Ocular Genetics

Genetic eye disease is a leading cause of blindness in children and young adults. Primary ocular genetic conditions include retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, hereditary optic neuropathy, pediatric cataracts and glaucoma, albinism, and others. We also care for patients with a wide variety of genetic conditions which affect other areas of the body along with the eye (e.g. neurofibromatosis, mitochondrial disorders, Marfan syndrome).

Visit our glossary of genetic eye conditions

We offer state of the art ophthalmic care, multidisciplinary diagnostic evaluation and testing, genetic counseling, advanced gene testing, and access to modern treatments such as gene therapy, stem cell treatment, and bionic chip implantation. Our site is proud to be a designated treatment center for Luxturna, an FDA approved gene therapy for patients with RPE65-associated retinopathy.

Our team offers connections to resources and support for those adapting to low vision. We work closely with the URMC Batten Center and other specialty departments. We collaborate on institutional and nation-wide research efforts that aim to improve the understanding and treatment of these rare conditions. Together, we provide comprehensive evaluation and management for each patient we meet.

For more information about what to expect when you visit and helpful advice to make things go smoothly, download our pre-visit packet: Ocular-Genetics-Pre-Visit-Materials. 

Clinical Trials and Research Studies

Genetic Approaches to Inherited Eye Diseases: Collaborative research between the University of Rochester Medical Center, other worldwide sites, and the University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research. The purpose of the study is to identify genes associated with inherited retinal conditions, and identify the clinical features associated with these genes.

Our Team

Physicians

Alex Levin, MD, MHSc
View Dr. Levin's Bio
Adeline Lutz - Steven S.T. Ching, MD Distinguished Professor in Ophthalmology
Chief, Pediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Genetics
Child Abuse, Genetics, Pediatric Glaucoma, Pediatric Cataract,
Pediatric Uveitis

Vikas Khetan, MBBS
View Dr. Khetan's Bio
Retina, Ocular Oncology, Ocular Genetics

Genetic Counselors

Jenina Capasso, MS CGC
View Jenina Capasso's Bio
Ocular Genetics Program Director

Celeste Wyman, ScM CGC
View Celeste Wyman's Bio