Graduate Researcher to Present Retinal Biomarker Research at Global Forums
Graduate Researcher Yaashwini Laura will represent the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences at both the Planning for the Prevention of Parkinson’s and Related Synucleinopathies (PPP) Conference: A Trial Design Forum and the World Parkinson Congress 2026, where she will present her research on retinal biomarkers in Parkinson’s disease from the Parkinsons B-eye-omarker Lab.
Her research explores the retina as a window to understand changes occurring in the brain. Using advanced retinal imaging and molecular approaches, she investigates measurable retinal changes, including thinning of specific retinal layers in Parkinson’s disease models compared to healthy controls. Yaashwini’s research also involves examining the proteins and markers that may drive these changes. This work aims to better understand the underlying mechanisms of disease and contribute to earlier detection and monitoring strategies.
Yaashwini said “This amazing opportunity will support my work in understanding Parkinson’s disease and engage with the Parkinson’s community, as well as to explore how emerging research such as mine can be translated into real-world outcomes.”
Yaashwini Laura