Scientific

steve_heinen_1

Attentive and subconscious mechanisms of smooth pursuit

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Abstract: Ocular smooth pursuit is fragile and therefore a sensitive biomarker of many neurological problems. But numerous disorders produce similar pursuit deficits rendering pursuit diagnosis non-specific. We think this problem arises because pursuit is almost exclusively tested with a small spot – a stimulus that compels foveation which is a function of the saccadic system. We hypothesize that when a spot is pursued, it not only invokes pursuit, it spontaneously and simultaneously activates the saccadic system. As a result, this not only causes catch-up saccades but also introduces sub-saccadic signals into pursuit. Furthermore, while pursuit is characterized as attentive, we think attention is conferred to pursuit by the saccadic system, and that pursuit is otherwise driven by a subconscious mechanism. Alternatively, many characteristics of pursuit result only from it sharing circuitry with the saccadic system. We have evidence that non-spot pursuit stimuli, or alternative saccade targets, reduces catch-up saccades, and change attention allocation during pursuit. Experiments test: if attentive saccade signals modulate pursuit, if subconscious pursuit can be disentangled from saccades, and if attention selects spot and non-spot pursuit goals. Pursuit, of non-spot stimuli, may reveal different patterns of neural deficits that allow more specific diagnoses.

Role of luminance contrast in depth perception from disparity

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Abstract: Binocular disparity is a precise depth cue yet in view of its derivation from binocular geometry. it is generally considered to be independent of luminance contrast. Our study, however, demonstrates a profound effect of luminance contrast on perceived depth from disparity. Such results cannot be explained by the existing disparity energy models because it would predict no effect of luminance contrast on depth perception. Instead, we conducted a multi-stage model that involves a contrast gain control mechanism followed by the disparity averaging to account for the luminance contrast effect on perceived depth from disparity.

fletcher

The Fourteenth Annual Meeting Low Vision Rehabilitation Study Group

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Announcing the Fourteenth Annual Meeting   Low Vision Rehabilitation Study Group     Purpose:  An informal gathering of clinicians/clinical researchers in low vision rehab   ·         discuss problem cases   ·         share techniques   ·         brainstorm ideas for new treatments or investigations   ·         enjoy collegiality Location:  San Francisco, California   ·         hosted by Don Fletcher, Ron Cole, Gus Colenbrander, and Tiffany Chan   ·         sponsored by Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute (SKERI) and California Pacific Medical Center   ·         meeting is held at SKERI – 2318 Fillmore St., San Francisco, CA 94115   ·         rooms available at   o   Holiday Inn Golden Gate, Address: 1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109, Phone 🙁 415) 441-4000. Rates should be about $200 per night. Hotel is within walking distance of Smith-Kettlewell and has great views.   o   Kabuki Hotel, Address: 1625 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115, Phone (415) 922-3200. Rates should be about $200 per night. An old favorite now remodeled – close to SKERI and good restaurants on Fillmore St.   o   Rodeway Inn – Civic Center, 860 Eddy Street, San Francisco CA 94109. Phone: (415)474-4374. Basic accommodation. Rate should be in the low $100s.   o   Uber from any of these hotels to the meeting for under $10   Dates:  Feb 1 and Feb 2, 2019   ·         Friday and Saturday – 3 hour morning and afternoon discussion groups   ·         fly in Thursday evening and out on Sunday   ·         stay longer if you like, San Francisco is a magnificent city   Who is invited? ·         anyone actively involved in vision rehabilitation   ·         NOT newcomers wanting to get started   o   (sorry – get your feet wet then join us) Registration Fee:  NONE (zero, no charge, $0.00 – what a deal!)   ·         you find your way here, cover your hotel and food – that’s the cost of it   ·         Contact Don Fletcher at floridafletch@msn.com to save a spot for Friday/Saturday   Attire and Attitude:  Informal   ·         Neckties, degrees, affiliations, and stuffiness must be checked at the door. Format:  Informal   ·         no invited speakers   ·         bring a case or technique to discuss   ·         no set agenda – we will divide the time between all comers   ·         if time allows we can discuss and solve all the problems facing the field   ·         divided into physician and therapist groups with some joint sessions Promise:  We won’t always agree but we’ll have a good time as a group that has a        common interest/passion.          

