# Ocular Phenotyping Core

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · 2020 · $72,891

## Abstract

Ocular Phenotyping Core
7. Project/Summary Abstract
Non-invasive assessment of eye structure and function is essential to both basic and translational research in
vision science. Widely used technologies include slit lamp for biomicroscopy of anterior and posterior segment,
electroretinography (ERG, for massed retinal signal separable into components), optical coherence tomography
(OCT) for display of layered tissues in posterior and anterior segments, 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, a new “Ocular Phenotyping Core” was established to encompass a comprehensive
suite of instrumentation and to provide the necessary support for a qualified PhD staff member to assist in
accurate ocular phenotyping. Specific instruments include Bioptigen 840 nm SD-OCT and Micron IV digital
fundus camera for small animals, Spectralis SDOCT for large animals and human donor eyes, and Optomotry
optokinetic nystagmus in small animals including mice and zebrafish. This core will support 15 UAB Vision
Scientists, including 13 with planned moderate to extensive use and 9 who are currently NEI R01-funded. Review
of publications during the two years prior to this application reveals excellent productivity using these
collaboratively purchased instruments, justifying the formalizing of these activities as a core. 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 include the establishment of MRI imaging for
calcium flux in rodent eyes. Additionally an “Ocular Phenotyping Fair” will be implemented to identify new ocular
mouse models through full ocular phenotyping screens of mouse models generated by non-ocular scientists that
were originally generated to answer questions pertinent to thier organ systems of interest.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9987612
- **Project number:** 5P30EY003039-40
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- **Principal Investigator:** Timothy W Kraft
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $72,891
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9987612

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9987612, Ocular Phenotyping Core (5P30EY003039-40). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9987612. Licensed CC0.

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