Understanding how the eye movement reflex works
Official title: Retinal mechanisms underlying the optokinetic reflex
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11005035 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain eye movements, which help doctors understand vision and brain issues, work by exploring special cells in the eye, with the goal of creating better tools for diagnosing patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $454,292 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035028-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005035 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing visual or neurological disorders that affect eye movement.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable vision and no neurological issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the optokinetic reflex (OKR), a critical eye movement response that helps diagnose various visual and neurological disorders. By examining specific types of retinal ganglion cells, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that influence eye movements in response to visual stimuli. The research employs advanced techniques to analyze how these cells process information and contribute to the OKR, ultimately seeking to translate these findings into improved diagnostic tools for patients. The focus is on understanding both individual cell properties and their collective behavior in the context of eye movement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic methods for visual and neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in understanding the mechanisms of the optokinetic reflex, indicating that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dunn, Felice a — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Dunn, Felice a
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.