Faculty and Physicians

Claire S. Barnes, PhD

Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology
Supervisor, Electrophysiology Clinic
Research (Basic Science) Section

My research is focused on inherited and acquired retinal disorders. My primary research interest in electrophysiology and psychophysics is in dysfunction of the retinal “ON” pathway. My earlier research at the Atlanta VA Medical Center involved the study of the natural course of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and the possible benefits of the ASR retinal implant to counter the effects of RP. My research these days primarily involves a study of the effects of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) on everyday function, with a view to choosing sensitive test measures for future clinical trials in AMD. I am also investigating the effects of early diabetic retinopathy on the electroretinogram (ERG).

Undergraduate Degree
Dept. of Physics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario: BSc, 1986

Graduate Degrees
Dept. of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario: MSc, 1988, PhD 1995

Postdoctoral Fellowships
Loyola University, Maywood IL: 1995-1997
University of Chicago, Chicago IL: 1997-1999

Instructor
University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago IL: 1999-2002

Emory and the Atlanta VA Medical Center

ERG clinic supervisor and Health Sciences Specialist at Atlanta VA Rehab R&D center: 2002–present