View Annual Report - Jules Stein Eye Institute

Joseph L. Demer, mD, PhD
Leonard Apt Professor of Pediatric Ophthalmology
Professor of Neurology
Chief of the Pediatric Ophthalmology and
Strabismus Division
Member of the Jules Stein Eye Institute
ReseaRch summaRy
Motility and Vision
Dr. Demer studies the role of the brain and extraocular
muscles in the control of eye movements and visual
perception. He is directing a National Eye Institute
research project aimed at developing an understanding
of the role of orbital connective tissues and nerves in
the development of binocular coordination disorders,
such as strabismus, and is developing new technologies
for magnetic resonance imaging of extraocular muscles
and nerves. This research has contributed to the
knowledge of the functional anatomy of extraocular
muscles and connective tissues, allowing development
of new types of surgeries.
Dr. Demer’s research also employs novel micro- and
nano-technological techniques to study the biomechanical
properties of the extraocular muscles and associated
tissues, as well as optical and x-ray imaging of the
effects of physiological forces in the tissues.
34 Faculty | Demer
Public Service
Editorial Board Member, Investigative Ophthalmology
and Visual Science
Associate Editor, Strabismus
Grant Reviewer, United States Public Health Service
Scientific Advisory Committee Member, Knights Templar
Eye Foundation and Eye Sight Foundation of Alabama
Council Member, International Strabismological Association
National Eye Institute Board of Scientific Counselors,
ad hoc member
Reviewer for many scientific journals
Research Grants
National Eye Institute: Biomechanical Analysis in
Strabismus Surgery, 5/1/06–4/30/12
National Eye Institute/Children’s Hospital Boston:
Genetic and Anatomic Basis of the Fibrosis Syndrome,
12/1/08–11/30/11
Research to Prevent Blindness: Walt and Lilly Disney Award
for Amblyopia Research, 7/1/04–12/31/12