CMD Laboratories
The Center for Macular Degeneration is directed by Edwin M. Stone, M.D., Ph.D. At the present time the Center is divided into nine functional units, each directed by a faculty member with extensive experience in that area. The Center's laboratory, clinic and office space occupy an accumulated 30,000 square foot area and employs over 175 people.
Molecular Ophthalmology Laboratory
Directed by: Edwin M. Stone, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
The Macular Degeneration research program of the Molecular Ophthalmology Laboratory (MOL) has three main goals: to develop methods for identifying individuals at risk for macular degeneration long before the disease develops; to understand the pathophysiology of the disease sufficiently that conventional therapies (such as drugs and surgery) can be used to greater advantage; and, to develop methods for altering the function of disease genes that can be exploited by the Gene Therapy Group.
Carver Laboratory for Molecular Diagnosis
Directed by: Edwin M. Stone, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
The Carver Laboratory for Molecular Diagnosis offers nonprofit genetic testing for rare diseases, including eye diseases such as Best disease and retinitis pigmentosa.
Laboratory for Disease Gene Discovery
Directed by: Val C. Sheffield, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Pediatrics and Physiology and Biophysics
The Laboratory for Disease Gene Discovery (LDGD) has as its primary goal the identification and characterization of genes involved in hereditary human disease with special emphasis placed on the study of hereditary retinopathies including age-related macular degeneration. The main strategies used by the laboratory are the use of genetic mapping methods and genomic resources to identify disease genes based on their position within the genome and/or putative function.
Gene Therapy Group
Directed by: Beverly Davidson, Ph.D., Professor of Internal Medicine
The Gene Therapy Unit is focused on vector development and gene- and cell-based delivery to the central nervous system, including the eye. Experiments are directed towards application of these technologies to improve our understanding of degenerative diseases affecting these organ systems, and for potential therapeutic use.
Genome Research Laboratory
Directed by: M. Bento Soares, Ph.D., Professor of Pediatrics and Physiology and Biophysics
Dr. Soares' long-term goal is to contribute to the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying human diseases. Of particular relevance to the University of Iowa Center for Macular Degeneration is the collaborative work in progress to develop a comprehensive collection of cDNAs representing most mRNAs expressed in the human eye.
Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Directed by: Thomas Casavant, Ph.D., Professor of Engineering
The purpose of the Coordinated Laboratory for Computational Genomics (CLCG) is to develop computer-based approaches for accessing, interpreting, and contributing to the explosively growing body of genomic information that is resulting from the Human Genome Project.
Chorioretinal Degenerations Laboratory
Directed by: Robert F. Mullins, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
The Chorioretinal Degenerations Laboratory has as its primary goal the identification and characterization of the anatomical and molecular changes that occur in the choriocapillaris of eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). An additional goal of the laboratory is to characterize animal models for ocular diseases including AMD, Bardet Biedl syndrome, retinitis pigmentosa, and other chorioretinal degenerations with the long term goal of testing potential treatments for these blinding diseases.
Clinical Sciences and Applications Group
Directed by: Stephen R. Russell, M.D., Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
The purpose of the Clinical Sciences and Applications Group is to provide the highest quality, accessible, and cost-effective patient care for those suffering from AMD and other retinal diseases. To achieve this, the clinical staff evaluates medical and pharmacological therapies as well as operative techniques, both of which may have the potential to prevent and limit complications of AMD, including severe visual loss when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina.
Vision Rehabilitation Service
Directed by: Mark Wilkinson, O.D., Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
The purpose of the vision rehabilitation service is to help those individuals that have a visual disability maximize the use of their remaining vision. To accomplish this, state-of-the-art devices and other rehabilitative strategies are employed to improve the quality of life of these individuals.
Glaucoma Service
Directed by: Wallace L. M. Alward, M.D., Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
This service is dedicated to treating glaucoma, the second leading cause of permanent blindness in the United States. The Glaucoma Service offers a full range of diagnostic modalities to test for glaucomatous damage. Glaucoma is a very treatable disease. With timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment most individuals with glaucoma can lead totally normal lives. Treatment is with drops, laser surgery and incisional surgery.
Perimetry Service
Directed by: Wallace L. M. Alward, M.D., Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
The Perimetry Service focuses on measuring the patients' peripheral (or side) vision. This examination technique is called perimetry. Perimetry is essential for the diagnosis and monitoring of many diseases of the optic nerve, retina, and brain. The Perimetry Service supports physicians from all the different ophthalmic services.
© 2003-2005
The University of Iowa Center for Macular Degeneration
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