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Mission: The mission of the Culver Vision Discovery Institute is to engage in high impact research and discovery related to visual function and disease the outcome of which is expected to have far-reaching clinical applications for patients suffering from blindness and visual disorders.

Research emphasis: Leading causes of blindness worldwide include diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataract, age-related macular degeneration, and corneal disruption. At Augusta University, we have a number of basic scientists and clinicians who are investigating many of these devastating diseases. Members of the Culver Vision Discovery Institute include faculty members from the Augusta University Medical College of Georgia, College of Allied Health Services, Dental College of Georgia and College of Graduate Studies.

To achieve the mission of the Culver Vision Discovery Institute, we are committed to fostering interactions among the members of our group. We welcome MCG colleagues and members of the community to participate in The Vision Discovery Institute Distinguished Seminar Series and Ophthalmology Grand Rounds. Currently we have courses for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows including Fundamentals of Vision Science and Current topics in Vision Science. We have a Pilot Project program that supports basic science-clinical collaborations leading to larger extramural awards for vision-related diseases. We now offer all vision researchers access to services/expertise/equipment available through the NEI Center Core Grant for Vision Research (P30) and the individual modules within the P30: Module 1: Visual function assessment, Module 2: Histology and Imaging and Module 3: Gene Expression and Proteomics.

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Contact Us

Culver Vision Discovery Institute

706-721-3731

Ms. Heide Andrews

VDI News

Woman in white coat sits in front of computer screens with cellular images on them

Bile acid receptor could be innovative target in protecting the vision of premature newborns

Targeting that receptor could provide earlier, more impactful treatments for retinopathy of prematurity.

Man wearing glasses and a lab coat stands in a medical lab

Augusta University researcher secures prestigious grant for research to prevent blindness in premature infants

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is among the most common illnesses that affect premature or low birth-weight infants and is a major cause of long-term vision impairment and blindness.

Three people in white coats stand in lab

Medical College of Georgia scientists work to protect the vision of premature babies

With preterm birth, the still-immature retina can develop a potentially blinding eye disorder known as retinopathy of prematurity.

Woman on left with blonde hair and man on right., both wearing white lab jackets, face the camera

Powerful enzyme that tamps down inflammation holds promise for protecting eyes in diabetes, premature birth

Making more of enzyme A1, which tamps down inflammation, available could help treat diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity.