News Search | UCI Gavin Herbert Eye Institute

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.

Dec 10, 2024 | UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute Shine the Light

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.

Dr. Rui Chen standing in front of a building

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.