Technology Innovation

Ophthalmic device and drug development

Our group is also interested in improving delivery of care for patients with ophthalmic diseases using novel biomedical tools.  Our current research collaborations include developing a medical device to deliver rapid, non-pharmacologic anesthesia for in-office ophthalmic procedures, a hydrogel-based drug delivery platform for intravitreal injection of multiple therapeutic agents, and the development of nanoparticles and novel kinase inhibitors for the treatment of ocular cancer.

Grant Support

• Paul R. Lichter, MD Discovery Discovery Fund
  Besirli (PI)
  12/01/2015-11/30/2017
  University of Michigan
  Enhanced control over the release of multiple drugs for ocular diseases: Layer-by-layer assembly of drug-encapsulated particles and polyelectrolyte solutions

Head-Mounted Display Technology in Low Vision 

Few interventions exist to improve the vision-dependent functioning of patients with severe peripheral vision loss. For this reason, our team is exploring the potential benefits of head-mounted display technology for this low vision population. We are examining the effect of this technology on a host of clinical, gait, mobility and quality-of-life outcomes. We are also working to optimize this technology so that it will best meet the needs of our patients. 

Grant Support

Michigan Institute for Clinical and health Research
Role: PI
12/1/2016-11/30/2017
Optical Head-Mounted Display Technology for Low Vision Rehabilitation

Ophthalmology is one of the most technology-driven medical specialties with numerous recent advances due to improvements in technology. The Paulus Advanced Eye Imaging and Laser Laboratory focuses on applying physics, bioengineering, optics, nanotechnology, and mathematical modeling to develop novel retinal imaging systems and laser therapies.  Our group has co-developed a novel, inexpensive system for providing tele-ultrasound, co-founded a retinal imaging company, and investigate pattern scanning laser photocoagulation (PASCAL), laser-tissue interactions, and restorative retinal laser therapy to create minimally traumatic retinal laser therapy. They have developed more targeted laser therapy through modulation of pulse duration (from millisecond to nanosecond pulse durations), wavelength, beam characteristics, and physical modulators. In addition, our group seeks to use the synergistic effect of combination therapies, for example with our newly developed and patented Photo-mediated Ultrasound Therapy (PUT), which uses a combination of ultra-short nanosecond laser combined with ultrasound to selectively cause microcavitation bubbles and treatment of pathologic microvasculature. In addition, our group works to develop new imaging platforms, such as photoacoustic microscopy, and multimodal molecular imaging of the retina and choroid for retinal ischemic diseases, including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, vein occlusions, and sickle cell retinopathy.

Grant Support

• 4K12EY022299, National Institutes of Health, National Eye Institute
  PI: Thomas Gardner
  05/01/2016 – 04/30/2018
  Real-time In Vivo Visualization of the Molecular Processes in Choroidal Neovascularization
  Role: Scholar
• Fight for Sight – International Retinal Research Foundation FFSGIA16002
  PI: Yannis M. Paulus
  07/01/2016 – 12/31/2017
  Realtime In Vivo Visualization of the Molecular Processes in Retinal and Choroidal Neovascularization
  Role: PI
• Alliance for Vision Research
  PI: Yannis M. Paulus
  03/01/2017 – 02/28/2018
  Photo-mediated Ultrasound Therapy as a Novel Adjunct Therapy for Macular Degeneration
  Role: PI
• Knights Templar Eye Foundation
  PI: Tapan Patel
  07/01/2017 – 06/30/2018
  Smartphone-based Wide-Field Fundus Photography for Diagnosis and Telemedicine in Pediatric Retinal Diseases
  Role: Preceptor

The Wong lab is developing novel lighting technologies that enhance alertness and productivity during the daytime, and an inexpensive smartphone-based eyewear for persons with low vision.

Grant Support

• National Eye Institute
• Promobilia Foundation (Sweden)
• MCubed (University of Michigan)