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The Center for Translational Vision Research Distinguished Speaker Series, also known as "Friday Seminars" showcases innovative research across the world. The seminar series has now been expanded to include lectures by experts on topics ranging from Ophthalmology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Neurobiology, Imaging, Computational Sciences to Novel Ophthalmic Treatments.
All talks are hybrid. You can join us in person at
You can also join us by zoom. Zoom link and information are on your right and in the calendar links above.
Learn More About the Distinguished Speaker Series
Paul A. Sieving, M.D., Ph.D. is an internationally recognized leader in genetic retinal disease research and regenerative vision therapy. He served as Director of the National Eye Institute (NEI) at the NIH from 2001–2019, where he launched the Audacious Goals Initiative to restore vision through neural regeneration. Before NEI, he was the Paul R. Lichter Professor of Ophthalmic Genetics at the University of Michigan and founded its Center for Hereditary Retinal and Macular Degenerations. Trained in both medicine and bioengineering, with fellowships at UCSF and Harvard, Dr. Sieving pioneered clinical trials for retinitis pigmentosa and developed gene-therapy strategies for X-linked retinoschisis, now in human trials. At UC Davis Health, he holds the Neil and MJ Kelly Presidential Chair, directs the Center for Ocular Regenerative Therapy, and leads clinical services for inherited retinal dystrophies. A member of the U.S. National Academy of Medicine and the German National Academy of Sciences, his honors include the Alcon Research Institute Award, Pisart Vision Award, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology Distinguished Service Award. He has authored over 250 publications advancing diagnostics, neuroprotection, and gene therapy for blinding retinal disorders.