Research Facilities

The AREF plays a pivotal role in advancing the academic, scientific, and educational objectives of the Broward Health Ophthalmology Residency Program. This innovative, community-based residency program, newly accredited, welcomed its inaugural cohort of residents in July 2022.

AREF provides invaluable mentorship, funding, and resources to support the research initiatives undertaken by BOR residents, as well as affiliated medical and college students. Additionally, the foundation offers financial support for publication fees and covers costs related to attending and presenting at prestigious national conferences. Furthermore, AREF contributes to the development of teaching modules and courses designed to enhance the educational mission of the residency program.

Our specialties: early detection of diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, and degenerative retinal diseases, including dry macular degeneration and Alzheimer's disease.

AREF has established a state-of-the-art Stem Cell Processing Laboratory, positioning itself at the forefront of regenerative medicine. Currently, AREF is conducting three groundbreaking studies focused on stem cell and regenerative cell processing, each addressing critical conditions such as rotator cuff injuries, facet joint osteoarthritis in the lumbar spine, and knee osteoarthritis.

These research initiatives involve a series of intricate and advanced procedures, including adipose tissue harvesting, tissue washing, enzymatic mixing, centrifugation, regenerative cell collection, and rigorous cell testing. The results from these studies have been highly promising, and we remain committed to advancing this research, pushing the boundaries of stem cell science and its transformative potential in medical technology.

The AREF Biomechanics Lab is at the forefront of healthcare analytics, utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as Digital Twin models to simulate and optimize patient treatment. The team recently presented their groundbreaking research at an international conference in Barcelona, Spain, focusing on the application of Digital Twins in healthcare.

Additionally, the lab is developing a Generative AI-powered segment-anything model, enhancing the precision of medical imaging analysis, particularly for conditions like osteoarthritis. Through this advanced AI model, the lab can accurately process X-ray images, improving diagnosis and treatment planning.

Another significant area of focus is the development of an analytical model that calculates the flexion of patients suffering from arthritis and frozen shoulder disorder. By analyzing real-time motion data and simulating joint behavior, the AREF team is revolutionizing the approach to musculoskeletal health, aiming to improve patient outcomes in conditions such as arthritis and other degenerative disorders.