Ligon Research Center of Vision

We have both clinical (directly patient-oriented) and basic (laboratory-oriented) research programs. Our basic research laboratories are located just above the main patient care, surgical and diagnostic areas. This proximity creates an excellent environment for collaboration. Established in 1998, the Ligon Research Center of Vision is dedicated to restoration of vision in the blind. The research focus is on artificial vision techniques that may include stimulation of the retina, stimulation of the visual cortex in the brain, or other novel techniques yet to be developed.

Basic Science – The basic science researchers at Kresge hold a faculty appointment within Wayne State University School of Medicine’s Department of Ophthalmology. The researchers work closely with colleagues in Anatomy/Cell Biology, Pharmacology and other departments.

Our laboratory researchers have the unique opportunity to add a human dimension to their work by examining the clinical pathology of eye diseases and disorders. Together, clinical and laboratory researchers establish a dialogue, debate issues and challenge each other to develop new research skills that directly affect patient outcomes. Clinician Researchers – Because our clinician researchers work directly with patients, many of their research interests focus on improved treatments, surgical techniques and preventive measures for difficult eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy; glaucoma; cataracts; hereditary diseases; retinal detachment and degeneration; neuro-ophthalmic diseases; transplantation of corneas; refractive errors; abnormal cell growth; vascular endothelial growth factors; and cytomegalovirus, or CMV retinitis.