Understanding how the eye movement reflex works
Official title: Retinal mechanisms underlying the optokinetic reflex
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11211956 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain eye movements, called the optokinetic reflex, work by exploring special cells in the eye, with the goal of helping doctors better diagnose vision problems and neurological conditions.
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 | May 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $104,973 |
| NIH project number | 3R01EY035028-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11211956 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 visual function and no neurological issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the optokinetic reflex (OKR), which is a critical eye movement response used to diagnose various visual and neurological disorders. By examining specific types of retinal ganglion cells, the study aims to uncover how these cells influence eye movements in response to visual stimuli. The research employs advanced techniques to analyze the properties of these cells and their role in processing visual information, ultimately aiming to improve diagnostic methods for patients with visual impairments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools for detecting visual and neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the mechanisms of the optokinetic reflex, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
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.