Research to Prevent Blindness

RPB Funding Helps Researchers Revive Light-Sensing Cells in Organ Donor Eyes

Researchers have long been constrained by the models (including animal models) that they are able to use for research into human diseases; sometimes, research in these models does not translate well to human therapies. But today, researchers from the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah, including Frans Vinberg, PhD, a recipient of an RPB / Dr. H. James and Carole Free Career Development Award, and collaborators from Scripps Research, have published research in Nature showing that they have revived light-sensing neuron cells in organ donor eyes, opening up new research avenues using human donor eyes.

Frans Vinberg, PhD, and Fatima Abbas, PhD, of the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah in the Vinberg lab. Photo Credit: John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah.

According to a University of Utah press release, the researchers have restored communication between these cells as part of a series of discoveries that stand to transform both brain and vision research.

RPB is proud to have supported this groundbreaking work with Dr. Vinberg’s RPB / Dr. H. James and Carole Free Career Development Award and an Unrestricted Grant to the University of Utah Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.

top

May 11, 2022

Feature Story

For the Media

Macular Degeneration

Top Story

Related News: Feature Story, For the Media, Macular Degeneration, Top Story

Research to Prevent Blindness and the American Academy of Ophthalmology Award Big Data Research Grants for Improved Patient Care

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) today announced the 2023 recipients of the RPB/AAO Award for IRIS Registry Research.

In Memoriam: Herbert J. Siegel

RPB acknowledges the passing of a dedicated former Board member.

Research to Prevent Blindness and Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology Announce 2024 Recipient of RPB David F. Weeks Award for Outstanding Vision Research

Patricia Ann D’Amore, PhD, MBA, is recognized for ground-breaking contributions to the field of vision research.

RPB-Supported Researcher Makes Progress on Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment

Dr. Akrit Sodhi at Johns Hopkins Medicine has published a new study showing promise for an experimental treatment to prevent or slow vision loss in people with diabetes.

Research to Prevent Blindness Announces New Sight-Saving Vision Research Grants

RPB launches awards in data science and Diabetic Eye Disease.

Vision Research Funding Partnership Event Takes Place Today

Leaders of organizations that fund vision research convene in Washington DC to increase collaboration and maximize the impact of research funding for sight-threatening diseases.