UAB Center Core for Vision Research - Ocular Phenotyping Core Project/Summary Abstract Assessment of ocular structures and visual function is essential to both basic and translational research in vision science whether in animal models or human subjects. Widely used technologies include optical coherence tomography (OCT) for display of layered tissues in posterior and anterior segments, electroretinography (ERG, for massed retinal signals separable into multiple identified components), slit lamp for bio-microscopy of anterior and posterior segment, imaging of the fundus via multiple modes of visualization (color, autofluorescence, dye- based angiography, infrared reflectance), and optokinetic nystagmus (to assess visuomotor control, visual acuity and contrast sensitivity). In response to growing UAB vision researcher needs, the “Ocular Phenotyping Core” was established to encompass a comprehensive suite of instrumentation and to provide the necessary support for accurate ocular phenotyping. Specific instruments include Bioptigen 840 nm SD-OCT and Micron IV digital fundus camera for small animals, Optomotry optokinetic nystagmus in small animals including rats, mice and zebrafish, and Spectralis SDOCT for large animals and human donor eyes. An S10 grant awarded to Dr. Paul Gamlin in 2020 has allowed the purchase of three new tools that will greatly enhance ocular phenotyping of both large and small animal tissues 1) Zeiss Lumera 700 ReScan with Resight 700 operating microscope with intraoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging; 2) FLEX Module Spectralis OCT2 System for imaging the retina and optic nerve head with structural and angiographic OCT, in animals at various body positions; 3) Anterior Segment CASIA SS-1000 swept source OCT (Tomey Corp.) for imaging the cornea, iris, and lens in large animals, as well as the whole eye in small animals. This core will support 15 UAB Vision Scientists, including 13 with planned moderate to extensive all of whom are currently NEI R01-funded. The Director and Associate Director of this proposed core have extensive publication experience in electroretinography and OCT validation/ interpretation, respectively. New directions for the core will include the completion of a new LED-based ERG system that will simplify this testing. Further, an existing AOSLO system originally designed for human retinal imaging will be re-engineered in order to image rodent and tree shrew eyes in vivo. At the same time, capabilities for fluorescence imaging and cell-targeted photo-stimulation will be added. Additionally, Ocular Phenotyping Opportunities will be advertised to identify new ocular mouse models through full ocular phenotyping screens of mouse models generated by non-ocular scientists whose animals were originally generated to answer questions pertinent to their organ systems of interest.