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Dennis P. Han, MD Advanced Ocular Imaging Program

Visual Function Testing at the MCW AOIP

A current area of interest in the AOIP is exploring structure-function relationships in patients with a variety of inherited retinal degenerations. Functional measures of vision (like visual acuity) are often used in clinical trials but are typically subjective and can be slow to change. This insensitivity to small changes makes such measures less than ideal for use in clinical trials aimed at restoring photoreceptor function. In contrast, retinal imaging provides objective measures of structure and when coupled with adaptive optics, can provide single cell resolution. By exploring the relationship between retinal structure and visual function, we are poised to advance novel biomarkers for assessing retinal health for use in emerging clinical trials. 

We have extensive dedicated testing capabilities in the AOIP for assessing visual function. This includes two 4m acuity lanes, Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) charts, EVA (electronic visual acuity), electronic Snellen chart, Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity charts, and the Computerized Advanced Vision and Optometric Testing (AVOT) system. We also have a Humphrey Visual Field analyzer and an Octopus static and kinetic visual field testing unit. The AOIP also houses a microperimetry units from MAIA and OPKO. Finally, we have electrophysiology testing, including full-field ERG, multifocal ERG, and VEP.

The fact that these are housed in the same space as our advanced imaging tools facilitates more efficient research, saving our research subjects time and saving valuable financial resources in the process.
 

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