The Section of Ophthalmology & Visual Science performs an extensive amount of both basic science and clinical research. Students wishing to perform research either towards a University Degree should contact the Graduate School of the University of Chicago for further information.

Graduate Education

Students admitted to the graduate programs of the Section of Ophthalmology & Visual Science for the Master of Science degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree should have appropriate and broad education in multiple disciplines of the natural sciences. Clinical work does not receive credit and although work towards a degree can be done concurrently with residency of fellowship training it is separate and distinct from it. The curriculum is designed for individuals who are interested in a career in research in vision and ophthalmology.

Basic Science Research

Supported in part by Research to Prevent Blindness

The basic research facilities include the visual psychophysics laboratories and the laboratories for the study of toxoplasmosis and retinal pigment epithelium transplantation. We have one of the strongest visual psychophysics sections in the country consisting of Professors Pokorny, Smith, and Shevell. We are studying treatment of age related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema and are involved in numerous clinical trials. The Retinal Genomics Lab focuses specifically on molecular mechanisms of retinal disease. We are also developing one of the world's leading centers for the study of toxoplasmosis.

Clinical Trials

The Section of Ophthalmology is currently enrolled in over 20 clinical trials for patients with various ocular diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, central retinal vein occlusion, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, dry eye disease, and corneal epithelial wound healing.