The NIH-funded P30 Vision 'Core' grant provides NEI-funded vision scientists with state-of-the-art technical support to enhance their individual research efforts. It also fosters collaborative research, as a means of attracting scientists who currently do not work on the visual system to the field of eye research. A further goal is to enhance the research capability of Washington University for conducting vision research by encouraging collaborative studies and attracting other scientists to vision research.

These objectives are achieved through the activity of four core modules, which provide the following services:

1. A "Morphology & Imaging" module provides technical support and expertise in the processing, sectioning, staining and morphological analysis of ocular cells and tissues at the light and electron microscopic level.

2. A "Visual Function Testing" module provides equipment and technical expertise in the assessment of visual performance in animal model systems.

3. A "Molecular Genetics" module provides assistance and expertise in the producction of transgenic/knockout/knockin mice, construction of gene constructs, and preparation of DNA clones and probes.

4. A "Biostatistics" module assists in the design and implementation of pilot studies, provides statistical and methodological expertise in study design, assures the validity of statistical analyses and reported results, and assists in training residents and clinicians in areas of research methodology.

"Members" of the Visual Research Community can use the "CORE Resources" link for specific Information.