National Ophthalmic Disease Genotyping and Phenotyping Network (eyeGENE®)

The National Ophthalmic Disease Genotyping and Phenotyping Network (eyeGENE�) is a non-profit research project created by the National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to help build on promising research findings in the field of genetics. Over the past 30 to 40 years, more than 400 genes have been found that cause inherited eye diseases. eyeGENE� wants to aid researchers who study eye diseases and their genetic causes by allowing them to request access to DNA samples, clinical information, and patients interested in research studies and clinical trials. The eyeGENE� Network is made up of a group of vision research and clinical labs located across the United States and Canada; a Coordinating Center located at NEI in Bethesda, MD; a bank of blood/DNA samples; and a secure online database. The eyeGENE� Network gives patients a chance to get genetic testing for their eye diseases and a chance to be contacted for future studies.