The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide are affected by vision impairment or blindness. The Retina and Vision research area aggregates seven biomedical research groups with laboratories situated at NMS and is complemented by clinical researchers conducting studies at NMS-affiliated or partner hospitals.

These research groups are at the forefront of investigating multifactorial and inherited retinal diseases, investigating the pathological molecular mechanisms, cellular aging, metabolic reprogramming, the role of extracellular vesicles in inter-cellular and inter-organ communication, gene therapy, and the mechanisms involved in retina repair and regeneration. Diverse in vitro and in vivo models, including cell lines, primary cultures, iPSCs from patients, retinal organoids,

zebrafish, and mouse models, are employed to deepen our understanding of these conditions.

In the realm of clinical research, the primary focus centers on prevalent multifactorial diseases such as Diabetic Retinopathy and Age-Related Macular Degeneration. The overarching objective on a global scale is to seamlessly integrate bench-to-bedside research and vice versa, facilitating the development of novel therapeutic strategies while concurrently advancing early clinical diagnosis. The holistic approach adopted by NMS research endeavours underscores a commitment to bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and tangible improvements in patient care.