This week, Avril welcomes Professor John Flannery to the Retina International In-Focus podcast. John is Professor of Vision Science and Neuroscience in the Department of Molecular Biology in University of California, Berkeley.

In this episode, John’s explains the concept of optogenetics; a technique which involves light and genetic engineering (editing the genetic information) to control neuronal cells, and how he is applying it in his research to restore normal light-sensing capability to the photoreceptor cells of the retina and treat retinal conditions.

Photoreceptor cells are responsible for detecting light which enters the eye and converting it to electrical impulses which are delivered to the brain, so images can be formed of our external environment. As many common and rare retinal conditions are caused by the degeneration and death of the rod and cone photoreceptor cells to cause a decline in peripheral or central vision respectively.

In addition to discussing optogenetics, John also discusses other forms of gene therapy which are being investigated in treating a number of common and inherited retinal diseases, including Age-related Macular Degeneration and Leber Congenital Amaurosis.