Multidisciplinary Retinal Research Unit

The Multidisciplinary Retinal Research Unit seeks to improve the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of adult retinal disease, particularly age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in all industrialized countries. 

The unit performs multidisciplinary work at the intersection of clinical research and trials, ophthalmic imaging, and advanced computational/deep learning approaches. This comprises translational research on AMD, such as improving diagnostic approaches, developing novel outcome measures, and conducting interventional trials. A major area of research is the important role of diet and nutritional supplements in slowing disease progression. Another area of interest is in using cutting-edge retinal imaging modalities to provide insights into systemic disease, including diabetes, inflammatory conditions, and risk of subsequent dementia.

The unit is funded by the NIH Intramural Research Program, with three postdoc and contractor positions in biostatistics, computer science, and image analysis, as well as full access to wide additional expertise in the NEI Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications. We also have a long-standing Intramural collaboration with computer scientists in the National Library of Medicine, where Dr. Keenan holds a joint appointment.