Biology Webinar | Vision and the Immune System, 12 January 2026

Vision is one of our most vital senses, and its loss has profound effects on quality of life. Recent scientific developments are shedding new light on how visual and immune functions are interconnected, challenging long-held assumptions. For example, more than a decade ago, machine-learning analyses suggested that rhodopsin, the key photoreceptor in dim-light vision, may interact with chemokines traditionally associated with the immune system. What once seemed unlikely is now supported by growing evidence linking retinal health, immunity, and disease.

The eye depends on the immune system for protection, yet immune activity also contributes to allergies, autoimmune responses, and retinal degeneration, including conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and retinitis pigmentosa. Further research shows that the retina not only attracts immune cells but can also generate them, underscoring the complexity of this cross-system relationship.

To explore these insights and their implications for eye health, we have invited several leading experts to share their perspectives. We warmly invite you to join us for this event and take part in a dynamic discussion on the evolving connection between vision and the immune system.

We warmly invite you to join us for this thought-provoking discussion and contribute to advancing a deeper understanding of the dynamic relationship between vision and the immune system.

Date: 12 January 2026 at 10:00 a.m. MST | 6:00 p.m. CET
Webinar ID: 894 4670 0845
Website: https://sciforum.net/event/Biology-7

Program:

Speaker/Presentation	Time in MST	Time in CET
Prof. Judith Klein-Seetharaman (Chair) Opportunities for New Discoveries Connecting Vision and the Immune System	10:00–10:20 a.m.	6:00–6:20 p.m.
Prof. Vishwanath Venketaraman Eye Infections in Developing Countries	10:10–10:40 a.m.	6:20–6:40 p.m.
Prof. Bikash Pattnaik Molecular Medicine for Inherited Retinal Degeneration	10:30–11:00 a.m.	6:40–7:00 p.m.
Prof. Sampath Rangasamy Inflammatory Pathways in Retinal Pathology: From Mechanisms to New Therapies	11:00–11:20 a.m.	7:00–7:20 p.m.
Q&A Session	11:20–11:35 a.m.	7:70–7:35 p.m.
Dr. Judith Klein-Seetharaman Closing of Webinar	11:35–11:40 a.m.	7:35–7:40 p.m.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. Registrations made with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

Unable to attend? Register anyway and we will let you know when the recording is available to watch online.

Webinar Chair and Speakers:

Prof. Judith Klein-Seetharaman (Chair), Arizona State University, USA;
Prof. Vishwanath Venketaraman, Western University of Health Sciences, USA;
Prof. Bikash Pattnaik, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA;
Prof. Sampath Rangasamy, Arizona State University, USA.