The Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science has one of the nation's most dynamic and productive research programs. It is composed of two diverse faculty groups, basic and clinical researchers. Together, they work to find cures and successful treatments for eye diseases and conditions. The study the intricacies of human anatomy, of cellular structures, genetics, and drugs. They hope to find treatment for retinitis pigmentosa, solve age related macular degeneration, find a cure for glaucoma, and transplant delicate retinal tissue. They seek to help find cures to such seemingly unrelated conditions as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.