Functional Analysis of the Visual System and In Vivo Ocular Imaging Module

Functional Analysis of the Visual System and In Vivo Ocular Imaging – Abstract The main objectives of the Vision Research Core are to enhance the productivity and efficiency of the research programs of the UW vision scientists and to facilitate collaboration among investigators. The Functional Analysis of the Visual System and In Vivo Ocular Imaging Core Module enhances productivity and efficiency by providing access to shared equipment and facilities that are used by multiple labs. Shared equipment is cost effective when multiple labs have need for the same expensive technology, but individual labs lack the resources to purchase the technology, to support personnel with the necessary technical expertise to use or maintain equipment, or are unable to make full time use of such technology. Structural analyses of the eye using in vivo ocular imaging and functional analyses of the visual system with in vivo and ex vivo electrophysiological and psychophysical methods are fundamentally important for modern basic and translational vision research. This core module provides specialized support for these analytical approaches through access to shared instruments and to technical expertise in the acquisition and analysis of data. The shared instruments and technical expertise offered by this module expands the capacity of UW vision researchers in the structural and functional analysis of the visual system, which in turn facilitates sharing of applications through collaborative exchange.