Vision Research

Pioneering vision research that drives advanced patient care.

The Henry Ford Department of Ophthalmology is active in both basic eye research and clinical vision research, which collectively help to increase our understanding of disease processes and the most effective ways to detect, diagnose, treat and prevent these conditions. Ultimately, our extensive research program helps to break new ground in critical areas of vision research, while advancing the level of eye care that we provide to our patients.

Clinical vision research

Clinical vision research is eye research that directly involves humans or uses materials from humans. A vision clinical trial is a type of clinical vision research that evaluates new approaches to the prevention, early detection and treatment of eye disease.

Our physicians and staff are actively engaged in most major areas of clinical vision research, including:

• Cornea
• Glaucoma
• Human visual function
• Neuro Ophthalmology
• Ocular oncology
• Refractive
• Retinal

Collaborating on eye research

Henry Ford research physicians participate in several collaborative endeavors to help advance our knowledge of vision, including publishing their study results in national and international peer-reviewed publications focused on eye research. Our physicians also hold positions on editorial review boards for eye research publications, and are actively involved in national professional societies, including:

• American Academy of Ophthalmology
• American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
• American Society of Retina Specialists
• The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
• Association of University Professors in Ophthalmology
• International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision
• North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society

World research congresses

Each year, the Henry Ford Department of Ophthalmology hosts a world congress that assembles many of the world’s leading scientists and thought leaders in Detroit for three days for a free exchange of thoughts and ideas. The research congresses include:

• The Eye, The Brain & The Auto: This program, held in odd years, is dedicated to improving the understanding of the relationship between vision and the safe operation of motor vehicles, in an attempt to save lives, prevent injuries and reduce the personal cost of highway accidents.
• The Eye and The Chip: This program, held in even years, seeks to marry the most recent advances in nanoelectronics and neurobiology to provide artificial vision to many people who are now blind as a result of many eye conditions, diseases and injuries.

Over the years these programs have proven that collegiality facilitates collaboration, and ultimately accelerates the progress of vision research. By creating these innovative research networks and providing a venue for scientists to openly exchange thoughts and ideas, we are working to solve some of the most pressing issues in eye research.

Advanced treatment for eye disease

The Henry Ford Department of Ophthalmology has extensive experience in the treatment of all eye diseases, regardless of their complexity. In addition, our team works closely with Henry Ford Medical Group physicians in other departments, providing multidisciplinary, coordinated care for those patients who need it. Our patients have access to advanced diagnostic tests and treatment and, if eligible, related clinical trials.