Vision Health
The Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM) is pleased to announce that the Vision Sciences Research Network (RRSV), housed at the Institute and directed by one of its researchers, is among 15 major thematic research networks recently funded by the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé. The RRSV, which aims to increase the impact of vision research in Quebec by fostering cross-sector collaborations and supporting cutting-edge infrastructure and innovative projects, will benefit from annual funding of $900,000.
This grant is complemented by a partnership with the Vice-Rectorate for Research, Discovery, Creation and Innovation (VRRDCI) and the Faculty of Medicine of the Université de Montréal, which identifies vision research as a strength within its network of researchers. The RRSV will also receive support from the Fondation des maladies de l'œil (FMO) and the IRCM to pursue its important mission of giving wings to vision research and care.
Michel Cayouette, a professor researcher in the Department of Medicine at the Université de Montréal, has been Director of the RRSV since 2018, and also heads the Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit at the IRCM.
‘’In this age-related macular degeneration and low vision awareness month, we can only rejoice and express our gratitude to the FRQS for this major boost that opens promising horizons for the development of novel therapies across a range of eye diseases. This funding is excellent news for people suffering from vision loss, as it will increase the value of vision research carried out in Quebec.’’ – Michel Cayouette
‘’Since research into eye diseases has been at the heart of the FMO's mission for 45 years, we welcome this network funding with enthusiasm. We see the multiplication of collaborations as an important mobilizing force that will enable a better understanding of eye diseases, as well as the development of innovative solutions for those affected.’’ - Steeve Lachance, Executive Director, Fondation des maladies de l'œil (FMO)
Eye Diseases, an Ever-Increasing Burden
Worldwide, at least 2.2 billion people are visually impaired. The aging of the population is just one factor in the growing incidence of eye diseases.
About the RRSV
Today, the Vision Sciences Research Network brings together nearly 150 clinical and basic researchers from Quebec, working within or in collaboration with eight Quebec universities: Concordia, INRS, McGill University, Université Laval, Université de Montréal, Université Sherbrooke, Université du Québec à Montréal and Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. Network members are attached to the province's four university departments of ophthalmology, the Université de Montréal School of Optometry, more than a dozen university departments of basic sciences (psychology, biology, pharmacology, biophysics) and more than a dozen hospital departments and research centres.
About Michel Cayouette's Work at the IRCM
At the crossroads of cutting-edge research techniques and in the propitious context of the IRCM, Dr. Michel Cayouette's work has already led to major advances in vision health, acclaimed by his peers and civil society alike, for diseases affecting both children and adults.
‘’Our work is aimed at discovering how the nervous system develops, and using this information to develop cell therapy approaches to regenerate nerve tissue in various neurodegenerative diseases such as retinopathies.’’ - Michel Cayouette
