Distinguished Speaker Series

Ophthalmology Research Seminar: Distinguished Speaker Series

The Center for Translational Vision Research (CTVR) Distinguished Speaker Series, often referred to as the "Friday Seminars," is a premier platform for showcasing groundbreaking research in vision science and ophthalmology from around the globe.

Since our foundation, the CTVR, in collaboration with the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, has hosted this esteemed series, highlighting cutting-edge developments in ophthalmology research. After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, at a time when most academic seminars were canceled, we swiftly adapted and transformed our series to a virtual format via Zoom, ensuring continuity and even expanding our reach.

Today, the series has evolved to feature expert lectures on a diverse array of topics, including Ophthalmology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Neurobiology, Imaging, Computational Sciences, and Novel Ophthalmic Treatments. The seminar series has also grown in scope, drawing an international audience of 80-300 attendees each week, connecting scholars and professionals from across the U.S. and around the world.

We invite you to join us every Friday from 8:30 am–10:00 am, both in person and online via Zoom, throughout the academic year.

For more information and Zoom details, email:
Anna Kiker, MBA, CRA or Grazyna Palczewska, PhD

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Speakers

Jan 30, 2026

Energetic fuels for the retina and RPE

Daniel Hass, PhD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA

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Jan 23, 2026

Novel insights into ocular lymphatics

Lu Chen, MD, PhD, Professor, Vision Science Program, and Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of California at Berkeley

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Jan 16, 2026

A comparative approach to investigating hypoxia tolerance in the retina

Michael G. Jonz, PhD, Professor of Neurobiology, Director, Cellular Imaging and Cytometry Facility, Department of Biology & Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa

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Jan 09, 2026

Successful treatments for adRP due to rhodopsin mutations using a large animal model harboring a human P23H Rhodopsin mutation

Maureen A. McCall, PhD, Professor & Vice Chair for Research, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Kentucky Lions Eye Research Endowed Chair, University of Louisville

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Dec 26, 2025

No Seminar

The University of California, Irvine will be observing the winter recess break. We hope you have a wonderful and restful holiday season filled with joy and gratitude!

Dec 19, 2025

Mechanisms of extracellular vesicle release and photoreceptor disc formation

William Spencer, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University

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Dec 12, 2025

Activating PPARα for Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Diabetic Retinopathy and AMD

Jian-Xing Ma, MD, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Biochemistry, Co-Director, Translational Eye and Vision Research Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine

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