At Striatech, we believe that today’s emerging researchers are tomorrow’s scientific pioneers. That’s why we are proud to support the next generation of innovators in ophthalmology through the Striatech Travel Grant – in collaboration with the ARVO Foundation for Eye and Vision Research.

For the 2025 ARVO Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, we are excited to recognize Manqi Pan, from The Ohio State University, as this year’s Striatech Travel Grant recipient.

Understanding the Human Optic Nerve Head’s Response to Elevated Intra-Ocular Pressure (IOP)

Manqi Pan’s research investigates the viscoelastic responses of the human optic nerve head and peripapillary sclera to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) – a key factor in understanding diseases like glaucoma. By using high-frequency ultrasound elastography, her team has gained valuable insights into how these eye structures respond to elevated pressure, shedding light on the potential mechanisms behind pressure-induced damage to the optic nerve.

Her findings indicate that the dominant viscoelastic response under persistent IOP elevation is an increased radial creep rate of both the optic nerve head and the peripapillary sclera, leading to compression and thinning of these two structures. This has implications for understanding glaucoma and similar conditions. This research could ultimately pave the way for better diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies.

Meet Manqi Pan at ARVO 2025

Manqi Pan’s abstract was selected for oral presentation at this year’s ARVO Meeting. Details below:

Human optic nerve head and peripapillary sclera creep in response to IOP elevation
🗓 Monday, May 5, 2025
🕐 9:00–9:15 AM
📍 Room 250 | Abstract #1329

Supporting Innovation in Vision Science

The ARVO Travel Grant program supports early-career researchers whose abstracts are considered highly relevant to the vision science community. The grant covers registration costs and includes a travel stipend, helping to ensure that promising research can be presented and discussed at the world’s largest ophthalmology research conference.

Funded by ARVO, the National Eye Institute, and contributing organizations like Striatech, the program reflects a shared commitment to advancing innovation in vision research. For Striatech, supporting the Travel Grant initiative is part of a broader vision: to foster scientific progress, enable collaboration, and empower researchers like Manqi Pan who are helping shape the future of eye care.

📍 Visit the Striatech Team at ARVO Booth #2114 in Salt Lake City

We’re excited to share insights, exchange ideas, and explore how we can support your work in advancing vision science.