After rod degeneration, cone photoreceptors can persist in a structurally preserved but functionally silent state known as cone dormancy, creating a critical therapeutic window for vision restoration.
Our research develops translational rat models of retinal degeneration to investigate how dormant cones emerge, how long they remain viable, and whether they can be reactivated through gene therapy and optogenetic approaches. Using OCT imaging, electrophysiology (ERG, VEP, MEA), histology, and behavioral vision assays, we study how restored photoreceptor activity is processed across retinal and brain circuits. This research aims to bridge the gap between photoreceptor rescue and meaningful functional vision recovery.