Susanna Park, M.D., Ph.D.
School of Medicine
Treatments for Blindness
NIH-Funded Research Uncovers Stem Cell Therapy Treatment for Vision Loss
At UC Davis, Dr. Susanna S. Park is leading groundbreaking research on using stem cell therapy to treat vision loss caused by retinal vein occlusion (RVO)—a condition where blocked blood flow damages the retina, which is like a stroke to the eye and often leads to blindness. Her work focuses on helping the eye heal itself by restoring blood flow and repairing the retina, giving hope to people who currently have few treatment options.
Helping Humanity
For many, vision loss from RVO means struggling with everyday tasks like reading, driving or recognizing faces. Dr. Park’s research could change that, offering a way to restore sight and independence. Without continued funding, progress in these treatments could stall, leaving patients with limited options. Sustained investment ensures that this groundbreaking research moves forward, bringing the possibility of restored vision closer to reality.
It’s hard to do trials like this without federal funding support. And so if we have reduced funding, it slows down or impedes any further developments in inventing and developing new treatments for our patients with vision loss.”
— Susanna Park, M.D., Ph.D