The research deals with the development of a new, multidimensional drug based on inhibitory small molecules for the treatment of retinal and vascular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, wet age-related macular degeneration, and venous occlusions. We were able to demonstrate using cell cultures, tissues, and an animal model that our new compound, which works through a combined mechanism that is different from current treatments in clinical use, is highly effective in suppre

Sapir presented her research on the genetics of retinal diseases - finding new genes and mutations that cause these diseases and developing genetic therapies.

In a study conducted at Hadassah Medical Center in collaboration with the Jerusalem Multidisciplinary Academic Center, data from 557 cataract surgeries performed by ophthalmology residents (2018–2022) were analyzed. The aim of the study was to identify factors that predict non-clinically significant improvement in visual acuity (BCVA) after surgery, using machine learning models to create a personalized prediction tool. It was found that in 23% of patients, the improvement in

Scientific program When the battery runs out: on mitochondrial eye diseases Dr. Miri Erenberg, Schneider Children's Center 20:25-20:45 How to identify a new gene involved in hereditary retinal disease C19orf44 as a case study Prof. Tami Ben-Yosef, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion ​ 20:50-21:10 Genetic counseling - everything you wanted to know but didn't dare to ask: who, when, why and how Prof. Idit Maya, Recanati Institute for Genetics, Rabin Medical Center, Tel Aviv

The annual conference was held this year in May, in Utah, United States, and was well-attended by members of the association. Conference participation scholarships were awarded to researchers who presented outstanding work, courtesy of the “See” Association and the Israeli Ophthalmological Society. Maxim Bez Fabrication and characterization of 3D-printed, stem cell-derived tri-layered retinal implants Tamar Azard-Leibovitz A new rat model for retinal degeneration: The GCaMP6

מחקר פורץ דרך שפורסם ב־ Nature Medicine צוות מדענים מ־181 מדינות, ביניהם חוקרים מישראל (פרופ' איתי חוברס, פרופ' חיים לוי, ד"ר אורלי גל־אור, פרופ' דינה צור ועוד), הקים את: Global RETFound Consortium פלטפורמה ייחודית מבוססת בינה מלאכותית לניתוח הדמיות עיניות. המערכת לומדת באופן עצמי ומסוגלת לאבחן מחלות עיניים בדיוק גבוה, ללא צורך בתיוג מקדים של מומחים. מדובר בשיתוף פעולה בינלאומי רחב היקף, והפלטפורמה זמינה בחינם לכל מוסדות הרפואה בעולם.

An article published in The American Journal of Pathology presents new findings regarding the ability of the neuropeptide α-MSH (α-Melanocyte–Stimulating Hormone) to preserve corneal endothelial function after injury. The corneal endothelial cells are responsible for regulating fluids and maintaining tissue transparency, but their ability to regenerate is extremely limited. Currently, corneal transplantation is the only therapeutic option for restoring endothelial function, a

An article published in Nature Biotechnology presents an innovative approach to improving the applicability of Prime Editing – an advanced genome editing technology that enables the creation of precise changes such as substitutions, insertions, and deletions. The main challenge so far has been in efficiently and safely transferring the editing components into living cells. In this study, engineered virus particles (PE-eVLPs) were developed that allow for the transient deliver

Published in Nature Medicine A new study presents a breakthrough in the treatment of Stargate disease – a hereditary degenerative disease of the retina, which causes blindness due to a mutation in the ABCA4 gene. The researchers developed a dual AAV virus-based system, which allows for precise genetic base editing to correct the most common mutation in the disease. The tool was tested in advanced models of human retinal cells, organoids, as well as in primates, and achieved e

The annual conference will be held at the Daniel Hotel on March 11, 2026 – more details coming soon. You are invited to secure your place, at early registration rates*: Senior Researcher / Senior Physician Early registration until 11.2.2026 - 450 NIS Late registration from 12.2.2026 to 10.3.2026 - 500 NIS Registration on the day of the conference - 550 NIS Student (including postdoctoral fellows) / Intern (including fellows) Early registration until 11.2.2026 - 350 NIS Late r

Published in Nature Communications Understanding the mechanisms controlling tear secretion is essential for dealing with dry eye syndrome. This study sheds new light on the role of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which, contrary to current understanding, is not merely marginal, but constitutes a critical "gatekeeper" in regulating secretion. It was found that activation of the sympathetic nerves reduces the amount of tears by activating the α1a receptor in gland cells,