Genetic eye diseases are a substantial cause of vision loss. These diseases include various disorders and complications that affect different parts of the eye. Recent discoveries of genes responsible for causing different hereditary ocular diseases have significantly improved our perspective on the mechanism and pathogenesis of eye diseases. They have also affected population screening patterns and genetic counseling strategies for families. Furthermore, these findings have paved the way for novel treatment approaches such as gene therapy. In this regard, the Genetics and Gene Therapy Unit has been established in the Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science to expand the boundaries of knowledge nationally and internationally. The key strategies of this unit are as follows:

• • Screening patients for the known genes
  • Identifying new genes linked to hereditary ocular disorders
  • Conducting functional studies about molecular mechanisms and pathogenesis of ocular diseases
  • Conducting population-based epidemiological research in different Iranian ethnic communities
  • Defining and implementing gene therapy projects