fletcher

The Fourteenth Annual Meeting Low Vision Rehabilitation Study Group

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  Announcing the Fourteenth Annual Meeting   Low Vision Rehabilitation Study Group     Purpose:  An informal gathering of clinicians/clinical researchers in low vision rehab   ·         discuss problem cases   ·         share techniques   ·         brainstorm ideas for new treatments or investigations   ·         enjoy collegiality   Location:  San Francisco, California   ·         hosted by Don Fletcher, Ron Cole, Gus Colenbrander, and Tiffany Chan   ·         sponsored by Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute (SKERI) and California Pacific Medical Center   ·         meeting is held at SKERI – 2318 Fillmore St., San Francisco, CA 94115   ·         rooms available at   o   Holiday Inn Golden Gate, Address: 1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109, Phone 🙁 415) 441-4000. Rates should be about $200 per night. Hotel is within walking distance of Smith-Kettlewell and has great views.   o   Kabuki Hotel, Address: 1625 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115, Phone (415) 922-3200. Rates should be about $200 per night. An old favorite now remodeled – close to SKERI and good restaurants on Fillmore St.   o   Rodeway Inn – Civic Center, 860 Eddy Street, San Francisco CA 94109. Phone: (415)474-4374. Basic accommodation. Rate should be in the low $100s.   o   Uber from any of these hotels to the meeting for under $10   Dates:  Feb 1 and Feb 2, 2019   ·         Friday and Saturday – 3 hour morning and afternoon discussion groups   ·         fly in Thursday evening and out on Sunday   ·         stay longer if you like, San Francisco is a magnificent city   Who is invited?   ·         anyone actively involved in vision rehabilitation   ·         NOT newcomers wanting to get started   o   (sorry – get your feet wet then join us)   Registration Fee:  NONE (zero, no charge, $0.00 – what a deal!)   ·         you find your way here, cover your hotel and food – that’s the cost of it   ·         Contact Don Fletcher at floridafletch@msn.com to save a spot for Friday/Saturday   Attire and Attitude:  Informal   ·         Neckties, degrees, affiliations, and stuffiness must be checked at the door.   Format:  Informal   ·         no invited speakers   ·         bring a case or technique to discuss   ·         no set agenda – we will divide the time between all comers   ·         if time allows we can discuss and solve all the problems facing the field   ·         divided into physician and therapist groups with some joint sessions   Promise:  We won’t always agree but we’ll have a good time as a group that has a        common interest/passion.          

dr

IRB Latest and Greatest

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Abstract:   This meeting will address a variety of topics near and dear to the Institutional Review Board. Items will range from reminders of guidelines and rules related to PIs communicating with the IRB re: research plans, as well as addressing some of the updated procedures coming from the NIH. This Brown Bag is intended for anyone at SKERI who has anything to do with human research subjects.   Please bring any questions, comments, and concerns to share with the group.  

anja_july_29th_lecture_at_skeri

Considerations for Improvement in Structure Function Analysis in the Clinic and Research

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Abstract: Recent imaging techniques with the OCT give fast and easy information on retinal anatomy. The question arises whether this examination renders functional tests unnecessary. Clinical examples will be given to show that these tests complement one another rather than substitute one another. Can segmented macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) analysis further increase structure function correlation? How do different OCT brands (Spectralis and Cirrus) compare to one another and what impact do these differences have on structure function analysis. In regard to functional tests: Can visual field analysis be improved to better be able to compare structure to function? Can we improve our mfERG analysis to this regard.

prof_anja_wolfe_july_23_bb

Oculodynamic MRI– Possible Clinical Applications

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Abstrat:   Oculodynamic MRI recordings can be obtained as an addition to routine MRI recordings in 30 additional seconds. I will show examples of these eye movements, correlate them to clinical findings and expand on how this may help in the treatment of patients. For instance, presence or absence of impingement can be seen dynamically and treatment of trauma or tumors may be planed accordingly. 3-D visualization demonstrates bulbar and global EOM layers. Orbital nerves and vascular structures can be analyzed using special positions of the clipping plane. Both parts of the lacrimal gland can be visualized in detail. In TAO the marked enlargement of the lacrimal gland, the EOM and the orbital fat can be appreciated in 3D. Thus odMRI and detailed 3D rendering of the orbit offer exciting new diagnostic and therapeutic potential.