Sight is the sense people fear losing most. It allows us to navigate the world, maintain independence, stay safe and connect with those we love.
Today, much vision loss is still irreversible. In Canada, the leading causes of blindness are glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. While doctors can slow disease progression and help preserve sight, there are currently no cures.
In nature, species like goldfish and newts can regenerate remarkably complex eye structures from the retina to the optic nerve, revealing extraordinary potential for tissue repair.
Dr. Neeru Gupta, Professor and Head of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at UBC, returned to her alma mater in 2023 driven by the goal of restoring sight.
“Repair, restoration and regeneration—that’s the arc of where we’re headed. Regeneration is the destination, and it’s closer than most people think,” says Dr. Gupta. “What are we waiting for?”
Courage to dream
Over the years, numerous donors have supported the department to launch research projects, support trainees and purchase state-of-the-art technology, building a strong foundation for sustainable growth and meaningful impact.
“Philanthropy allows us to be bolder, to step up to the dream,” says Dr. Gupta. “We are grateful to all our donors.”
She holds the Stephen M. Drance Chair in Ophthalmology, endowed in memory of her mentor during her PhD research at UBC and the visionary behind the Vancouver Eye Care Centre. The first of its kind in North America to integrate research, training and clinical care under one roof, the centre was established in the 1980s with philanthropic investments from IODE British Columbia Chapter to UBC.
Fast-forward 45 years to IODE BC and the Aune Foundation supporting the launch of the Human Ocular Research Program, a new research hub within the Eye Care Centre where donated human eye tissue will be studied to rapidly advance treatments for patients with a wide spectrum of conditions such as glaucoma, retinal, corneal and optic nerve diseases, and diseases that manifest in the eye including cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Eye health matters to overall health
The eye is also a powerful sensor of what’s happening inside the brain and body. A routine eye exam can detect changes in the retina and optic nerve that may reveal microvascular damage or neurological stress—indicators of conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and increased stroke risk. Early detection not only protects vision but can prevent serious health complications and even save lives.
Remarkably, Dr. Gupta was part of a research team that helped detect ALS changes in the long axons of the retina that lead to the brain. This discovery of a new marker of ALS in the eye opens the door to collaborations with ALS experts at UBC’s Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health on early detection.
Within the Human Ocular Research Program, UBC investigators will develop retinal organoids, or miniature human retinas, to replicate the retinal environment and test regenerative strategies aimed at restoring vision. This work unites world-class expertise in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences with cutting-edge innovation from disciplines across UBC, including the School of Biomedical Engineering in the Gordon B. Shrum Building, creating bold collaborations to accelerate breakthroughs in regenerative medicine.
“This is a game-changing moment in history—we have entered an unprecedented era in science,” says Dr. Gupta. “We now have advanced technologies in imaging, artificial intelligence, genetics, human disease models, precision medicine and regenerative biology. These approaches allow us to detect changes earlier, understand them more deeply and treat them more effectively, offering new hope for patients and their families.”
UBC is the place to be
Dr. Gupta returned to UBC to leverage the exceptional people and environment to help drive solutions to real-world problems through team science as she works toward her goal of repairing and restoring sight.
“Alone, we can’t do much. UBC is the place to be. The collaborations and expertise are world-class, second to none. We have a unique and rich culture that fosters biotech and start-ups. UBC is extremely committed to discovery that matters to real people. That’s the excitement and the draw.”
Dr. Neeru Gupta
Dr. Gupta was also drawn back to UBC because ophthalmology research can be closely integrated with clinical training and patient care across British Columbia, an approach that is essential and uniquely possible at UBC through the provincially distributed medical education program.
The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences uses advanced imaging techniques and telehealth technology for early detection of eye diseases and diabetic retinopathy in rural, remote and Indigenous communities across B.C.
“Equity and access require that we build these programs in an integrated way to restore sight and save lives,” says Dr. Gupta. “UBC gives us the space to imagine, innovate and achieve—and we are able to do so because of the extraordinary generosity of our community.”
To learn more about supporting the UBC Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, please contact Martha Nelson at martha.nelson@ubc.ca.