Ace Therapeutics provides behavioral assessments of visual function in animal models to support preclinical ophthalmic disease research. We evaluate functional vision through optomotor testing and related behavioral assays, including light-dark preference tests and the visual water task. These assessments are scheduled alongside disease model generation and drug dosing within the same in vivo workflow, enabling consistent longitudinal measurements. Together, these endpoints support efficacy evaluation, dose-response assessment, and longitudinal tracking of disease progression.

Behavioral Assessment of Visual Function for Preclinical Ophthalmology

The most direct method to determine whether a test article alters an animal's visual capacity is through behavioral assessment of visual function. In preclinical ophthalmology, these behavioral endpoints complement structural imaging and electrophysiological readouts by capturing functional outcomes such as visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. Commonly used paradigms, such as the optomotor response (OMR) test, rely on innate responses and require minimal training, making them well suited for longitudinal studies. Repeated measurements across time points enable sensitive tracking of disease progression and treatment-related functional changes within the same in vivo study.

Fig. 1. The mouse OMR assessment system. (Shi C, et al., 2018)

Capabilities in Behavioral Assessment of Visual Function

Adding behavioral assessment of visual function to a preclinical ophthalmology study provides a direct measure of functional vision over time. Ace Therapeutics conducts behavioral testing in selected ophthalmic disease animal models as part of an integrated workflow that aligns dosing regimens with complementary structural and functional endpoints. We standardize experimental protocols and test execution across sessions to minimize variability, support reliable longitudinal measurements, and enable clear tracking of disease progression and test article response.

Optomotor and Optokinetic Response Testing

We measure visual acuity and contrast sensitivity using the optomotor response (OMR) and optokinetic response (OKR) to generate objective endpoints for efficacy evaluation, dose-response assessment, and longitudinal monitoring in animal models of ophthalmic diseases.

Visual Water Task

Using the visual water task, we assess vision-driven discrimination and performance to confirm functional improvement and support studies requiring more demanding behavioral endpoints of visual function.

Light–Dark Box Test

We quantify light-aversive behaviors to support programs evaluating ocular discomfort and its functional impact in relevant animal models of ophthalmic diseases.

Applications of Our Visual Behavior Assessment Services in Preclinical Research

• Efficacy Monitoring: We provide objective tracking of functional vision changes over time, enabling you to assess the efficacy of investigational compounds or therapeutics in ophthalmic disease models.
• Dose-Response Profiling: We measure dose-dependent changes in visual function, helping you define the optimal therapeutic dose and evaluate functional effects across different test article concentrations.
• Disease Progression Tracking: We collect longitudinal visual function data from animal models of ophthalmic diseases, allowing you to monitor disease progression and evaluate the potential effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.

Ace Therapeutics supports preclinical ophthalmology programs by incorporating behavioral assessment of visual function into customized ophthalmic disease animal models and in vivo study services. For researchers seeking functional vision endpoints that integrate seamlessly into study workflows and provide interpretable outputs, our team is available to assist. Contact us to discuss your program goals.

References

1. Shi C, Yuan XD, Chang KR, et al. Optimization of Optomotor Response-based Visual Function Assessment in Mice. Sci Rep. 2018 Jun 26; 8(1): 9708.
2. Benkner B, Mutter M, Ecke G, et al. Characterizing Visual Performance in Mice: An Objective and Automated System Based on the Optokinetic Reflex. Behav Neurosci. 2013 Oct; 127(5): 788-96.
3. Prusky GT, West PWR, Douglas RM. Behavioral assessment of visual acuity in mice and rats. Vision Res. 2000; 40(16): 2201-9.

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