Vision Research Center

USC and MUSC are partners in developing new drug and gene-based therapies to prevent and treat age-related eye diseases at the Vision Research Center.

“The risk of developing eye diseases, such as cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy increases with age,” said Craig Crosson, project director, professor, and vice chairman for MUSC's ophthalmology research.

“The goal of the center is to develop products, devices, and pharmaceuticals that reduce vision impairment and blindness and expand economic development for the citizens of South Carolina,” said Richard Davis, USC School of Medicine faculty. “We want to recruit three endowed professorships to build on the existing research and clinical strengths of MUSC and USC, and we want to plan the strengths of USC engineering to apply nanotechnology to develop clinical breakthroughs regarding treatment of blinding eye disease.”

The center is expected to create technical staff jobs, attract at least $1 million in annual research funding, and encourage business start-ups.