Perception and Visual Cognition

Dr. Agostino Gibaldi of the Banks Lab is interested in extending models of sensory processing and oculo-motor behavior from laboratory settings to complex stimuli that more closely resemble real world conditions.

Using Eye Movements to Diagnose Brain Health

Inside the Lab of Dr. Jorge Otero-Millan

Berkeley Scientists Discover Retinal Cells that Help Stabilize Our World View

The discovery will enable researchers to better understand eye movement disorders that cause significant visual impairment.

Tracking the Evolution of a Theory

A theory proposed 100 years ago has led to a path of inquiry and discovery that continues to engage and challenge the school’s research community.

A cartoon illustration of a woman wearing a VR headset and stretching one hand out in front of her.

Eye Tech

A growing number of Vision Science PhDs are finding scientific satisfaction in a demanding and rewarding new industry environment

An Audacious Goal

A collaboration to cure blindness with retinal cell transplants.

Dr. Michael Silver

Michael Silver, Professor of Optometry and Vision Science and Neuroscience, in his lab on the Berkeley campus. The brains behind Dr. Silver are those of his two sons, Talyn and Gryphon. The artwork was made by his wife Jenny as lab warming gift.

Adaptive Optics

Swati Bhargava from the Roorda lab. The question that motivates the research in the Roorda lab is, "how do humans convert the two-dimensional images that land on the retina into such a rich perceptual experience?"

Colorful pop art illustration of a woman wearing smartglasses.

Smartglasses for All

Berkeley Optometry and Vision Science professor Dr. Emily Cooper has received a five-year NSF Faculty Early Career Development Grant for her project, Smartglasses for All.

Perception and Visual Cognition

Using Eye Movements to Diagnose Brain Health

Inside the Lab of Dr. Jorge Otero-Millan

Berkeley Scientists Discover Retinal Cells that Help Stabilize Our World View

The discovery will enable researchers to better understand eye movement disorders that cause significant visual impairment.

Tracking the Evolution of a Theory

A theory proposed 100 years ago has led to a path of inquiry and discovery that continues to engage and challenge the school’s research community.

Eye Tech

A growing number of Vision Science PhDs are finding scientific satisfaction in a demanding and rewarding new industry environment

An Audacious Goal

A collaboration to cure blindness with retinal cell transplants.

Dr. Michael Silver

Adaptive Optics

Smartglasses for All

Berkeley Optometry and Vision Science professor Dr. Emily Cooper has received a five-year NSF Faculty Early Career Development Grant for her project, Smartglasses for All.

Perception and Visual Cognition

Application

PhD Program
Opens September 2024

News

Westheimer Celebration

March 26th, 2024

Celebrating Dr. Westheimer: 100 Years of Optometry & Vision Science.

Save the Date: Russell De Valois Memorial Lecture

March 19th, 2024

On May 24, featuring Giessen University’s Dr. Karl R. Gegenfurtner.

Top 10 Medical Drawings of the Eye or Visual Pathway

February 23rd, 2024

A look into how the eye and visual pathway have been illustrated throughout history.

Oxyopia Spring Lectures

January 22nd, 2024

Oxyopia is a seminar series featuring lectures on basic, clinical, and applied research in vision.

Tracking the Evolution of a Theory

December 5th, 2023

A 100-year-old theory has led to a path of discovery that continues to engage and challenge the school’s research community.

Our Vision, Our Future

December 8th, 2023

A campaign initiated by the transformational $50 million gift from the Wertheim Family Foundation.

Fields of Research

Faculty

The Vision Science faculty constitute a prestigious group of educators and researchers. Click the arrow to learn more about them, including research interests, contact information and links to lab websites.

Students

About 40 graduate students are currently enrolled in the Vision Science program. Their backgrounds include degrees in psychology, biology, engineering, computer science, or optometry.

Admissions

Berkeley is the No. 1 public university in the world. Our students and faculty come from different places and backgrounds, but together we create a vibrant and dynamic community that seeks to create a better world. Join us!