Visiting Scholars Program Seminar - Vallabh Das, PhD

Investigation of Oculomotor Mechanisms in Non-Human Primate Models for Strabismus 

Binocular alignment and binocular coordination of eye movements are necessary to direct both foveae at targets within 3D space.  Unfortunately, individuals suffering from strabismus (ocular misalignment) never develop the necessary alignment and coordination of eye movements for binocular vision. Developmental loss of sensory or motor fusion leads to strabismus in nearly 5% of children making this disease a significant public health issue. In order to develop a better understanding of this disabling disease, we have been performing studies in non-human primate models for sensory strabismus previously induced by disrupting binocular vision
through the use of prisms or occluders during the developmental critical period. An excellent feature of these NHP models is that they not only develop eye misalignment but also develop common eye movement disruptions associated with the human condition.  We have identified widespread changes in many visual and oculomotor neural centers, specifically vergence related areas of the brain, leading to new insight on the development and maintenance of eye misalignment and other associated strabismus properties.

Vallabh Das, PhD
Moores Professor
Chair, Department of Vision Sciences, College of Optometry
University of Houston

Faculty Host: Julie Quinet, Ph.D

Please RSVP to Amy Drinkard by January 20th.