Ophthalmology Research Labs

Detailed information about research in the Department of Ophthalmology can be found on our faculty members' lab websites.

Igor A. Butovich, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Ophthalmology

Research interests: Biochemistry, biophysics, physiology, and pathology of tear film and ocular surface, dry eye, metabolism of lipids, lipoxygenase and its reactions, omega-3 fatty acids and their derivatives in inflammation, cancer, and neuroprotection.

Dr. Butovich’s laboratory website

Dr. Butovich’s recent publications

J. William Harbour, M.D.

Professor and Chair of Ophthalmology
The David Bruton, Jr. Chair in Ophthalmology

Research interests: Ocular oncology, uveal melanoma, retinoblastoma

Dr. Harbour’s laboratory website

Dr. Harbour’s recent publications

Yu-Guang He, M.D.

Professor of Ophthalmology
Zora Meagher Macular Degeneration Research Professorship
Josephine Long Biddle Chair in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Research

Research interests: Vitreoretinal disease, including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachment

Dr. He’s laboratory website

Dr. He’s recent publications

Kevin K. Park, Ph.D.

Professor of Ophthalmology

Research interests: Axon regeneration, circuit reassembly, and neuroprotection

Dr. Park’s laboratory website

Dr. Park’s recent publications

V. Vinod Mootha, M.D.

Professor of Ophthalmology

Research interests: Cornea and external disease, LASIK, cataract surgery, corneal transplant surgery, Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK), deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), genetic basis of corneal disorders

Dr. Mootha’s laboratory website

Dr. Mootha’s recent publications

W. Matthew Petroll, Ph.D.

Professor of Ophthalmology
Vice Chair, Research
Dr. W. Maxwell Thomas Chair in Ophthalmology
Chair, Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering

Research interests: Cell mechanics, digital imaging, confocal microscopy, corneal wound healing

Dr. Petroll’s laboratory website

Dr. Petroll’s recent publications

Danielle M. Robertson, O.D., Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Ophthalmology
Holder of the Shirley G. and Norman Alweis Endowment Fund for Vision

Research interests: Corneal cell biology, ocular surface reconstruction, microscopy

Dr. Robertson's laboratory website

Dr. Robertson’s recent publications

Rafael Ufret-Vincenty, M.D.

Associate Professor of Ophthalmology

Research interests: Age-related macular degeneration and vitreoretinal diseases

Dr. Ufret’s laboratory website

Dr. Ufret’s recent publications

Katherine J. Wert, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Molecular Biology
Secondary appointment to Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine

Research interests: Genetic mechanisms underlying neuro-retinal disease, gene therapy, genome engineering technologies, human stem cell transplantations, metabolic rescue

Dr. Wert’s laboratory website

Dr. Wert’s recent publications