Vittorio Porciatti, D.Sc., interim scientific director of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute since 2008, has been named director and vice chair of research. A tenured research professor of ophthalmology, as well as a neuroscientist, electrophysiologist and biophysicist, Porciatti is focusing his current research on glaucoma prevention.

"I am honored to have the privilege to work with such esteemed colleagues here at Bascom Palmer," said Dr. Porciatti. "I look forward to building upon our strong collaboration and continuing to strive toward unparalleled ophthalmic discoveries. Together, we will help pave the way for Bascom Palmer's contributions in revolutionary areas of study."

Before joining Bascom Palmer's faculty in 2001, Porciatti served for many years as senior scientist and a member of the scientific committee at the Institute of Neurophysiology at the Italian Research Council in Pisa. He also had an appointment at the School of Ophthalmology at Catholic University Rome for studies on clinical applications of electrophysiological techniques. He has published and lectured extensively, served on NIH study sections and collaborated with prestigious institutions, such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Institut Pasteur in Paris. In 2000, his article in Nature Neuroscience on Pokémon-generated seizures explained physiological abnormalities in the brains of photosensitive children and made worldwide headlines.

"Dr. Porciatti's vast expertise and exceptional leadership skills make him the ideal candidate for this pivotal position," said Eduardo Alfonso, M.D., chairman of Bascom Palmer, upon announcing the appointment. "His inspirational vision and passion will serve as the foundation of groundbreaking research projects and help ensure their success."

Porciatti holds a grant from the NIH's National Eye Institute for the project "Reversible Dysfunction of Retinal Ganglion Cells in Glaucoma." Glaucoma causes progressive damage and death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), resulting in blindness. The disease will affect a projected three million Americans by the year 2020. The long-term goal of his research is to prevent RGC death in the early stages of glaucoma.

Additionally, Porciatti is principal investigator of an NIH-funded study on experimental models of glaucoma and of the NIH core grant "Miami Eye Team." This latter grant supports clinical and basic research at various departments at the Miller School.