The Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science performs an extensive amount of both basic science and clinical research. Students wishing to perform research either towards a University Degree should contact the Graduate School of the University of Chicago for further information.

Graduate Education In Ophthalmology And Visual Sciences 

Students admitted to the graduate programs of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences for the Master of Science degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree should have appropriate and broad education in multiple disciplines of the natural sciences. Clinical work does not receive credit and although work towards a degree can be done concurrently with residency of fellowship training it is separate and distinct from it. The curriculum is designed for individuals who are interested in a career in research in vision and ophthalmology. 

Basic Science Research In The Department Of Ophthalmology And Visual Sciences 

Supported in part by Research to Prevent Blindness

The basic research facilities include the visual psychophysics laboratories and the laboratories for the study of toxoplasmosis and retinal pigment epithelium transplantation. We have one of the strongest visual psychophysics sections in the country consisting of Professors Pokorny, Smith, and Shevell. We are carrying out retinal transplantation, emphasizing the study and treatment of are related macular degeneration which we believe is a disease of the retinal pigment epithelium. We are developing one of the World's leading centers for the study of toxoplasmosis. The department has over 1.0 million dollars in research funds. 

Clinical Trials

The Department of Ophthalmology is currently enrolled in over 20 clinical trials for patients with various ocular diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, central retinal vein occlusion, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and dry eyes. For further information, please email Sophie Gen, our clinical trials coordinator at sgen@uchicago.edu.