Aya Barzalay-Wollman Laboratory

Dr. Aya Barzelay-Wollman leads a translational research program focused on advancing robotic-assisted microsurgery for retinal disease. Her lab develops AI-guided robotic systems capable of performing delicate intraocular surgeries with sub-millimeter precision—enabling tasks such as retinal vein cannulation, targeted subretinal delivery of gene and drug therapies, and automated intravitreal injections that exceed human manual capabilities.

Her research also explores regenerative strategies using stem cell–derived retinal grafts to replace damaged retinal tissue in degenerative diseases like age-related macular degeneration. By combining microsurgical robotics with cell-based therapies, her team aims to improve the precision, consistency, and long-term integration of these treatments, accelerating their translation into clinical care.

Dr. Barzelay-Wollman is the UCLA principal investigator for a national ARPA-H–funded initiative on whole eye transplantation. Her contributions focus on robotic microsurgery and intraocular tissue preservation, developing enabling technologies to support the viability and functional integration of transplanted eyes.