Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute: Fellowships & Vision Research

Smith-Kettlewell’s Mission: Advancing Human Vision Science

Our mission is to create a unique environment for research on human vision to increase the understanding of normal vision in support of vision disorders, clinical research to develop new diagnostic procedures and treatments for visual and other sensory disorders, and engineering research to produce better techniques for aid and rehabilitation of the blind and partially sighted.

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Recent Publications

A cartoon of two individuals walking along a street with thought bubbles imagining a fall and an ambulance for one and consternation about foot placement in the other.
Shanidze, N.M., Agathos, C.P., Ellmers, T.J., & Young, W.R., (2026). Links Between Central Visual Field Loss and Movement Processing during Walking. Gait & Posture, 110095.
(2026). The best stereoacuity is rarely at the fovea. Vision Research, 240, 108748. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.visres.2025.108748
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Guénot, J. & Verghese, P. (2026). Cue combination for depth perception in macular degeneration: Motion parallax augments disparity. Journal of Vision, 26(1), 11-11. https://doi.org/10.1167/jov.26.1.11
diagram of a head rotation that does not produce an eye counterrotation and instead the eyes are rotated to a new target by the head
Shanidze, N.M. & Velisar, A. (2025). Cancellation of the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex during Smooth Pursuit in Patients with Maculopathy. Frontiers in Neurology, 16, 1632527.
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Explore SKERI

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History of SKERI

The Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute is a nonprofit, independent research institute affiliated with and located adjacent to California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. It is a place where Vision Science has been on the cutting edge since 1960. Did you know that it was here at SKERI that the clinical applications of Botox were pioneered? Read more…

Collage of RERC staff mebers and RERC projects

Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center

The Center’s research goal is to develop and apply new scientific knowledge and practical, cost-effective devices to better understand and address the real-world problems of blind, visually impaired, and deaf-blind consumers.

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Internships and volunteering at SKERI

At The Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute, we offer a wide variety of projects that frequently welcome interns and other dedicated volunteers. If you have a passion for making a difference and would like to contribute your time and expertise to our cause, we would love to hear from you.

Latest News

Oakland High School’s Students Visit Smith-Kettlewell

February 6th, 2026

SKERI Postdoctoral Fellow Awarded Federal Grant for Research on Neural Plasticity and Echolocation

October 3rd, 2025

New Publication in the American Journal of Ophtalmology Challenges Current Views on Mobility in Central Visual Field Loss

October 1st, 2025

Audiom Wins GAADY Award

September 19th, 2025

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Upcoming Events

Speaker: Gina di Grazia, MA, OTR/L, COMS, CLVT

What is Orientation and Mobility (O&M), and How Can it Help Me?

Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 – 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM

This June, we will have guest speaker Gina di Grazia join us to discuss how to individualize orientation and mobility with the use of tools and practice. Gina is an occupational therapist who specializes in mobility and low vision, and this month one of her clients will be joining us to provide a full perspective of what it means to participate in individualized care. Gina will also be providing tools such as canes to practice on-site. Her goal is to build feelings of safety, confidence, and independence in the blindness/low vision community, we really hope you join us to discover...

Peer Discussion: Share and Hear the Experiences of Blindness & Low Vision

Wednesday, July 15th, 2026 – 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM

This July, our focus will be on the experiences of our members. We will not be having a speaker, and we invite you to share the triumphs and hardships of living with blindness and low vision. Please join us in providing an open space where we can support each other in our journeys, no matter the origin or the destination.

Get Involved

If you are interested in vision science or want to learn more about low vision and blindness, there are many opportunities to get involved at The Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute.

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