The Vanderbilt Ophthalmic Contract Research Organization (VO-CRO), is a research enterprise dedicated to producing highest quality pre-clinical data in a timely manner. VO-CRO provides a service platform that combines state-of-the-art technology with unparalleled expertise in ophthalmic disease modeling. This platform facilitates evaluation of the effectiveness of putative therapeutic strategies in clinically relevant models, and extends to assessment of both structure and function of ocular tissues. Our capabilities include, but are not limited to: in vitro screening for target identification/verification and mechanistic studies of drug mechanisms-of-action (see cell-based models); in vivo rodent modeling of ocular pathologies (see animal-based models); macroscopic and microscopic longitudinal morphological phenotyping (see in vivo assays); and longitudinal evaluation of retinal function and visual acuity (see tox and PK).

Collectively, the research team at VO-CRO has 80 years of experience in providing service both nationally and internationally using models of ophthalmic disease. Our experts specialize in models of oxygen-induced retinopathy, various diabetes models leading to diabetic retinopathy, and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization along with numerous tissue-based and cell culture techniques.