Vision Research Center

Dr. Sebastian Werneburg in front of a large microscope with an colorful research image on a monitor behind him

Keeping Innovation in Sight

Advancing vision science through shared technology, training and collaboration.

Empowering the Science of Vision

Collaboration and access to specialized technologies are essential to the research activities at the University of Michigan. The Vision Research Center (VRC) addresses both of these needs. By providing shared state-of-the-art instrumentation, services and training, the Center provides vision researchers with the necessary resources to pursue cutting-edge research. The Vision Research Center also acts as a central conduit for the exchange of information within the community of scientists at the University of Michigan and serves to promote collaboration and multidisciplinary approaches to vision research. Each core is supervised by research faculty and staffed by technical experts.

Note for Researchers: Please cite the Vision Research Center EY007003 on all publications.

Our Cores

Bioinformatics Core

Bioinformatics consulting, training and pipelines to advance eye research.

Functional Assessment Core

Advanced functional and imaging assessments.

Instrument & Electronic Services Core

Designing and maintaining custom instruments and electronics for vision research.

Molecular Biology Core

Supporting research with molecular biology services and shared advanced equipment.

Morphology and Imaging Core

Processing and imaging services for ocular and brain research.

Open Science Core

Expert critique and FAIR-based guidance for high-quality research data.

Featured News & Stories

See all news
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Health Lab

Patient with retinitis pigmentosa receives new hope at Kellogg’s low vision clinic

Retinitis pigmentosa can lead to vision loss, but DNA testing, inherited retinal disease research and AI glasses offer new hope.
University of Michigan flag
Medical School News

Medical School well-represented among Strategic Initiative Fund’s first recipients

On Aug. 26, the University of Michigan announced 37 projects that will receive $40 million in initial funding from the Strategic Initiative Fund to pursue bold ideas.
mom smiling with two kids
Health Lab

Rare genetic eye disease treated with gene therapy helps 2 children see again

Mia and Niko Spicer were diagnosed with Leber’s congenital amaurosis type 2, a rare genetic eye disease, and were treated with the gene therapy Luxturna to improve their vision.
presentation on stage with slideshow up
Health Lab

Medical students develop novel technological solutions for unmet patient needs

University of Michigan medical students showcased AI-driven healthcare innovation projects focused on melanoma support, transplant recovery and primary care access.
Sherry Day in Taiwain in 2024
Department News

Fulbright Award Enables Low-Vision Rehabilitation Partnership in Taiwan

A Kellogg Eye Center faculty member Sherry Day is headed to Taiwan this fall on a federal Fulbright Scholars Award to help establish the country’s first comprehensive, interdisciplinary low-vision rehabilitation center.
Close up of a hazel green eye
Health Lab

A new clue for aging eyes

Struggling to read more than six lines on an eye chart with fading letters may serve as a visual “yellow light” for older adults—raising red flags that routine exams sometimes fail to detect.