BalliosLab

Lab of Dr. Brian Ballios | @UofT and @UHN

Studying cell therapies to cure genetic eye diseases. For more info, please visit

[BalliosLab @BalliosLab]

Our new study is out! “USH2A-Mutated Human Retinal Organoids Model Rod–Cone Dystrophy.” We identify early molecular changes and later degenerative features, suggesting USH2A RP begins in development before symptoms emerge and informing targeted therapies. https://t.co/yedWiVUfaa

[Brian Ballios MD PhD @BrianBallios]

USH2A-Mutated Human Retinal Organoids Model Rod–Cone Dystrophy https://t.co/q4UHyuJ64u

[BalliosLab @BalliosLab]

@DKJEI_UHN @UofTIMS @KBI_UHN @BrianBallios @K_Ashworth01

[BalliosLab @BalliosLab]

We are excited to share our latest publication in Stem Cell Reviews and Reports! 🎉👁️🔬In this study, we provide the first evidence of accessory inner segment (aIS)-like structures in the photoreceptors of human retinal organoids: https://t.co/yo9hi8aH0N

[BalliosLab @BalliosLab]

These findings support the remarkable structural fidelity that human retinal organoids can achieve as models of human retinal development and architecture. #RetinalOrganoids #VisionResearch #StemCells #Retina #Photoreceptors #CellBiology

[Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute @DKJEI_UHN]

Congratulations to Dr. Brian Ballios, Clinician Scientist @dkjei_uhn, on receiving the 2026 @UofTIMS Alumni Engagement Award, recognizing his exceptional engagement with IMS and his significant impact on students.
Learn more about Dr. Ballios’ work >> https://t.co/ON02yJCQkt

[BalliosLab @BalliosLab]

Thank you @DKJEI for featuring the Ballios lab in the April newsletter and for highlighting recent awards and recognitions across our lab team!🌟 Read more: https://t.co/NM03i2Ctrq

[Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute @DKJEI_UHN]

The @DKJEI_UHN April #newsletter has been released! Read about our recent events, new stories, features, awards and publications >> https://t.co/Z1EqWaTSIs

[BalliosLab @BalliosLab]

We’re proud to share that @BrianBallios has been named the 2026 recipient of the Ludwig von Sallmann Clinician-Scientist Award from @ARVOinfo for advancing research on innovative stem cell therapies for inherited retinal disorders.👁️🧬
#VisionResearch #VisionScience #IRD

[ARVO @ARVOinfo]

@ARVOinfo Foundation congratulates Brian Ballios, MD, PhD (@UHN)—2026 recipient of the Ludwig von Sallmann Clinician-Scientist Award. Learn about his innovative work using stem cells to treat inherited #RetinalDisorders. https://t.co/qg9IXXHWXX
#VisionResearch #VisionScience

[Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute @DKJEI_UHN]

It's #TraineeTuesday!

Meet Kristen Ashworth, a fourth-year PhD student in Dr. @BrianBallios' lab @DKJEI_UHN.

“I was drawn to research because of a long-standing curiosity to find out how things work and why.”

Read more in our newsletter >> https://t.co/r2HebxBcRN

[Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute @DKJEI_UHN]

This Inherited Retinal Diseases (#IRDs) Month, we asked members of @DKJEI_UHN @UHN why they dedicate their work to IRD research and care.

For more information on IRDs and current research, visit >> https://t.co/Jxz4HVhvH7
#IRDAwarenessMonth

@UHN_Research
@KBI_UHN
@uhnfoundation

[Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute @DKJEI_UHN]

Meet Zahra Baghestani, who recently joined @DKJEI_UHN as the new Clinical Research Manager.

In her new role, Zahra will support the coordination and regulatory management of clinical trial projects.

Read in our newsletter >> https://t.co/TOsAYEMy8T

[Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute @DKJEI_UHN]

#DKJEIYearInReview: Day 1

Earlier this year, @DKJEI_UHN's Clinical Research Unit opened @UHN, a dedicated space to translate discoveries into clinical applications, to help preserve and restore vision.

Learn more about the CRU >> https://t.co/I6cSFhXI92
#KrembilYearInReview

[Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute @DKJEI_UHN]

“The quality of all the research being done here at DKJEI is inspiring and it’s gratifying to know that our work will have translational benefits.”

Meet Cassandra D’Amata, the Lab Manager for Dr. Brian Ballios’ lab @DKJEI_UHN.

Read in our newsletter >> https://t.co/fGQxCSl7iB

[Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute @DKJEI_UHN]

On Friday, we celebrated the incredible careers and lasting contributions of four retiring(ed) clinicians @DKJEI_UHN: Drs. Michael Brent, Yvonne Buys, Shaun Singer and Graham Trope.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this special moment!

[Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute @DKJEI_UHN]

Do you know what a Genetic Counsellor is?

September is Inherited Retinal Disease Awareness Month. Rita Kodida, from @DKJEI_UHN @UHN, explains #IRDs and the importance of #genetic testing.

For more information on IRDs and current research, please visit >> https://t.co/Jxz4HVi3wF

[IMS Magazine @IMSMagazine]

The Winter 2025 issue of IMS Magazine delves into the groundbreaking world of precision medicine!
Read many insightful articles and see how transformative research is shaping patient care!
Read Here: https://t.co/lHFNuZT6rc

[BalliosLab @BalliosLab]

This award will support her thesis work developing a human-based retinal organoid model using patient-derived stem cells to explore cell therapies for genetic eye diseases. 🌟👩‍🔬🧬 #PhDLife #RetinalResearch #StemCells #BalliosLab #CIHR

[BalliosLab @BalliosLab]

🎉 Congratulations to our PhD student Kristen Ashworth @K_Ashworth01, who has received the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (@CIHR_IRSC ) Canada Graduate Scholarship-Doctoral Research Award!

[Kristen Ashworth @K_Ashworth01]

I am grateful and excited to be accepting a @CIHR_IRSC Doctoral Research Award as I transition from my MSc to PhD studies this fall, studying inherited retinal diseases at the @BalliosLab. Thank you to @BrianBallios and the lab team for their support as I take this next step!

[BalliosLab @BalliosLab]

🔬 We're hiring! The Ballios Lab is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher with a background in molecular genetics to study inherited retinal diseases using mouse & human organoid models. Experience with mouse models & cell culture required. Apply here: https://t.co/hauhhpsJGV