Supporting innovative research in vision science is a core part of Striatech’s mission. Through our partnership with the ARVO Foundation for Eye and Vision Research, the Striatech Travel Grant helps early‑career researchers bring impactful work to the global ophthalmology community.

At the ARVO Annual Meeting 2026, we are proud to support Yohei Yamashita from Kyoto Furitsu Ika Daigaku (Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine), Japan, as this year’s Striatech ARVO Travel Grant recipient.

Research Focus: Severe Corneal Injury in Ocular Surface Disorders

Yohei Yamashita’s research addresses a remaining clinical challenge in ophthalmology: the treatment of severe ocular surface injuries, such as corneal damage. These conditions are often associated with persistent inflammation, pathological neovascularization, and fibrotic tissue changes and remain difficult to manage with standard therapies alone.

His work explores the therapeutic potential of exosomes derived from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSC‑derived exosomes are increasingly studied for their role in modulating inflammatory processes and supporting tissue repair, making them a promising area of research for ocular surface regeneration.

Using a preclinical model of corneal chemical injury, the study investigates whether MSC‑derived exosomes may help limit tissue damage and support recovery of the cornea following substantial injury.

Meet Yohei Yamashita at ARVO 2026

Yohei Yamashita’s abstract was selected for oral presentation at the ARVO Annual Meeting:

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell exosomes attenuate inflammation, neovascularization, and fibrosis in corneal chemical injury
🗓 Tuesday, May 5, 2026
🕐 1:45–2:00 PM
📍 Mile High 2B | Abstract #2896

Supporting the Vision Science Community

The ARVO Travel Grant program supports early‑career researchers whose work is highly relevant to the vision science community. By covering registration costs and providing a travel stipend, the program helps ensure that promising research can be presented and discussed at the world’s leading ophthalmology research conference.

Funded by ARVO, the National Eye Institute, and contributing organizations such as Striatech, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to advancing vision research. For Striatech, supporting the ARVO Travel Grant is part of our broader effort to foster scientific exchange, enable collaboration, and support researchers like Yohei Yamashita who are contributing to the future of eye care.

Visit the Striatech Team at ARVO 2026

We look forward to connecting with the vision science community at ARVO 2026.
Visit the us at Booth #5002 to exchange ideas, discuss current research, and explore how we can support innovation in vision science.