Vision Science FAQ

What is Vision Science Research?

UC Berkeley Vision Research offers faculty, fellows and students an opportunity to investigate vision in an interdisciplinary setting with affiliated faculty from many departments, including optometry, psychology, bioengineering, computer science, molecular & cell biology, developmental biology, and physics.

What kinds of research opportunities are available in Vision Science?

There are a range of opportunities available to those interested in Vision Research. Students may obtain an MS or PhD degree in Vision Science. For those already pursuing a degree in Optometry, summer research positions are available in a program designed to introduce future clinicians to the value of laboratory research. Yet another program offers "bench to bedside" research training for practicing clinicians (OD, DO, MD, DDS, DVM, or equivalent clinical degree) who wish to engage in translational research.

What types of research do most vision researchers pursue?

Given the interdisciplinary nature of Vision Science, the range of research topics is very diverse. The folowing list provides some perspective on the research undertaken.

Biology
Eye Disease and Visual Disorders, Eye disease mechanisms & diagnosis, Genetic models of eye disease, Gene therapy, Ocular infection , Myopia & eye growth control, Strabismus & amblyopia, Low vision and aging, Presbyopia

Perception and Sensory–Motor Interactions
Color vision , Spatial vision, Motion perception, Depth perception, Eye movements , Cue combination - Bayesian perception, Signal detection theory

Neuroscience
Visual Neurophysiology, Neuroanatomy, Computational neuroscience, Development, Brain imaging (fMRI, EEG, MEG)

Optics
Optics of the eye, Contact lens design & ocular effects. Adaptive Optics

Bioengineering
Modern imaging, Quantitative modeling, Computer vision, Robotics, Feedback control systems, Ergonomics, Computer graphics, Virtual reality, Instrumentation

What types of careers have Vision Science graduates held?

PhD graduates have been successful in positions both in the public and private sectors. The Vision Science Program at UC Berkeley has contributed to the faculty of major universities in psychology and other departments, as well as in medical schools and schools of optometry. Graduates have accepted positions in private research institutes, such as the Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute, as well as in federally sponsored research agencies, such as NASA and the military. Recently, graduates have moved into SF Bay Area corporations such as Hewlett-Packard and VISX.

As Vision Science is a growing field, expanding into many areas of research, the market for our graduates is very good.