Visual Function Core

National Eye Institute

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

During past year, the core continues to provide service and support to the NEI and NIH scientific community and to extramural researches on non-invasive methods to evaluate visual function in various animal models. As COVID-19 pandemic persisted, core adopted a hybrid of virtual and physical support to vision research community. Following social distancing rule, core coordinated with researchers and animal facility to ensure safety for everyone and provided PPE and disinfection materials. To minimize in-person contact during the pandemic time, the core encouraged maximum use of variety virtual communication tools. While electrophysiological recordings and eye imaging constituted most of the core service, behavior tests to determine opto-motor responses were also used by our researchers. NEI-VFC has helped users in design ERG recording and OCT imaging protocols specific for each research projects. Main accomplishments of the core for past year include: 1) Performed maintenance of all core equipment to ensure their optimal performance. 2) Setup zebrafish ERG recording system in relocated VFC lab in building 6, upgraded rodent ERG recording instrument to Espion E3 system. 3) Provided training and supervision to researchers on using core equipment, following safety and social distance rules to minimize person-to-person contact. 4) Provided training to scientific personnel on data analysis software, encouraging use of virtual communication when possible. 5) Upgraded Spectralis data server to HEYEX2 system. In coordination with ITMB, migrated all user database files and reviewing software. 6) Participated in a collaborative research of Developing an Autologous Cell Therapy Using iPS Cell Derived RPE for AMD. 7) Participated and completed a research project to characterize rat RSKO model phenotyping. 8) Providing consultations on using non-invasive methods to evaluate visual function to extramural research groups. VFC provided training and help to users on analysis methods of electrophysiological, eye imaging, and behavior data, and on tools of generating final reports. Core also provided directions and instructions on installation of software needed for electrophysiological recording, behavior testing, and eye image data analysis. In addition, core provided consultations and advises on various research projects. During the past year, core provided service and training to 48 scientists in 22 research groups (PIs), including 5 from other NIH institutes. In addition, NEI-VFC also provided consultations to several extramural research groups.