NNND Theme seminar 4th February 2026

Neuroscience, Neurodisability and Neurological Disorders theme seminar.

Presenter Dr Laura Young, Senior Lecturer, Newcastle University.

Title: High resolution imaging of the living human retina - from structure to oculomotor function.

Abstract: Using adaptive optics, a technique original developed for telescopes, we are able to image the living human retina with cellular resolution. There are many clinical and basic science applications of this technology – here in Newcastle we are currently focused on two main areas: cell-based metrics of retinal structural integrity and high precision eye tracking. In this talk I will describe the technology and give an overview of recent projects. These include a study comparing cellular resolution measures of the retina to clinical measures of retinal function; and a study of fixational eye movement differences in patients with Parkinson’s disease.