Core Grant for Vision Research - Core 3

CORE 3: ANIMAL MODELS AND EYE ORGAN CULTURE ABSTRACT The goal of the Animal Models and Eye Organ Culture Core is to facilitate the use of animals and eye organ culture to study visual function and visual diseases by qualifying NEI funded researchers. We also assist non- qualifying investigators in generating preliminary data, in support of proposals seeking NIH funding. This is accomplished by providing expertise in complementary animal models across a range of species from rodents to non-human primates (NHPs) and including spontaneous and experimental models of glaucoma, retinal degeneration, ocular vascular disease ocular pharmacology and toxicology and infectious diseases and includes animal handling and anesthesia and, importantly, provision of alternatives to live animal research including eye organ culture. We provide expertise and equipment necessary for the evaluation of visual system structure and function including ERG, multifocal and pattern ERG, VEP, OCT, retinal imaging, tonometry and outflow facility and outflow pathway determination. As a result of unique expertise and access to model species spanning the translational spectrum, this core has had a broad impact, facilitating interdisciplinary and inter-institutional vision research in support of the NEI’s mission.