Seeking the fundamental understanding of vision, from molecules to cells and tissues to visual perception, and to apply this knowledge to finding cures for blindness.

Our center is dedicated to discovery science focused on a fundamental understanding of the neurobiology of the retina and central visual system. Our ultimate goal is to understand the mechanisms of disease and develop therapeutics that eliminate blindness.  

To achieve this goal, we have created a collaborative research team that reflects the great diversity of our state and our mission. Our faculty and staff scientists have come to Syracuse from the world over—Italy, Japan, Argentina, California, Iowa—and even Queens. Our students are similarly diverse, drawn from the best schools in the Northeast but also from China, India, and South America.  

Our second goal is to train the next generation of vision researchers. To achieve this goal, we have developed a collaborative network of faculty and senior mentors for students at all levels. Our commitment to this collaborative effort is reflected in our busy schedule of group meetings, shared student training, and mentoring.

Our new home in the Neurosciences Research Building is the result of years of careful planning to promote and foster this collaborative spirit. The NRB houses shared state-of-the-art microscopy and imaging facilities, including a super-resolution microscope and multi-photon confocal microscopy.

In addition, CVR faculty maintains a cutting-edge physiological and behavioral core to study the visual system. University core facilities extend the range of our experimental techniques, providing CVR investigators with virtually unlimited capacity. Our extensive world-wide collaborations provide even more resources.