Description:
NEI is interested in providing support for the development of new technologies, strategies, research tools, reagents and methods that can be applied to basic and translational research which will benefit vision health. This encompasses research and development of innovative enabling technologies in areas of genomics, proteomics and nanotechnology. More specific topics include drug discovery, high throughput assays, drug delivery systems, gene therapy and cell-based therapies, development of in vitro and in vivo disease models, surgical devices and materials, telemedicine and teaching tools, and design and fabrication of new or improved ophthalmic instruments for diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders.
Research and development of new therapeutic approaches for inflammatory and degenerative diseases and for inhibition of abnormal angiogenesis in the retina and choroid; development of better methods of diagnosing and treating diabetic retinopathy and other vascular diseases; development of non-invasive techniques for early diagnosis of macular degeneration and other retinal degenerative diseases; development of instruments and procedures for improved surgical management of retinal detachments; development of retinal prostheses to help restore visual function; development of methods for cell or tissue transplantation.
Research and development of new therapeutic agents and drug delivery methods for the treatment of corneal injury, infection, dry eye and other ocular surface disorders; development of new biomaterials for corneal prostheses and corneal transplants; development of instruments and procedures for correcting the refractive power of the cornea and/or measuring the cornea's optical properties or other physiological properties.
Research and development of new approaches in the post-operative management of cataract surgery; development of new surgical instruments for cataract extraction and new biomaterials for replacement of the natural lens; development of accommodative intraocular lenses.
Glaucoma and Optic Neuropathies Program
Research and development of new therapeutic agents, instruments, and procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma; development of non-invasive methods to measure changes in the optic nerve head and retinal fiber layer.
Strabismus, Amblyopia, and Visual Processing Program
Research and development of new approaches to detect and treat strabismus and abmlyopia; development of new tools and techniques for vision screening; development of innovative techniques to study factors that facilitate regeneration and guidance of nerve fibers.
Visual Impairment and Blindness Program
Research and development of instruments and methods to better specify, measure, and categorize residual visual function; development and evaluation of optical, electronic, and other devices that meet the rehabilitative and everyday living needs of blind or visually-impaired persons.
Research and development of instruments and procedures for diagnosing or treating myopia; development of new or improved methods and materials for correcting the refractive power of the eye and/or measuring the eye's optical properties or other physiological properties; new materials and manufacturing processes for eyeglasses and contact lenses.
The NEI's programs are described in more extensive detail in documents which are available from the Institute. For additional information about the research programs of the NEI, please visit our home page at http://www.nei.nih.gov.
For more information on research topics, contact:
Jerome Wujek, Ph.D.
Research Resources Officer
Division of Extramural Research
National Eye Institute
Suite 1300, 5635 Fishers Lane
Bethesda, MD 20892
National Eye Institute
301-451-2020, Fax: 301-496-2297
Email: wujekjer@nei.nih.gov
For administrative and business management questions, contact:
Mr. William Darby
Grants Management Officer
Division of Extramural Research
National Eye Institute
Suite 1300, 5635 Fishers Lane
Bethesda, MD 20892
National Eye Institute
301-451-2020, Fax: 301-496-9997
Email: wwd@nei.nih.gov
