Ophthalmic Genetics 

You pass on some eye conditions in your genes. If your eye doctor finds a possible genetic link to hereditary eye disease, you may benefit from specialized eye care. Our genetics team is here for you.

We offer eye tests that can detect hereditary disorders and the latest treatments, including clinical trials. You can rely on us to help protect your eyesight and help future generations in your family do the same.

The ophthalmic genetics team at Emory Eye Center is one of the largest in the country. Our doctors partner with Emory Healthcare’s medical geneticists to help you get complete eye genetics care. We offer precision medicine tailored to your specific needs.

Here, you have access to a full range of diagnostic tests and treatments. But our team also does research. We help turn the latest scientific discoveries into new and better medical and surgical therapies.

Through the Emory Eye Center Clinical Trials program, we’re involved in exciting work, including gene therapy, stem cell therapy and small molecules. We also work closely with the Atlanta Vision Research Community. This is a network of scientists, researchers and clinicians from Metro Atlanta universities and hospitals. Our goal is to improve care for all people with genetic eye conditions.

During an examination with our team, we may perform several types of tests. These include:

• Electrophysiology tests to measure the electrical activity in your eyes
• Eye imaging tests that allow us to evaluate the structure of your eye
• Visual field tests that measure your central and side (peripheral) vision

These tests are noninvasive and painless.

A complete clinic visit typically takes three to four hours. You can expect visual field testing to take about an hour. Electrophysiology (testing how well your eyes and brain respond to light) may take two to three hours to complete.

Sometimes, we divide your visit over different days. When appropriate, we can connect you or your family members to genetic testing and genetic counseling.

If you’ve had any prior genetic tests, please bring the results to your appointment. Also, be prepared to discuss your family history of eye disease or eye disorders.