Vision
Science Research Center (VSRC) (University-Wide
Interdisciplinary Research Center)
Director: Kent Keyser,
PhD
Established: 1979
The
Vision Science Research Center’s (VSRC) mission is to promote vision science
research, facilitate collaborative investigations, and add to the scientific
knowledge of the eye and central visual pathways leading to improved diagnosis,
treatment, and prevention of blindness and visual impairment. The Center currently has 53 appointed faculty
members representing 14 departments and 7 schools at UAB.
Center Research
The participating
faculty’s research focus includes topics such as molecular
biology of the visual system; retinal anatomy; physiology and molecular
genetics; mechanisms of myopia; mechanisms of cataract formation; central
visual system physiology; studies of the lacrimal
gland, cornea, and tear film; and visual psychophysics. To facilitate research in these areas, the
National Eye Institute/National Institutes of Health provides funding for
shared facilities that support the individual members’ research
activities. This in turn assists
participating faculty with cost-effective use of personnel, space, and funds. These shared facilities are extensively
equipped and are managed by experienced and highly trained personnel. For example, the Electronics facility
provides a full-time electronics engineer who offers design and fabrication of
electronic devices and the repair, maintenance, and calibration of electronic
equipment. The Histology lab employs an
extensively trained histologist and is well-equipped for tissue processing so
that users need not duplicate such “big ticket” items as cryostats and
specialized microscopes in their own laboratories. A systems analyst and two computer
specialists write or modify existing software as needed for the Computer shared
facility. This facility also provides
access to equipment such as high-end computers, scanners, a full color poster
printer, and slide makers. A machinist
who designs, builds, repairs, and modifies equipment staffs the Machine Shop
facility. In addition, the
National Eye Institute (NEI) has recently funded a Molecular Biology Module to
assist VSRC members who are investigating gene expression in their systems of
interest. The newly purchased equipment
includes a Bio-Rad iQ5 system for real-time multiplex gradient PCR, as well as
a MyCycler gradient thermocycler
for more routine PCR.
The VSRC has also initiated programs that integrate research and service
(translational research). Because it includes the largest concentration of basic and
clinical vision scientists in the state, the Center serves as a major state and
regional resource. The
Education-Outreach module is active in community outreach, information,
referrals, and vision screening programs to enhance the lives of persons with
low vision. Clinical research efforts in
the Center include the “Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation of Keratoconus (CLEK)” and the “Collaborative Longitudinal
Evaluation of Ethnicity and Refractive Error (CLEERE)” studies. The “Correction of Myopia Evaluation Trial
(COMET),” initiated by Dr. Marsh-Tootle in collaboration with scientists at
other institutions, is a multicenter, multi-year clinical trial evaluating the
effects of two optical interventions on myopia progression in children. Treatment for myopia is expected to result
from these studies. In addition, the
Center supports various university-wide research programs. Its Pilot Grant Program provides two pilot
grants of up to $15,000 every other year to encourage investigators in other
disciplines to begin vision research and to encourage vision researchers to
branch out into new areas of investigation.
Another Center activity, that serves to invigorate the intellectual
environment for both faculty and students within the vision community, is the
VSRC Visiting Scholars Program. This
program brings 12-14 internationally recognized vision scientists to UAB every
year. The High Resolution Imaging
Facility, partially supported by the VSRC in conjunction with the Cancer
and Arthritis Centers, provides investigators with access to state of the art Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy, Multiphoton
Laser Scanning Microscopy, and digital imaging equipment, as well as the
technical expertise to use them effectively.
Research
Training
Graduate training is
coordinated by the Center through its support of the Vision
Science Graduate Program, which prepares students for careers in basic and
clinical research. In addition, the
Center houses a T32 training program that provides pre- and post-doctoral trainee support for the interdisciplinary
research training program in vision science developed at UAB over the past 28
years. The Center also houses a T35
training grant designed to encourage and support involvement in vision research
for students in health care professional programs such as Optometry and
Medicine.
The Rural Alabama
Diabetes and Glaucoma Initiative is a program providing screening,
education, and treatment of glaucoma and diabetes for some of Alabama’s most
at-risk citizens in the Black Belt counties of the state. Among the goals of the project are the
development of strategies for educating affected individuals about disease, access
to healthcare, and treatment – targeting areas with high poverty and illiteracy
rates. Future studies will assess such
issues as response to conventional therapies and will be used to help formulate
alternative protocols for individuals from similar communities throughout the
state and region.
For additional information:
Web Site: http://www.vsrc.uab.edu
Director: Kent Keyser, PhD
Email: keyser@vision.vsrc.uab.edu
Phone: 205-934-6745
Approved by: Kent Keyser,
PhD, Director
Date: April 21, 2008
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