Doheny Eye Institute

What are we really afraid of when it comes to artificial intelligence in healthcare?

A new publication in the American Journal of Ophthalmology by Doheny Eye Institute researchers Alberto Quarta, MD, and SriniVas R. Sadda, MD, FARVO, in collaboration with Aaron Y. Lee, MD, Chair of the John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, explores both the promise and challenges of AI in ophthalmology.

The article, "AI in Ophthalmic Research and Patient Care – What Are We Really Afraid Of?", examines how AI may enhance disease detection, improve efficiency, and accelerate scientific discovery, while also addressing important considerations related to transparency, bias, trust, and patient care.

As AI continues to reshape medicine, thoughtful discussions such as these will help guide its responsible and effective use in advancing vision research and patient care.

Today, we recognize and thank the members of the Doheny Eye Institute Board of Directors for their dedication, leadership, and support.

Their commitment to advancing vision research helps fuel discoveries that have the potential to change lives.

We are grateful for all they do.

Researchers from the Doheny Image Reading and Research Lab (DIRRL) shared their latest work as part of the Work in Progress series, a forum designed to foster collaboration, spark new ideas, and advance vision research through open discussion.

Under the guidance of Dr. SriniVas Sadda, research fellow Alberto Quarta presented "Basal Laminar Deposits in Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Extensive Macular Atrophy with Pseudodrusen-like Appearance," while research fellow Shinichiro Chujo presented "Photoreceptor Density and Geographic Atrophy Progression."

These sessions provide an opportunity for researchers to share emerging findings, exchange perspectives, and inspire new questions that help drive scientific discovery forward.

Join us on June 12 for the UCLA Department of Ophthalmology Annual Seminar, a full day of clinical and research updates featuring leading experts from across ophthalmology.

We are especially proud to celebrate two distinguished Doheny alumni who will be honored lecturers at this year's program:

🔹 David Huang, MD, PhD, will deliver the 56th Jules Stein Lecture. A pioneer in ophthalmic imaging, Dr. Huang co-invented optical coherence tomography (OCT), a technology that transformed the diagnosis and management of eye disease worldwide.

🔹 Steven C. Schallhorn, MD, will present the 23rd Thomas H. Pettit Lecture. Dr. Schallhorn is internationally recognized for his contributions to refractive surgery and ophthalmic innovation.

The seminar will also feature distinguished lectures from Jacque Duncan, MD, and Valerie Biousse, MD, along with presentations from faculty of both Doheny Eye Institute and UCLA Stein Eye Institute.

📅 Friday, June 12, 2026
📍 UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute, Los Angeles
🎓 Up to 6.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

Learn more and register today. Visit https://ucla.cloud-cme.com/course/courseoverview?P=5&EID=9392

Applications are now open for the David R. Hinton Scholarship Program!

Established in 2023, the program honors Dr. David Hinton's longstanding commitment to advancing dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) research and mentoring the next generation of scientists.

The scholarship provides promising early-career researchers with the opportunity to attend the prestigious Ryan Initiative for Macular Research (RIMR) Conference, where leading experts collaborate to address the most pressing unanswered questions in dry AMD.

Scholarship recipients will engage directly with internationally recognized investigators, contribute to scientific discussions, and build valuable professional connections.

📅 Application Period: June 1 – August 3, 2026

Eligible applicants:
• MD, PhD, or equivalent degree
• Assistant Professor, Senior Instructor, or equivalent research scientist
• Academic institution appointment
• Demonstrated interest in dry AMD research

Learn more and apply: https://rimr.doheny.org/hinton/

For nearly 80 years, Doheny Eye Institute has been committed to excellence in vision research, advancing discoveries that improve lives and bring hope to those affected by blinding eye diseases.

As part of that commitment, the Doheny Professional Alumni Association has proudly supported emerging vision science leaders through its annual ARVO research awards for the past 25 years.

This year, four outstanding investigators were recognized for research advancing our understanding of diabetic eye disease, inherited optic nerve disorders, retinal imaging, aging, and age-related macular degeneration.

Congratulations to this year's awardees:
🏆 Mai Alhelaly
🏆 Maryam Golmohammadi
🏆 Ruixue Lu
🏆 Nathan Vu

Their work reflects the innovation, scientific rigor, and dedication that continue to shape the future of ophthalmology.

An incredible show of support from the Luminaires! Thank you for your generous gift to Doheny Eye Institute.

Support like this allows us to focus on what matters most, from tackling diseases like AMD and diabetic retinopathy to advancing AI that’s reshaping how we understand and treat vision loss.

We’re so grateful to have you with us in this work.

A closer look at precision in vision research.

Using a tool as delicate as a cat whisker, Dr. Emma Lessieur carefully dissects retinal tissue to study the cellular changes that drive blinding diseases such as diabetic retinopathy.

Research at this level demands extraordinary precision, patience, and innovation. It’s this painstaking work that helps uncover new pathways toward earlier detection and better treatments for patients facing vision loss. Support for vision research makes discoveries like these possible.

Doheny faculty supporting the future of ophthalmology.

Earlier this month, Dr. Benjamin Bert and Dr. Vikas Chopra were in Denver for the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) Oral Examinations. Dr. Bert served as an examiner, while Dr. Chopra contributes as a member of the ABO Board.

Their involvement helps ensure the highest standards in training and certification across the field.