Comparative Ophthalmology - scientific discovery and innovation create synergies for veterinary and human medicine

Abstract

Comparative ophthalmology is the study similarities and differences between humans and various animal species. Our understanding of these comparisons has yielded many breakthroughs in eye and neurological research of diseases and other causes of vision loss. Many technological innovations have been made which give doctors and scientists unprecedented insights to mechanisms of the eye and effects of treatment in animal models and humans. This presentation will briefly touch on recent discoveries in comparative ophthalmology. Some examples of new technologies being developed for commercialization in Missouri will be highlighted. Specifically, advancements in our ability to observe cellular structure and function of the eye and visual nervous system are moving from basic research to patient care.