About the BERI

The Berlin Eye Research Institute (BERI) was founded in April of 2005, by Prof. Manfred Tetz, in Berlin, Germany. It is an institute entirely devoted to research in the field of Ophthalmology. The mission of the BERI is primarily to perform studies on the biocompatibility and complications related to implantable ocular devices in general, and especially intraocular lenses for cataract and refractive surgery. Many such devices, manufactured in the United States, Europe, or elsewhere, are not available in the United States due to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) restrictions. Therefore, there was a gap in the analyses of ocular devices explanted in Europe, lack of an European center dedicated to it. Also, analyses of pseudophakic post-mortem eyes implanted with devices not available in the United States will progressively add to the knowledge on their biocompatibility. For the above-mentioned purposes, ophthalmologists can download the appropriate forms from the BERI website to submit the specimens; there is a form for explanted intraocular lenses or other explanted ocular devices, and a form for pseudophakic post-mortem eyes. Pathological evaluations are performed, and the results are provided to the submitting ophthalmologists free of cost. Other more complex evaluations may be necessary for some specimens, and they are performed according to the availability at the BERI of appropriate funds.

Regarding optic implantable devices, the studies also encompass their optic characteristics, optic quality, etc, as we are continuing to witness a fast evolution in this field, with the availability of increasingly specialized and complex optic biodevices. Optic procedures not involving implantation are also evaluated at the BERI.

Performance of wet labs represents a significant portion of the BERI activities. Experimental surgery with human or animal post-mortem eyes are performed for the evaluation of new techniques or devices. Practical courses are also organized for the teaching and practicing of already well established or new techniques.