Molecular Ophthalmology Laboratory
The Molecular Ophthalmology Laboratory (MOL) at the University of Iowa was developed to facilitate the use of rapidly evolving molecular technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of human eye diseases. Since its beginning in 1987, the laboratory's investigators have drawn upon the strengths of the University and its surrounding communities including: a large, internationally recognized Department of Ophthalmology with a tradition of expertise in heritable diseases; an excellent Human Genetics Division of the Department of Pediatrics; a stable, mostly rural patient population that is enthusiastic about participating in family studies; and several sources of financial support ranging from private individuals and alumni groups, to charitable organizations and federal agencies. These resources have allowed Dr. Stone and Dr. Sheffield to identify the chromosomal location of genes that cause 14 different eye diseases and have also identified over 70 different specific disease-causing mutations.
With the generous support of the Carver Charitable Trust, Dr. Stone and Dr. Sheffield have also created the first international center for ophthalmic molecular diagnosis and have provided expert diagnostic assistance (at no charge) to physicians throughout the United States as well as fifteen foreign countries. The College of Medicine at the University of Iowa is committed to the continued aggressive development of the laboratory's capabilities with the long term goal of becoming a world leader in the molecular diagnosis and treatment of blinding human diseases.
The following pages provide an overview of the development of the Molecular Ophthalmology Laboratory.