Clinical Research Center - UC Berkeley School of Optometry

Side by side white light and FL tear film.

1. Images of the tear lipid layer (left) and fluorescein tear break up (right) taken with the EasyTear View+ Tearscope.
2. Meibography image.
3. Dr. Jennifer Ding at ARVO 2019.
4. Dr. Tatyana Svitova at ARVO 2024.
5. Dr. Dorothy Ma at ARVO 2024.
6. Chun-Hsiao (Daniel) Yeh, BS, MS (PhD Candidate) at ARVO 2024.
7. CRC group photo during hike.
8. CRC dressed as Dr. Meng Lin for Halloween.
9. CRC staff at UC Moves Event for Staff Appreciation

Our goals are to explore new models and strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ocular anomalies by conducting patient-based clinical studies/trials, as well as translational research. We also provide training for young professionals who are interested in, or want to pursue careers in, clinical research.

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Director’s Profile

Meng C. Lin, Professor of Optometry and Vision Science

In addition to directing the CRC, Dr. Lin is also Chief of the Ocular Surface Imaging Clinic, and Co-Chief of the Dry Eye Clinic at Berkeley Optometry. Other duties include Co-Director of theTranslational Research CORE Facility.

Professor Lin received her OD degree from the Ohio State University, School of Optometry in 1996 and her residency training in Advanced Contact Lens/Ocular Diseases at the University of Alabama in 1997. She received her PhD degree in Vision Science in 2002. Thereafter, she received federal funding for post-doctoral training in the Public Health and Chemical Engineering departments, UC Berkeley. As the founding director of the UC Berkeley Clinical Research Center (UCB-CRC), Professor Lin established a research team of multi-disciplinary vision scientists, chemists, clinician scientists, biostatisticians, and certified study coordinators. Her research features interdisciplinary methodologies that make use of epidemiology, advanced statistical analyses, state-of-the-art laboratory techniques, and clinical skills. She conceptualizes, implements, and directs cutting-edge collaborative research studies that may have important implications for improved understanding of tear film and corneal physiology, dry eye, and the effects of contact lens wear on ocular surface integrity. As part of her commitment to research and the profession of optometry, Dr. Lin also mentors research fellows, research optometrists, and optometric residents.

Publications

For a list of recent CRC publications, please visit Dr. Lin’s Google Scholar Page.

Fellowship and Training

The CRC welcomes undergraduate and optometry students to become involved with our research team. The availability of these positions is dependent on active projects at the CRC.

For Undergraduate Students

We offer both volunteer and paid positions for students who are considering degrees and/or careers in healthcare or clinical research.

Contact Us
If you are a student interested in a position at the CRC, please contact our office (ucbcrc@berkeley.edu) for more information about availability.

For OD Students

Mentoring
Short-term projects through the NEI Summer Research Training Program.

Clinical Studies
Involvement in clinical studies to fulfill requirements for Graduating with Honors.

Contact Us
If you are an OD student interested in a position at the CRC, please contact our director, Dr. Meng C. Lin with a summary of your interest and availability.

Meng C. Lin, CRC Director
mlin@berkeley.edu

For Post Doctoral Fellows (OD, PhD, MD)

Clinical Research Fellowship
A one to two-year clinical research fellowship program is offered each year. Each fellow will receive a certificate of completion upon finishing the training program and publishing the results of the research.

Advanced Training
Opportunities for clinicians and researchers to take part in in advanced training in clinical research, including study design/methodology, and data management and analysis, with the resources of our clinical and research staff.

Get Published
Opportunities for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals and and presentations at scientific conferences.

Networking
Networking with world-renowned faculty from clinical and basic science disciplines at UC Berkeley and research scientists from the private sector.

Contact Us
If you are a post-doctoral researcher or clinician interested in possible opportunities at the CRC, please contact our Director, Dr.Meng C. Lin directly for more information. Please provide Dr. Lin with your CV, your preferred start date/availability, and a short description of your interest.

Meng C. Lin, CRC Director
mlin@berkeley.edu