The Visual Neurophysiology Platform studies the disease mechanisms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) using a panel of innovative non-invasive retinal structure assessments as well as advanced visual function assessments.

Recent scientific innovations – especially the proof-of-principle for multiple genetic therapies in pre-clinical models – bring the promise of 'personalized medicine' to life. However, given the fortunately slow progression rates of most IRDs in the short term, demonstrating the therapeutic efficacy of treatments remains challenging. Thus, our group aims to develop and systematically evaluate novel, precise visual function assessments that are highly responsive to change over time.

Our group's previous developments include the 'patient-tailored perimetry' paradigm to monitor atrophy progression in AMD or Stargardt disease. Further, we apply artificial intelligence (AI)-based structure-function analysis to infer retinal light sensitivity ('inferred sensitivity') as well as higher-order facets of visual function (i.e., reading speed, visual quality-of-life) from imaging data. These AI-based approaches help to identify the critical determinants of visual function as potential treatment targets. Moreover, imaging-based 'inferred sensitivity' can serve as a substitute for time-consuming psychophysical testing, especially in patients who are unable to undergo laborious testing.

As a last, but essential step toward translation, the IOB Visual Neurophysiology Platform will conduct natural-history studies to generate pre-treatment natural history data to enable statistically efficient treatment trial designs.