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Smith-Kettlewell’s Mission: Advancing Human Vision Science

Our mission is to create a unique environment for research on human vision to increase the understanding of normal vision in support of vision disorders, clinical research to develop new diagnostic procedures and treatments for visual and other sensory disorders, and engineering research to produce better techniques for aid and rehabilitation of the blind and partially sighted.

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Recent Publications

A cartoon of two individuals walking along a street with thought bubbles imagining a fall and an ambulance for one and consternation about foot placement in the other.

Shanidze, N.M., Agathos, C.P., Ellmers, T.J., & Young, W.R., (2026). Links Between Central Visual Field Loss and Movement Processing during Walking. Gait & Posture, 110095.

(2026). The best stereoacuity is rarely at the fovea. Vision Research, 240, 108748. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.visres.2025.108748

Guénot, J. & Verghese, P. (2026). Cue combination for depth perception in macular degeneration: Motion parallax augments disparity. Journal of Vision, 26(1), 11-11. https://doi.org/10.1167/jov.26.1.11

Shanidze, N.M. & Velisar, A. (2025). Cancellation of the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex during Smooth Pursuit in Patients with Maculopathy. Frontiers in Neurology, 16, 1632527.

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Explore SKERI

History of SKERI

The Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute is a nonprofit, independent research institute affiliated with and located adjacent to California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. It is a place where Vision Science has been on the cutting edge since 1960. Did you know that it was here at SKERI that the clinical applications of Botox were pioneered? Read more…

Collage of RERC staff mebers and RERC projects

Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center

The Center’s research goal is to develop and apply new scientific knowledge and practical, cost-effective devices to better understand and address the real-world problems of blind, visually impaired, and deaf-blind consumers.

Internships and volunteering at SKERI

At The Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute, we offer a wide variety of projects that frequently welcome interns and other dedicated volunteers. If you have a passion for making a difference and would like to contribute your time and expertise to our cause, we would love to hear from you.

Latest News

Oakland High School’s Students Visit Smith-Kettlewell

February 6th, 2026

SKERI Postdoctoral Fellow Awarded Federal Grant for Research on Neural Plasticity and Echolocation

October 3rd, 2025

New Publication in the American Journal of Ophtalmology by Catherine P. Agathos, Natela M. Shanidze, and Donald C. Fletcher

October 1st, 2025

Audiom Wins GAADY Award

September 19th, 2025

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Upcoming Events

Blindness and Low Vision Support Group, Year Recap (Hybrid)

Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 – 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM

State of the Science 2026: Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Blindness and Low Vision

Thursday, June 11th, 2026 – 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

The goal of this conference is to identify the most pressing needs in the blind and low vision community that should be addressed by future research or development. Tentative schedule: Thurs June 11, 2026 from 9am – 1pm PT (noon – 4 pm ET) Welcome and Introduction: 9 am – 9:15 am PT. William Good and James M. Coughlan. First session – Transportation and Wayfinding: 9:15 am – 10 am PT. Speaker: Nicholas Giudice. Respondent: Brandon Biggs. Second session – Lifelong Learning: 10 am – 10:45 am PT. Speaker: Jeff Bishop. Respondent: Sile O’Modhrain. Lunch/coffee break: 10:45 am – 11:15...

Get Involved

If you are interested in vision science or want to learn more about low vision and blindness, there are many opportunities to get involved at The Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute.

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