Ophthalmology | Featured Specialties | UC Davis Health

Mark Rosenblatt, vice chancellor of human health sciences at UC Davis Health and an internationally recognized clinician-scientist, studies corneal peripheral nerve regeneration following injury and the development of nanoengineered biomaterials for stem cell delivery to the ocular surface. His laboratory investigates how damaged corneal nerves regenerate and how functional recovery can be optimized.

Researchers at the California National Primate Research Center at UC Davis identified an inherited form of blindness in rhesus macaques that closely resembles autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA). Led by Sara Thomasy, a professor with appointments in the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine and UC Davis Health’s Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, the team found a spontaneous mutation in the OPA1 gene that causes eye changes like those seen in people with ADOA.

UC Davis Health has named Thiran Jayasundera, M.D., as chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science. Jayasundera is internationally recognized for his work on inherited retinal diseases and integrating mental health support with eye care. In his new role, he will oversee clinical care, education, and research initiatives aimed at improving vision health and training the next generation of ophthalmologists.