Retinal Structure and Function Laboratory
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Dr Michael Pianta
Research Overview
Our broad research aim is to understand the fundamental workings of the living retina on the microscopic scale: how this works normally and how
this becomes compromised in sight-debilitating diseases such as diabetes. We combine a range of investigative tools including high-resolution non-invasive imaging, psychophysics, computational modeling and electrophysiology. Our current research projects make use of high speed, multispectral
adaptive optics to visualize the smallest neurons and blood vessels that is possible to see in in living human eyes. We study the dynamics of flow and oxygen exchange at the level of individual red blood cells, and the cascade of optical and physiological events that occur when a photoreceptor interacts with light. This requires a multi-disciplinary approach and so we welcome motivated students across all fields (e.g. Mathematics, Physics,
Computer Science, Engineering, Biology, Psychology), who are interested in contributing to our innovative program of research.
Staff
Mr Marcin Falkowski
Collaborators
- Professor Samuel Jacobson, Associate Professor Artur Cideciyan - Scheie Eye Institute, USA
- Professor Barbara Gillam - Psychology, University of New South Wales, Australia
- Dr Colin Clifford - Psychology, University of Sydney, Australia
- Dr Erica Fletcher - Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Melbourne, Australia
Research Projects
- A clinical test of dark adaptation for age-related macular degeneration
- Retinal structure and function in ageing and disease
Faculty Research Themes
School Research Themes
Key Contact
For further information about this research, please contact Lab Director Dr Michael Pianta
Department / Centre
Unit / Centre
Retinal Structure and Function Laboratory
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