Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Non-invasive optical imaging technology is rapidly emerging for visualization of the retina, located at the back of the eye. Dr. Sarunic is investigating multi-modal retinal imaging using Fourier Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (FDOCT), a unique non-contact imaging modality for high resolution cross sectional visualization of sub-surface tissue, and confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy (cSLO), for detection of fluorescence. Dr. Sarunic is actively involved in research collaborations with ophthalmologists and visual scientists across Canada to investigate retinal imaging instrumentation required to improve our understanding of retinal diseases, and to accelerate the development of therapy to prevent vision loss or to potentially restore vision through regenerative medicine. <br /> The objective this proposal is to build on recent exciting research results from small animal retinal imaging, and is a required upgrade to the infrastructure for ultrahigh resolution retinal imaging in humans. The equipment requested constitutes the optical engine of a unique ultrahigh resolution Adaptive Optics (AO) FDOCT system with isotropic resolution ~ 1 micrometer. Adaptive optics are required to compensate for refractive aberrations introduced by the curved surfaces of the cornea and intraocular lens, and to obtain narrow point spread function at the retina. The AO is critical for high resolution imaging with both FD OCT and cSLO. The ultrahigh resolution non-invasive retinal imaging system will be investigated for advancing visual science, permitting longitudinal studies of retinal degeneration and accelerating the evaluation of therapeutic interventions. This research program provides hands-on training in biomedical imaging systems for highly qualified personal, and introduces them to a highly interdisciplinary research environment, spanning biomedical optics and visual science. <br />