Lecture On: Adaptive Optics for Vision Science and Retinal Imaging

Adaptive optics is the brainchild of astronomer Horace W. Babcock. He proposed the technology to mitigate blur induced by atmospheric turbulence in ground-based telescopes. In vision science, adaptive optics has helped scientists to image the photoreceptors cells of the retina, adding a new dimension to ophthalmic diagnosis. The technology is also used to understand the role of aberrations in visual perception and to design new intraocular and contact lenses. In this talk, I will discuss recent developments in adaptive optics retinal imaging that will help the clinical translation of the technology. I will also talk about SimVis, a clinical device developed to facilitate the prescription of intraocular lenses and contact lenses and allow prospective cataract surgery patients to experience premium intraocular lenses before surgery. Finally, I shall discuss the current challenges and future research opportunities in the field.

Biography: 

Vyas Akondi is a Senior Research Scientist in the Dubra lab of Stanford University. He obtained his Ph.D. from the Department of Physics at IISc. As a PhD student, he received several best paper awards and travel grants for his work on astronomical adaptive optics. Later, he pursued two postdoctoral positions in the field of ophthalmic adaptive optics, one at the University College Dublin in Ireland and another at the Institute of Optics in Spain. In 2015, he was a founding partner of 2EyesVision, a startup company in Spain. He was elected as the Chair of the Vision Technical Group of the Optical Society of America for the 2019-2021 period. He is also a Senior Member of the Optical Society and was recognized as the outstanding reviewer by the Optical Society and Elsevier. His current research interests are in the field of ophthalmology, and more specifically, in the applications of adaptive optics and retinal imaging to improve the diagnosing and management of ocular, neurological and systemic disease.