James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute
Mission: The mission of the Culver Vision Discovery Institute is to engage in high
impact research and discovery related to visual function and disease the outcome of
which is expected to have far-reaching clinical applications for patients suffering
from blindness and visual disorders.
Research emphasis: Leading causes of blindness worldwide include diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataract,
age-related macular degeneration, and corneal disruption. At Augusta University, we
have a number of basic scientists and clinicians who are investigating many of these
devastating diseases. Members of the Culver Vision Discovery Institute include faculty members from the Augusta University Medical College of Georgia, College
of Allied Health Services, Dental College of Georgia and College of Graduate Studies.
To achieve the mission of the Culver Vision Discovery Institute, we are committed
to fostering interactions among the members of our group. We welcome MCG colleagues
and members of the community to participate in The Vision Discovery Institute Distinguished
Seminar Series and Ophthalmology Grand Rounds. Currently we have courses for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows including
Fundamentals of Vision Science and Current topics in Vision Science. We have a Pilot Project program that supports basic science-clinical collaborations leading to larger extramural awards
for vision-related diseases. We now offer all vision researchers access to services/expertise/equipment
available through the NEI Center Core Grant for Vision Research (P30) and the individual modules within the P30: Module 1: Visual function assessment, Module 2: Histology and Imaging and Module 3: Gene Expression and Proteomics.
The Culver Vision Discovery Institute is directed by retinal cell biologist, Dr. Sylvia
Smith, Regents’ Professor and Chair of the Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy
at the Medical College of Georgia. If you wish to contact her regarding the mission
or activities of the Culver Vision Discovery Institute, you may send emails to Ms. Heide Andrews or you may call the Vision Discovery Institute at 706-721-3731. The administrative duties of the Vision Discovery Institute are managed by Ms. Heide
Andrews and Ms. Jenny Roberts.
VDI News
“This growing group of scientists has always been a highly collaborative and collegial group, happy to share their expertise and equipment, but the grant enables us to formalize and expand our sharing more efficiently and effectively."
Brooks, who was an associate professor of ophthalmology and pediatrics at MCG from 1994-2001, returns to the medical school in January.
When the eye isn’t getting enough oxygen in the face of common conditions like premature birth or diabetes, it sets in motion a state of frenzied energy production that can ultimately result in blindness, and now scientists have identified new points where they may be able to calm the frenzy and instead enable recovery.
Diabetic retinopathy is a major neurovascular complication of diabetes that affects 7.7 million working-age adults in the United States.