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Researchers develop new light source for retinal studies; receives provisional patent from SUNY Research Foundation

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — A adaptable multicolor, multicontrolled LED-based light source for retinal vision studies developed by a pair of SUNY Upstate Medical University researchers has been granted a provisional patent from the SUNY Research Foundation.

The device developed by Mohammad Haeri, a graduate student in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Eduardo Solessio, Ph.D., assistant professor in SUNY Upstate’s Center for Vision Research, also was received acknowledged by Syracuse Panasci Business Plan Competition, held April 18 and 19 in Syracuse, which awarded $7,500 to the research team to further develop the light source.

Their innovative technology is green—saving on energy—and is less expensive than other light sources for retinal studies on the market. Without mechanical parts, it is faster than other light sources and allows for simultaneous multiple flashes—currently not available to researchers through other light sources.

The team was advised by SUNY Upstate researchers Robert Barlow, Ph.D., and Daniel Tso, Ph.D.,and faculty from Syracuse University. John Hoepner, M.D., Robert Barlow, Ph.D., and Barry Knox, Ph.D., of SUNY Upstate’s Department of Ophthalmology provided the team with departmental funding support.

The Panasci Business Plan Competition is designed to spur the entrepreneurial spirit of students in creating growth-oriented business models. The competition is hosted by the Program in Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises at the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University.