The has launched a new research institute to more quickly translate scientific discoveries into new treatments for patients with chronic eye diseases.
Known as the USF Health , the integrated research center is designed to bridge laboratory discovery in ophthalmology with patient care by bringing clinical trials, translational science, AI technologies and biomarker innovation together under one roof.
Dr. Pedram Hamrah, director of INSIGHT and professor of ophthalmology
Led by , the institute aims to become a national hub for rigorous clinical investigation and multisite collaboration with industry partners and institutions across the country.
鈥淯SF Health is a place where medical transformation is taking place, and the Institute for Sight Innovation and Translational Research is working to help build that future,鈥 said Hamrah, director of the institute and vice chair of academic medicine in the USF Health Department of Ophthalmology. 鈥淭hrough scientific innovation and industry partnerships, the research done here has the potential to help millions of people.鈥
The institute features robust research infrastructure as well as dedicated systems to support high-quality data capture and regulatory compliance. Approximately 28 clinical trials are already underway or in the startup phase, and the institute is primed for further growth.
Current studies include investigations of cornea and ocular surface diseases, including neurotrophic keratopathy, persistent epithelial defects, neuropathic corneal pain, ocular graft versus host disease, geographic atrophy, thyroid eye disease and pediatric amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye.
Founded to be a comprehensive research hub advancing evidence-based ophthalmic care, INSIGHT supports NIH-funded research, industry-sponsored clinical trials, investigator-initiated studies, medical device and surgical innovation, rare-disease research and outcomes studies. It also participates in collaborative research networks, providing expertise in specialized imaging, biomarkers and advanced disease characterization.
"INSIGHT will lead ophthalmology clinical research and translational science, turning discoveries made in the laboratory into new diagnostics and treatments for eye disease," said , professor of ophthalmology and co-director of the institute." As a leader in Florida, the institute will bring together physician-scientists, clinicians and trainees to advance the field and strengthen the state鈥檚 position in vision research. Above all, it exists to serve patients, offering hope and access to innovative care for those who need help preserving and restoring their sight."
The launch of INSIGHT builds on the NIH-funded research of Hamrah, a leading international researcher of corneal disease, ocular surface disease and chronic eye pain.
It also comes at a time of growth for the Department of Ophthalmology, which celebrated a $ in August.
"INSIGHT from the USF Health Tyson Martin Eye Institute will bring academia and industry together and drive patient centric innovation to the Market," said , chair of the USF Health Department of Ophthalmology. "This will be a truly unique and transformative moment in our lives."