How can research in advanced imaging technology be quickly applied to vision care? How could the action of cardiovascular medications point to a treatment for macular degeneration?

Department Chair Dr. Creig Hoyt discusses the new Collaborative Vision Research Group with Co-Director Dr. Daniel Schwartz, Sound ID Executive VP Dr. Scott Rader, and Co-Director Dr. Stephen McLeod.

"Scientific advances are occurring at unprecedented velocity," says Daniel Schwartz, MD, Director of the Retinal Service, and co-director of the new UCSF Collaborative Vision Research Group (CVRG). "That is why we created a unique collaborative initiative ­ to take technology that has not yet been applied to ophthalmology, and use those resources to solve ophthalmic problems."

"This diverse group of innovators will help to bring scientific discoveries into ophthalmic practice more rapidly," explains Stephen McLeod, MD, Co-Director of the Refractive Surgery Service, who co-directs the CVRG with Dr. Schwartz.

Innovators in Action

Collaborating to harness scientific discoveries for ophthalmic care, the CVRG includes vision scientists, bioscience researchers, engineers, and business advisors ­ collaborating to harness scientific discoveries for ophthalmic care.

Dr. Daniel Schwartz is currently developing a laser-adjustable intraocular lens, in collaboration with polymer chemists from the California Institute of Technology. He is also working with leaders in cardiovascular research to develop new drug treatments for age-related macular degeneration.

Dr. Stephen McLeod is working with the start-up company, Visiogen, to develop a spring-loaded accommodative intraocular lens that would improve vision for patients with presbyopia (far-sightedness).

Other CVRG collaborators include:

Matt LaVail, PhD, Professor of Ophthalmology and Anatomy, successfully identified neurotrophic factors and a delivery method to treat retinal degenerations, currently in clinical trials.

David F. Chang, MD, UCSF Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, recognized as a top cataract specialist, is a consultant to many ophthalmic firms.

R. Scott Rader, PhD, is Executive VP of the start-up company, Sound ID. He is former Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Engineering at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and a founder of the Johns Hopkins Microsurgery Advanced Design Laboratory.

Robert Kim, MD, UCSF Associate Clinical Professor, is Chief Clinical Scientist of Ophthalmic Medicine at Genentech, Inc., investigating drug treatments for macular degeneration.

CVRG members also include: Judy Gordon, Ophthalmic Regulatory Consultant; Stephen S. Smith, Advisory Director of Broadview International, LLC, and That Man May See (TMMS) Board Chairman; John Hall, President of Horizon Ventures, Los Altos, and TMMS Board Member; and Peter Mattson, Founder Mattson & Co., and TMMS Board Member.

Facilitating Progress

"This innovative initiative will establish a new paradigm for conducting ophthalmic biotech/bioengineering research," says Dr. Chang.