Page 3 - Flaum Eye Institute | UR Medicine | University of Rochester

Six of our Programs of Excellence

RETINAL IMAGING AND SIGHT RESTORATION

FEI scientists are part of a University-wide coalition
called the Advanced Retinal Imaging Alliance (ARIA).
Their work is at the forefront of developing and using
groundbreaking technology to detect and treat glaucoma
and retinal disease at its earliest onset, while providing
other scientists a window into the effectiveness of new

therapies such as stem cell transplantation. ARIA has
been identified by the National Institutes of Health as an
essential part of its strategy to prevent blindness in, or
restore vision to, patients with hereditary retinal diseases,
macular degeneration, and diabetes.

Jesse Schallek, PhD

MACULAR DEGENERATION & OTHER RETINAL DISORDERS

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of
blindness in older Americans. The incidence of this disease is
expected to double during the next 25 years. Our researchers
are conducting major studies to better understand and develop
new treatments for patients. They are using clinical trials to
evaluate new combinations of vitamins and minerals to slow the
progression and enhance the treatment of AMD; studying retinal
imaging techniques using the Rochester Adaptive Optics Scanning
Laser Ophthalmoscope—developed at the University’s Center
for Visual Science—to advance our understanding of the early

development of AMD; developing a preclinical model of toxin-
induced AMD as it relates to smoking; and helping to develop new
pharmaceutical therapies and better ophthalmic devices.
Ruchira Singh, PhD

GLAUCOMA

FEI researchers are studying the genetics and cell biology at the
core of this complex disease. Efforts are under way to develop
novel and sensitive imaging technologies for earlier diagnosis,
monitoring control of glaucoma, and evaluating the effectiveness of
new therapies. Glaucoma is a group of potentially blinding diseases
that can damage the optic nerve and the retinal ganglion cells
that give rise to it. The optic nerve is the channel that sends visual
signals from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma affects approximately
2.2 million Americans over the age of 40. Present testing methods
may not detect optic nerve damage from glaucoma until more than
30 to 40 percent of the visual function is lost permanently.