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Research Focus

The focus of our macular degeneration research program is on improving the function of the cells that support the chemistry of vision, the rod and cone photoreceptors. With a unique multidisciplinary team of ophthalmologists, computational chemists, cell biologists and biochemists, we are using advanced computer modeling technology to design a treatment that will protect visual pigments in the photoreceptor cells and improve visual function. The focus of the research is to identify a treatment that will stabilizing the delicate opsin proteins that activate the visual transduction cascade (a series of biochemical steps that are responsible for vision in all vertebrate species).

Education

M.D., Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1984

Professional Experience

2008-present Associate Professor, Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA. Chairman: Dr. Jeffery Kelly

2002-2008 Associate Professor, Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA. Chairman: Dr. Ernest Beutler

2000-2002: Associate Professor, Department of Cell Biology, The Scripps Research Institute,

La Jolla, California. Chairman: Dr. Sandra Schmidt

1994-2000: Assistant Professor, Department of Cell Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California. Chairman: Dr. Sandra Schmidt

1990-present: Vitreoretinal Surgeon. San Diego Vitreoretinal Associates, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, California

1990-1994: Assistant Member and Head of Eye Research, Department of Molecular and Cellular Growth Biology, The Whittier Institute for Diabetes and Endocrinology, La Jolla, California Chairman: Dr. Roger Guillemin

1990-2000: Assistant Adjunct Professor of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina

Awards & Professional Activities

  Educational Lectures and Seminars: 2009-present

 October 15
American Academy of Ophthalmology:  Neuroprotection for Retinal Detachment

June 9
National Eye Institute (NEI):  The Retinal Origin of Visual Illusions in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Patients.

May 4

Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO): Visual Hallucinations in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Patients are Induced by Proton Pump Inhibitors: Clinical and Electrophysiologic Studies.

March 19
Update on Age-Related Macular Degeneration - Scripps Mericos

March 16
Vail Vitrectomy Meeting:  Neuroprotection for Retinal Detachment

January 15
Macula of Paris, France: Visual Perception Abnormalities in Macular Degeneration Patients.

September 3, 2009
4th International Vitreoretinal Meeting, Vienna, Austria: Flavonoids protect Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells from Oxidative Stress-Induced Cell Death.

June 18, 2009
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Fred Jacobiak Lecture, Harvard MEEI Graduation Lecture, Boston, Mass. Listen to your patients, they will teach you.

June 19, 2009
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Mass. Harvard Mariana Mead Invited Lecture:  The Retinal Origin of Visual Hallucinations in Age-Related Macular Degeneration patients.

April 9, 2009
Emory University Eye Center Vision Research Seminar. Atlanta, Georgia: Neuroprotection for Age-Related Macular Degeneration- a new perspective