The Department of Ophthalmology has a long history of participation in significant science and clinical research. The Department has a decades-old, formal affiliation with Oakland University’s Eye Research Institute (ERI), a recognized center of excellence in vision research. Established in 1968 on the Oakland University campus, and now affiliated with the Oakland University/William Beaumont School of Medicine, the ERI houses a number of NIH-funded investigators who conduct full-time research on the retina and retinal disease using a variety of biochemical, physiological, and electrophysiological approaches. The ERI’s Pediatric Retina Research Laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art live rodent retina imaging equipment, including fluorescein angiography, ERG and OCT, for use in the study of pediatric eye disease. In addition, Next Generation DNA Sequencing is currently being used with human patients to investigate genetic changes that may lead to Norrie Disease, FEVR and retinoschisis.
Residents participate in at least one research project during their three years of training. Opportunities for collaboration in basic and clinical science projects are plentiful, as are opportunities for publication in peer reviewed literature. Residents are strongly encouraged to present their work at regional and national conferences, such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (MiSEP), and many others. All second year residents (PGY-3) have protected time to attend AAO.