The Genetic Eye Disease Investigation Unit (GEDI) within the Department of Ophthalmology was established in mid 2004 following the return of Dr Andrea Vincent from overseas sub-speciality training in molecular ophthalmology. The overall goal is to perform and provide quality research into genetic eye diseases, to contribute to advancement of knowledge in the global community and to provide New Zealand individuals affected with genetic eye diseases an opportunity for molecular diagnosis.
Both clinical and laboratory based eye genetic research is underway. Within the existing laboratories, an Ocular Genetic laboratory has been created with specialist equipment for molecular genetic techniques, including thermal cyclers for PCR (polymerase chain reaction), a Rotorgene for High Resolution Melting Analysis and qPCR, a DNA storage facility and database, as well as Progeny software for pedigree analysis, with utilization of UOA facilities for sequencing and GWS, and the NZGL based at Otago University for next generation sequencing technology. Access to state of the art imaging modalities and electrodiagnostics exists through the Eye Department at Greenlane Clinical centre.