About
The Restorative Retinal Lab is a translational research lab located at the Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center. Our team focuses on advancing the understanding of retinal and macular degeneration, specifically Retinitis Pigmentosa, AMD, and diabetic retinopathy. We specialize in the development and use of patient-derived RPE models and retinal organoids, which are miniature retinas grown in a lab setting. We use High high-throughput screening approaches for drug discovery and develop nanotechnology-based gene delivery systems. Our ultimate goal is to develop innovative therapies to restore or preserve vision for patients with retinal degenerative diseases.
Current Projects
RP disease modelling and treatment development using patients' iPSC-derived retinal models
By combining stem cell technologies, high-throughput screening, and personalized medicine strategies, we aim to shed light on RP pathogenesis and potentially develop novel, individualized treatment options for RP patients.
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Targeting retinal microglia cells as a potential therapy to slow down vision loss in retinal degeneration patients
This research project is focused on investigating the activation mechanisms of retinal microglial cells and developing treatments that mitigate the innate immune responses in the retina. This study has potential implications for the treatment of various retinal disorders.
Chromatic Pupilloperimtery for early diagnosis of eye and brain pathologies
Chromatic pupillometry system is an innovative technology that enables non-invasive, sensitive mapping of rods, cones, and intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) at various locations of the retina. We are testing the feasibility of using this system to study the visual pathways affected in patients with neurodegeneration diseases including retinitis pigmentosa, optic neuritis, brain tumors and Parkinson's disease
Awards & Scholarships
2021 Sheba T.L.M Award for Distinguished Ph.D. Researchers
2014 Israeli Society of Vision and Eye Research Travel Award
2013 Shimon Rokah Award for Distinguished Young Researcher
2005 Canadian Institutes of Health Research Fellowship Award
2004 Sandor Szego Excellence in Teaching Awards
2003 Technion Scholarship for Excellence; Graduate School
2003 Sandor Szego Excellence in Teaching Awards
2002 Katzir student Travel Fellowship
2002 Sandor Szego Excellence in Teaching Awards
2001 Wolf Foundation Scholarship
2000 EMBO Fellowship for Outstanding Graduate Students
1997 Wolf Foundation Scholarship
1996 President of the Technion Award
1995 President of the Technion Award
1994 President of the Technion Award
1993 President of the Technion Award