The Vision Research Core at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences has received a $3.1 million grant from the National Eye Institute to provide expertise, facilities, and equipment to foster and expand vision research campus-wide.
The Vision Research Core allows vision researchers access to lab space and specialized equipment, including microscopes, lasers, processers, and more at multiple university locations. Under the grant, the Vision Research Core offers support to three areas of research: quantitative molecular biology, pathology and imaging, and animal models and eye organ culture.
The Ocular Omics and Quantitative Molecular Biology Core facilitates the microdissection and analysis of mRNA, DNA, and protein using highly specialized equipment and methods. The Pathology and Imaging Core facilitates the use of confocal microscopy, fluorescent and light microscopy, histopathology, specialized tissue staining methods, and image analysis to process and assess tissue samples. The Animal Models and Eye Organ Culture Core assists in the use of non-human animal models of ocular disease, ultimately improving our understanding of ocular function.
“The impact of the work made possible through the Vision Research Core cannot be understated,” said Core Director Curtis Brandt, PhD. “By improving the access to research facilities, expertise, and resources campus-wide, we have been able to improve the efficiency and productivity in vision research – ultimately accelerating the pace of progress.”
The NEI has funded the department’s Vision Research Core since 2005. In that time, more than 600 manuscripts have been published that cite this grant.
The current grant runs through March 31, 2028.