Understanding vision mechanisms to develop treatments for retinal diseases in veterans

BLRD Research Career Scientist Award Application

NIH-funded research Veterans Health Administration · NIH-11052959

This study is exploring how our eyes work and what goes wrong in certain eye diseases, especially for veterans, to find new ways to help improve or restore vision for those affected.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVeterans Health Administration NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Long Beach, United States)
Project IDNIH-11052959 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on uncovering the biological processes that enable vision and how these processes are affected in retinal diseases, particularly those impacting veterans. The Kiser laboratory employs various experimental techniques, including atomic-level studies of proteins involved in vision and the creation of animal models to simulate retinal diseases. By investigating the visual cycle and its modulation, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic strategies to improve or restore vision in affected individuals. The ultimate goal is to develop effective treatments for retinal diseases that currently have limited options.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans experiencing retinal diseases, particularly age-related macular degeneration and other related conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with retinal diseases unrelated to the mechanisms being studied or those who do not meet the veteran status may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve vision and quality of life for veterans suffering from retinal diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research in visual cycle modulation has shown promise in developing therapies for retinal diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Long Beach, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions age related macular disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.