"In many blinding diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and retinitis pigmentosa, the earliest known problem is that photoreceptors experience damaging levels of oxidative stress. It has not been possible to measure photoreceptor oxidative stress in the living subject. To solve this problem, we are developing new imaging methods to measure photoreceptor oxidative stress in different models of these blinding diseases," Tran said. "Once we have optimized our new imaging methods, we plan on transitioning them to patients with sight-threatening diseases to minimize vision loss and blindness. I hope to contribute my skills to moving this project forward and become sufficient at utilizing the imaging methods. I look forward to participating in the advancement of care for patients with retina diseases and to utilizing this experience in my care as a future physician."