Large Animal Core

PROJECT SUMMARY – LARGE ANIMAL CORE The Large Animal Core (LAC) provides a wide spectrum of support, including efficient in vivo ocular imaging of large animal models as well as equipment and technical support for ocular surgical procedures, to vision scientists who are investigating fundamental processes and therapeutic strategies in large animal models. The Core comprises an AAALAC-accredited, fully equipped microsurgical suite and three advanced imaging suites. Ocular imaging instrumentation provided by the Core includes multiple SD-OCTs, multiple electroretinography units, confocal biomicroscopy, digital slit lamps, tonometers, pachymeters, external digital SLR cameras, fundus cameras, and a Pentacam imaging system. The LAC will also provide expert technical support to help investigators understand the Core technologies and their capabilities, develop appropriate study designs, perform procedures and/or collect data. The LAC will stimulate collaboration among vision scientists by providing support for innovative multidisciplinary research, and it will support early-career vision scientists as they set up their laboratories and collect data essential for future NEI grant applications.