Project summary- Biobank Core The overall goal of the BioBank core is to help investigators process and store biological samples from patients with ocular disorders. The processing of biological samples from patients with ocular disorders is an integral part of many research programs at Massachusetts Eye and Ear (MEE). By providing a central facility for sample processing, the BioBank resources reduce duplicated efforts among investigators. Centralized storage and tracking using state-of-the-art programs ensures sample maintenance and protection and minimizes sample loss and mix-up. Additionally, providing assistance with sample collection helps young investigators and clinical scientists who may not yet have funding to collect useful patient samples. The collection of patient samples and/or DNA can be important preliminary data for funding applications for genetic or other analyses. The availability of patient sample resources also supports new investigations and collaborations, especially between basic and clinical scientists forming another bridge between basic and clinical research at MEE.