Doheny and UCLA Stein Eye Institutes Welcome Steven Barnes, PhD, to the Vision Science Faculty

LOS ANGELES, June 22, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Doheny and UCLA Stein Eye Institutes proudly welcome Steven Barnes, PhD, to the UCLA Department of Ophthalmology as Professor. Dr. Barnes' expertise lies in neurobiology of the retina, ion channel biophysics and physiology, synaptic mechanisms, calcium signaling, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and retinal dysfunctions in traumatic brain injury.

Dr. Barnes was most recently Professor of Physiology & Biophysics and Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He has also been a researcher for the Department of Neurobiology at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine since 2007.

Dr. Barnes' scope of research is wide-reaching in saving sight, and he will be applying his skills to various projects and initiatives. He will be working alongside our world-class vision scientists at Doheny-UCLA and will take part in the Stephen J. Ryan Initiative for Macular Research (RIMR), a Doheny program that brings together the best in basic science, engineering, medical research, and clinical experts to develop a better understanding of age-related atrophic macular degeneration. Dr. Barnes' work investigates retinal dysfunction and disease, specifically in regard to the roles of voltage and ligand-gated ion channels in the visual function of the retina. He has dedicated his professional career to the identification of therapeutic strategies that could reduce, eliminate or slow damage to retinal neurons in diseases such as glaucoma.

"I am extremely proud and honored to begin this position with Doheny-UCLA," says Dr. Barnes. "I am looking forward to developing strong, collaborative relationships with members of Doheny-UCLA to work on my interests in bioenergetics of retinal physiology in respect to photo receptors and ganglia cells."

Dr. Barnes received his PhD in Neurobiology from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1985. He completed his post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Washington before moving on to the University of Calgary in 1989. In 1998, Dr. Barnes became Professor of the Departments of Physiology & Biophysics and Ophthalmology & Visual Science at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada. He continued his tenure there while simultaneously serving as a visiting researcher and then as a researcher for the Department of Neurobiology at UCLA. Dr. Barnes also served as biologist for the Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Health System from 2011-2015. Dr. Barnes' dedication to his craft is evident in his eager assumption of the various scientific posts he has held.  His work and list of achievements highlight his dedication to collaborative research and team building, and his skills demonstrate scientific leadership at an international level.

About Doheny Eye Institute
For over 70 years, Doheny Eye Institute has been at the forefront of vision science. From seeking new ways to free blockages that prevent fluid drainage in glaucoma, to replacing retinal cells in age-related macular degeneration, to providing colleagues worldwide with standardized analyses of anatomical changes in the eyes of patients, Doheny clinicians and scientists are changing how people see -- and also how they think about the future of vision.

Doheny Eye Institute and UCLA Stein Eye Institute have joined forces to offer the best in patient care, vision research, and education. This affiliation combines the strength, reputation, and distinction of two of the nation's top eye institutions to advance vision research, education, and patient care in Southern California.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Media Contact:
Christopher C. Conway
Direct: (323) 342-7111
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Doheny Eye Institute