Medical College of Wisconsin
Medical College of Wisconsin Medical College of Wisconsin
Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at the Eye Institute
Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

Medical College of Wisconsin Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences Resources

Shared resources support diverse vision research programs from faculty in the MCW Departments of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences; Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy; Biomedical Engineering; and Biophysics. These resources were made possible through prior support from the National Eye Institute. Many of the current resources and operations are supported by unrestricted funds from the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences. In addition to supporting the vision science community at MCW, we are always interested in engaging with non-vision scientists from MCW or other institutions. Please use the form provided below to contact us and further discuss how we can support your research.
Ophthalmology Vision Research_Chris Skumatz

Cell Culture, Histology, Imaging & Pathology (CHIP)

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About this Resource
This resource provides teaching, training, and service in cell culture techniques, cell and tissue histology, imaging, and pathology to vision researchers at MCW.
Facilities
The shared CHIP facility occupies ~2400ft in the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences on the lower level, 7th and 8th floors of the Eye Institute, and in the Biomedical Resource Center (BRC) Facility. This space supports cell and tissue culture, organ culture, preparation of cell and tissue for histology and pathology, and evaluation of specimens via state-of-the-art imaging equipment. Thoughtful renovations and repurposing of space have created an efficient and productive workflow for this resource.
Equipment

CHIP has a wide range of equipment dedicated to cell, tissue, and stem cell culture from primary and immortalized cells; to imaging, real-time monitoring, long-term storing, and viral vectors preparation; and to the processing of cells for cellular and molecular biology applications. The histology resources include equipment for eye grossing, fixing, embedding, and sectioning fresh frozen, paraffin embedded, and glutaraldehyde fixed specimens. Eye tissue sections can be imaged using advanced imaging techniques, including light, fluorescence, confocal, and electron microscopy.

Recent additions to imaging equipment include:

  • xCELLigence RTCA Real-Time Cell Analyzer (RTCA)
  • EVOS Cell Imaging System
  • Keyence BZ-X800 Microscope
Contact Information
For questions or additional information about this resource, please contact Chris Skumatz (cskumatz@mcw.edu) or Shyam Chaurasia (schaurasia@mcw.edu). 

Noninvasive Assessment of the Visual System in Animal Models (NAVSAM)

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About this Resource
NAVSAM provides extensive, state-of-the-art resources to vision scientists at MCW to conduct longitudinal assessments of visual system structure and function in both small and large animal models. In addition, NAVSAM provides comprehensive training relating to the correct usage of associated instrumentation and support for upkeep and maintenance of the equipment.
Facilities
NAVSAM facilities include two large, adjacent procedure rooms that have been renovated specifically to accommodate imaging and electrophysiology instrumentation for noninvasive assessments of the visual system. NAVSAM is located within the BRC which allows for the easy movement of animals from housing to procedure and back.
Equipment

NAVSAM has a wide range of commercial (Bioptigen OCTs, Zeiss slit lamps, Phoenix Micron IV, Phenosys OMR) and custom (multiline cSLO, SD-OCT multifocal ERG) devices capable of image collection and measurements of species spanning zebrafish to swine.

Noteworthy resources include:

  • Proveo 8 surgical microscope with intraoperative EnFocus OCT, purchased through S10OD030229
  • Custom adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope
  • Access to the 9.4T Preclinical MRI made available through the MCW Center for Imaging Research (CIR)

Contact Information
For questions or additional information about this resource, please contact Chris Skumatz (cskumatz@mcw.edu) or Dan Lipinski (dlipinski@mcw.edu).

Translational Engineering, Computing & Imaging (TECI)

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About this Resource
This resource facilitates individual and collaborative efforts of investigators by providing access to comprehensive engineering and computing expertise as well as technological resources that support basic and translational research.
Facilities
TECI space occupies about 2,000 ft on the 8th floor of the Eye Institute. In addition, the MCW Department of Biophysics houses a machine shop that is accessible to TECI users.
Equipment and Services
  • Optical testing and support equipment
  • Shared equipment for imaging and functional testing of humans
  • 3D printing services including access to ProJet 2500 Plus (3D Systems), purchased through S10OD032136
Contact Information
For questions or additional information about this resource, please contact Vesper Williams (vewilliams@mcw.edu) or Joe Carroll (jcarroll@mcw.edu).

Requesting Access to Vision Research Resources