PROJECT SUMMARY: TRANSLATIONAL CORE FOR THERAPEUTIC AND DIAGNOSTIC DEVELOPMENT The newly proposed Translational Core for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Development will fulfill the needs of a growing number of investigators engaged in translational research to advance new therapeutic and diagnostic tools for ophthalmic diseases. This Core provides resources for scientists and clinicians to bring clinical observations to the laboratory, investigate these findings in the laboratory and take new understanding back to the clinic or vice versa. The goals will be to provide facilities, expertise, and services for: 1) clinical biosampling and phenotyping (Clinic to Lab), 2) first-in-human and mechanistic studies (Lab to Clinic), 3) consultation and assistance in biostatistical and analyses of research data, and 4) cutting-edge and secured computing facilities, advanced software, expertise and assistance in research protocol development. The proposed goals are meant to provide dedicated support services to accelerate therapeutic and diagnostic development.