University of Houston College of Optometry students and faculty made a strong showing at the ARVO 2026 Annual Meeting, with 49 researchers delivering their scientific presentations. Their contributions at the international conference, from May 3-7 in Denver, included poster presentations, paper sessions, mini-symposium talks, and an on-demand presentation, highlighting the breadth of research underway across the college.

"More than just showcasing data, the event offered a platform for our researchers in training to exchange knowledge and meet the people they look up to in the field," said Dr. Laura Frishman, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research. "For many of our students, it was an inspiring opportunity to see their work in the context of advancing science and to be part of a larger process."

UH Optometry's scientific contributions spanned a wide range of vision research areas designed to improve diagnosis and patient care, including:

• Myopia and eye growth: myopia prevention and control, refractive development, choroidal thickness, axial length, light exposure, accommodation, spectacle and contact lens interventions.
• Retina and optic nerve: normal structure and function and disease, retinal synapses, retinal vasculature, optic nerve head structure, glaucoma, retinal circadian biology, 
• Diabetes and metabolic eye disease: prediabetes, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular changes, tear film changes,  and eye movement abnormalities. 
• Cornea and ocular surface disease: dry eye disease, corneal wound healing and fibrosis, corneal inflammation, neovascularization, scleral lens research, and therapeutic developments.
• Binocular vision and visual function: amblyopia, strabismus, fixation stability, eye movements.
• Emerging technologies and translational research: Artificial intelligence for ophthalmic diagnosis, automated retinal image analysis software, wearable sensors, and novel molecular therapies.

Ph.D. candidate Austin Karesh, who presented his research, "An ipRGC clock regulates retinal vasculogenesis" and served as a paper session moderator, said he gained first-hand experience in professional leadership and applied critical thinking. To Karesh, presenting at ARVO, whether it be a poster or a talk, is crucial for an early-career scientist.

"Presenting at ARVO is a huge accomplishment," he said. "Months and even years' worth of experiments and data culminate into this melting pot of scientific exchange."

Karesh also credits ARVO for its strong support of researchers at every career stage through professional development programs, travel and career grants, and opportunities that encourage scientific growth.

"Research is one of the pillars of our college's mission," said Dr. Michael Twa, Dean of UH Optometry. "Participation in ARVO allows our students and faculty to engage with the brightest minds in vision science and continue our contributions to the future of eye care."