delineating the mechanistic basis of genetic visual defects, and developing innovative and effective treatments to preserve or restore sight to the visually impaired.

Through the use of canine models, the group has contributed to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to disease, and is contributing to the development of novel therapies for both dogs and people.