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May 14, 2025 | UCI School of Medicine
Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk, PhD, Awarded Grant from BrightFocus Foundation’s National Glaucoma Research Program
BrightFocus Foundation’s National Glaucoma Research program has awarded a two-year, $182,000 research grant to Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk, PhD, an associate professor of physiology & biophysics and ophthalmology at the UC Irvine School of Medicine, to investigate the cumulative role of repeated intraocular pressure elevations in epigenetic reprogramming and aging.
Apr 10, 2025 | The Scientist
A Vision of the Future: Restoring Eyesight via Transplantation
The Scientist discusses groundbreaking research led by Dr. Magdalene Seiler at the University of California, Irvine, focusing on restoring vision through the transplantation of retinal organoid sheets. These sheets, derived from human stem cells, are designed to replace damaged photoreceptors in patients suffering from retinal degenerative diseases like retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. By transplanting organized sheets rather than dissociated cells, the approach aims to maintain the complex architecture of the retina, facilitating better integration and potential restoration of vision.
Apr 09, 2025 | American Optometric Association
UCI Optometrist wins 2025 Young Optometrist of the Year
Annabelle Storch, O.D. was named the 2025 Young Optometrist of the Year by The American Optometric Association. Currently, she serves at UCI Health's Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, where she provides comprehensive eye care, specializing in cornea, cataract, refractive services, uveitis, and pediatric optometry. Her experience also includes working with children across Orange County and aboard a mobile eye clinic to expand access to essential vision care.
Mar 21, 2025 | Healio
A smooth handoff to the referring doctor after cross-linking
Sam Garg, MD emphasizes the importance of ophthalmologists effectively transitioning patients back to their referring doctors after corneal cross-linking procedures. Key to this process are setting clear expectations with patients regarding post-procedure care and the ongoing management of conditions like keratoconus.
Chairs Message
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of California, Irvine. As our institution has grown in international recognition and acclaim, so has our department, which was founded when the campus was just 10 years old.
March 18, 2025
Dec 10, 2024 | UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute Shine the Light
Unraveling the genetic mysteries of vision loss
More than 5 million people worldwide have inherited retinal diseases that can lead to significant vision loss or blindness. Great strides have been made to identify the genetic mutations responsible for many of these conditions, but for about 25% of the disorders, the cause remains a mystery — one that molecular geneticist Rui Chen, PhD, aims to solve.
From bench to bedside: Audrone Lapinaite sees promise in gene-editing therapies
Biochemist Audrey Lapinaite, PhD, has trained at some of the world’s most prestigious laboratories and with a Nobel laureate. The new assistant professor of ophthalmology at the UC Irvine School of Medicine aims to use that training to help develop breakthrough gene-editing treatments for patients with vision loss.
Dec 04, 2024 | UCI Health
Medical missions inspire, drive UCI Health ophthalmologist
Dr. Sameh Mosaed travels around the world to restore eyesight in developing countries
Dec 03, 2024 | UCI News
UC Irvine-co-led study finds DNA damage is key factor in age-related macular degeneration
Targeting specific retinal cell types could lead to treatments that slow or stop progression
Nov 12, 2024 | UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute Shine the Light
An eye for aesthetics: Oculoplastics specialist Dr. Seanna Grob
Learn more about our newest oculoplastic specialist.