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For over a decade, the Oakland University Eye Research Institute (ERI) has collaborated with the Pediatric Retinal Research Foundation to advance research in pediatric retinal diseases. This long-standing partnership has now expanded to include the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine (OUWB) Eye Research Center (ERC), established in 2021, further strengthening our commitment to groundbreaking discoveries in pediatric retina research.

Through this partnership, we have successfully established the Pediatric Retinal Research Laboratory (PRRL), providing a dedicated space at the ERI/ERC for innovative studies aimed at understanding and treating pediatric retinal disorders. Additionally, this partnership actively supports the research endeavors of undergraduate and medical students at both Oakland University and OUWB, fostering an excellent training of the next generation of vision scientists and physician-researchers.

To further promote excellence in pediatric retinal research, we have also implemented pilot research grants, offering crucial funding to investigators exploring new therapeutic approaches for pediatric retinal diseases. This initiative not only enhances research capabilities at ERI/ERC but also contributes to the broader mission of improving childhood eye health through scientific discovery and innovation.

Together, our institutions remain committed to advancing knowledge, training future leaders, and developing new therapies for pediatric retinal diseases.

A tray of microscope slides with pink and blue samples

Ophthalmic Biobank

Our Ophthalmic Biobank is the first database to specifically bank tissue from patients with a wide variety of vision disorders. A biobank allows for the collection of large numbers of samples of rare diseases. From these tissues, subsequent targeted research can be directed as new technology becomes available. The samples have no patient-identifying demographics making a safe repository of valuable data that opens the door for researchers with specific interests and skill to study these diseases.

An example of how a large biobank database helps improve research was our discovery that a specific gene expression pathway, seen in the inherited eye disease Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy, is also involved with premature birth. Newer technologies allow for even more associations between vision- threatening diseases and genetic pathways using Next-Gen Sequencing, done at the Pediatric Retina Research Laboratory at Oakland University. Whole genome sequencing will lead to uncovering clues in the DNA/genes of children and adults impacted by hereditary retinal conditions.

Learn more about how to participate

Two female scientific researchers in white lab coats look into a microscope

Oakland University PRRL

The Pediatric Retinal Research Laboratory at Oakland University is the first laboratory of its kind solely dedicated to pediatric retinal diseases from basic science issues to the development of new therapies.

Funded through the generous contribution of the Clohset family, the “PRRL” (pronounced pearl) opened in 2011. The PRRL lab houses up to date genetic testing facilities, tissue culturing facilities, and animal procedure and imaging facilities as well as internet-based video conferencing to collaborate with other investigators around the world.

Learn more about the PRRL lab at Oakland University

Pediatric Retinal Research Lab Tour

Stephanie Saville, PRRF Foundation Manager, is hosted though a tour of the Oakland University Pediatric Retinal Research Lab (Rochester Hills, MI).

2026 Grants

PRRF is now accepting proposals for its 2026 Pilot Grant Awards — funding up to $20,000 for retinal research projects with the potential to make a meaningful impact on pediatric populations.

This opportunity is open to faculty, vision scientists, and ophthalmologists affiliated with Oakland University’s Eye Research Institute, the Oakland University William Beaumont Eye Research Center, and the Beaumont Eye Institute.

Proposals are due June 30, 2026. Funding decisions will be announced by September 1, 2026.

Click the button below to more about eligibility requirements, application guidelines, and how to submit your proposal.

Learn more

Past Grants Awarded

In 2025, we awarded five (5) pilot research grants totaling $65,000.

The 2025 Oakland University Eye Research Institute awardees include (in no specific order):

- The Interplay Between Norrin and TGF / BMP Signaling in Retinal Fibrosis
  Principal Investigator: Dr. Kenneth Mitton, PhD
- Anti-Fibrosis Treatment for Corneal Scarring
  Principal Investigator: Dr. Kimberly Drenser, MD, PhD
- Therapeutic Strategy of L-dopa for Premature-Like Retinal Neovascularization
  Principal Investigator: Dr. Dao-Qi Zhang, PhD
- Modification in Mitochondria Heteroplasmic in the Retina of Kearns-Sayre Syndrome Patients
  Principal Investigator: Dr. Luis Villa Diaz, PhD
- Exploring the Role and Mechanism of Platelet Activation and Microthrombi in Retinopathy of Prematurity
  Principal Investigator: Dr. Amy Tawfik, MD, M.Sc

PRRF serie educatieve video's

How PRRF supports the PRRL

Dr. Kimberly Drenser shares how the PRRF supports the Pediatric Retinal Research Lab at Oakland University, how the lab’s research launched the initial development of the drug Noregen (through Caeregen Therapeutics) which entering clinical trials with the potential to treat the population that started the research in first place.