Over the last decade, Doheny has
systematically upgraded its patient care resources
and enhanced its extensive and highly regarded vision
research and education programs. Now Doheny is continuing
to enlarge its basic research component. Doheny
researchers have selected three major areas of basic
research development for the Institute to focus
on through the turn of the century:
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Retinal and macular degeneration
research through the study of retinal pigment
epithelium, retinal cell transplantation, molecular
genetics of inherited diseases of the retina
and gene therapy for retinal disorders;
-
Modification of corneal shape
and morphology through corneal research and
refractive surgery innovations; and
-
Optic nerve regeneration.
The rationale for further expansion
and development of these programs is primarily related
to anticipation of the major clinical problems that
confront the field of ophthalmology over the next
decade -- particularly in Southern California --
and to Doheny's own areas of strength and expertise
as well as its ability to address these problems
as an eye research institute.
Advances in molecular biology, genetics, pathology,
virology and immulology are being applied to the
treatment of eye diseases and disorders. The foundation
of the Doheny vision research process begins in
laboratories where scientists explore the molecular
changes that occur in ocular disease. Doheny researchers
continue their daily drive to find the causes of
vision disorders and to discover the cures.
