Vision

The Centre for Vision Research is a joint program of the OHRI and the University of Ottawa Eye Institute. Under the leadership of Dr. Bruce Jackson, head of the University Department of Ophthalmology and Director General of the Eye Institute, the vision research program has grown in the last ten years in terms of the breadth of expertise. Due to the efforts of a team of basic scientists, well-established research programs have been developed in cellular and molecular biology, biomedical instrumentation, electrophysiology, optics, and visual performance. In addition, there is a strong clinical science expertise in many areas, including epidemiology, ocular pathology, ocular genetics, neuro-ophthalmology, cornea, uveitis (inflammation of the eye) and glaucoma.

The latest and most exciting research areas include developing an artificial cornea, learning more about the genes that control development and prevent retinal cell death, examining the mechanisms that control regeneration in the newt, and evaluating new technology.

The recent discovery of the gene for Wagner's disease, a rare hereditary condition that can lead to blindness, means that preventative measures can now be taken to help protect future generations against this disease. This discovery was accomplished due to the collaborative efforts of both clinicians and basic researchers from the Vision and Molecular Medicine Programs working closely together. New developments have been made in the creation of an artificial cornea for transplantation, which potentially can provide visually impaired or blind individuals with useful vision. Also, cell-regeneration studies are underway to discover methods of preventing or repairing ocular damage that results in loss of vision from diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetes. From its opening, The Eye Institute has embraced the investigation of new state-of-the-art technology as a primary focus. As a result of these studies, the Ottawa community has been able to receive the latest diagnostic tests, and be treated with new therapies for ocular inflammation and lasers for glaucoma, macular degeneration and corrective eye surgery.

The Centre for Vision Research's success lies in part to its collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to problem solving. Through collaboration, scientists and clinicians have developed successful research programs in a number of areas, including refractive surgery, tissue engineering, biomedical instrumentation, and ocular genetics. Few eye care facilities in the world have been able to achieve the same level of cooperation and interaction.