Area of Research

• My research focuses on the development of disease models and therapies for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), with focuses on ocular imaging, disease modeling, and gene editing / therapy. Examples of active research projects include 1) CRISPR-based gene editing to supress aberrant angiogenesis in neovascular AMD, 2) suprachoroidal delivery of viral vectors for gene delivery, 3) optogenetic control of reactive oxygen species as a model of atrophic AMD, and 4) evolution of drusen lesions in nonhuman primates as a model of early AMD. On the clinical front, I also run an image reading center for human clinical trials, as well as a tele-ophthalmology program for diabetic eye screening. Together, our translational research program combines expertise in ocular imaging, molecular biology, viral gene delivery, and animal surgeries; in the context of disease models spanning mice, nonhuman primates, and human patients.