Cores for Vision Research Administration Bioinformatics Core Ocular Microanatomy Core (OM Core) Visual Function and Non-invasive Ocular Imaging Core (VFNOI Core) Ocular Mass Spectrometry, Lipidomics, and Proteomics Core (OMSLP Core) Ophthalmic Testing Core (OTC) Core Facilities & Technical Support Home Research Cores For Vision Research Advancing Vision Research The Brunson Center for Translational Vision Research serves as an international leader in advancing research and bolstering the support of investigators pursuing basic and translational sciences relevant to vision. The Cores for Vision Research (CVR) provide research support for NEI R01-funded investigators and serve as a catalyst for the major expansion of vision research currently underway at UCI. We have established three research cores plus an administrative core that will advance the research programs of individual investigators by providing state-of-the-art core facilities together with outstanding technical support by the module managers. It is sponsored by the NEI P30 grant, P30EY034070-01. P30 Cores Ocular Microanatomy Core (OM Core) The OM Core is located in a dedicated space on the 2nd floor of Hewett Hall. This space is in close proximity to all vision researchers in the School of Medicine. It is sponsored by the NEI P30 grant, P30EY034070-01. Learn About OM Core Visual Function and Non-invasive Ocular Imaging Core (VFNOI Core) Equipment for visual function and non-invasive ocular imaging for posterior eye studies is located in our animal facility and equipment for anterior eye studies are located in in Falling Leaves Foundation building. The location is convenient and place the equipment in the vicinity of the animals or of the laboratories involved in that research, respectively. It is sponsored by the NEI P30 grant, P30EY034070-01. Learn About VFNOI Core Ocular Mass Spectrometry, Lipidomics, and Proteomics Core (OMSLP Core) Equipment used by the Ocular Mass Spectrometry, Lipidomics and Proteomics Core is located on the 6th floor of Falling Leaves Foundation Building. This space is also in close proximity to all vision researchers in the School of Medicine. It is sponsored by the NEI P30 grant, P30EY034070-01. Learn About OMSLP Core Bioinformatics Core The Bioinformatics Core provides computational support and data analysis resources for vision research, utilizing high-performance computing through UCI’s HPC3 cluster. The Core is located in the Falling Leaves Foundation Research Building and supports collaborative, data-driven research across the School of Medicine. Learn About Bioinformatics Core Ophthalmic Testing Core (OTC) The OTC is available to all university researchers and collaborators in industry and non-profit organizations. Learn About OTC Core Q & A Can I use the Core for Vision Research (CVR)? The Cores equipment and services are available to the faculty at the UCI and their research personnel. Though available to all, use of the Cores is prioritized based on funding source and research focus. The first priority will be given to NEI R01-funded investigators. Second priority will be given to investigators with other NEI funds, including KO8 and R21 grants. Third priority will be given to investigators working on vision research projects are generating preliminary data for an NEI grant application. The remaining Core usage and equipment access will be for investigators with projects that include visual system studies but are not supported by NEI. What kind of support do Core Managers provide? All Cores provide personnel training for equipment use, and all will consult on experimental design and data analyses. Depending on the availability of time and resources, Core Managers might perform the benchwork themselves in response to investigator requests. This issue will be discussed at the initiation of each CVR-supported project. How do I request Core services? Core services can be initiated by completion of the Core Request Form available in each Core section of the CVR webpage. Please complete the form, providing specific information about what services or equipment are required, the NEI-R01 or vision-related grant that this work is part of, expected start date, expected date of completion, and any required institutional protocol numbers. Email the completed form to the Core Manager using the contact information included in the relevant Core section of the CVR webpage. The request will be evaluated by the Core Director and Core Manager, who will inform you of the status of the request. What do I need to pay for? Labor and many supplies are provided at no cost to the participating Principal Investigators. This includes time the Core Manager spends doing benchwork, evaluating data and training personnel. Please discuss supplies with the Core Manager when initiating a new project to determine if any supplies will have to be purchased in addition to those provided at no cost by the Core. What are my responsibilities as a Core user? You must agree to acknowledge your utilization of the Cores by citing the UCI P30 core grant for vision research in any presentations (posters, talks, and publications) that result from work supported by CVR. Each Core has rules for the proper use and care of Core equipment. You will be informed about these by the Core Manager and will be expected to respect and follow them. Administration Core The goal of the Administrative core is to provide organizational support so that orders are submitted rapidly, that meetings are organized efficiently, and that investigators benefit from the concept of consolidated research cores to facilitate their research and increase their efficiency and productivity. The Administrative core will also actively work on increasing the visibility of the other modules and available resources to attract UCI scientists working on visual systems to improve their research by using specialized equipment and technologies. Learn About Administration of the Cores