Doheny-UCLA Annual Breakfast Forum at ARVO 2026
Eye on Innovation: Cutting-Edge New Approach Methodologies in Ophthalmology
NAMs are transforming vision research. Join global leaders exploring retinal organoids, microfluidic systems, and AI-driven models.
As biomedical research shifts toward more predictive, human-relevant systems, New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) are redefining how we study ocular disease and develop therapies. From advanced 3D tissue engineering to micro-physiological systems and AI-powered digital platforms, these technologies are accelerating discovery while aligning with emerging scientific and regulatory priorities.
This forum brings together internationally recognized leaders to showcase three cutting-edge NAM platforms transforming vision research:
- A microfluidic retinal ganglion cell system
- Organoid model of the retina
- An AI-enabled “digital twin” of the retinal pigment epithelium
Brief presentations will be followed by an interactive discussion.
Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026
Time: 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM (MDT)
Location: Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center, 650 15th St, Denver, CO 80202
Conference Room: Mineral Hall D-E
Amani A Fawzi, MD
Cyrus Tang and Lee Jampol Professor of Ophthalmology
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine
Yali Jia, PhD
Professor of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine
Professor of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine
Jennie P. Weeks Professor of Ophthalmology
Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, School of Medicine
Oregon Health & Science University
Jianhua (Jay) Wang, MD, PhD
Professor
Scientific Co-Director of Experimental Imaging Laboratory
Department of Ophthalmology Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami
Moderator:
Scientist
Doheny Eye Institute
Hosts:
Deborah A. Ferrington, PhD
Chief Scientific Officer
Stephen J. Ryan-Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation
Endowed Presidential Chair, Doheny Eye Institute
Professor of Ophthalmology, UCLA
Roxana A. Radu, MD
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology
Vernon O. Underwood Family Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology
David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA
Principal Investigator, Jules Stein Eye Institute – UCLA
Presentations/Speakers:
Engineering the Human Optic Nerve on a Chip: An iPSC-Derived Microfluidic Retinal Ganglion Cell Platform
Jason Meyer, PhD
A. Donald Merritt Professor of Medical & Molecular Genetics
Director, Stark Neurosciences Stem Cell Research Group,
Indiana University School of Medicine
Building a 3D Human Model of the Outer Retina
Valeria Canto-Soler, PhD
Doni Solich Family Chair in Ocular Stem Cell Research
Director, CellSight – Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Research Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine
RPE Digital Twin Reveals Subtype-Specific Polarization and Mesenchymal Drift in Ciliopathy RPE Cells
Kapil Bharti, PhD
Senior Investigator, Ocular & Stem Cell Translational Research
Scientific Director, National Eye Institute