About our research group/lab
Our research
We investigate heritable eye diseases, with a focus on monogenic (Mendelian) forms of high myopia and inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). By integrating clinical genetics, ophthalmic phenotyping, and epidemiology, we aim to uncover disease mechanisms and improve diagnosis, prognosis, and care pathways.
Natural history & visual outcomes
We study lifelong trajectories of visual acuity, axial eye growth, and disease progression in patients with heritable eye disorders. Our research includes natural course studies to identify critical windows for intervention, such as the optimal timing for gene therapy, and to develop risk prediction tools for ocular complications and blindness.
Translational genetics
We apply state-of-the-art genetic diagnostics, including whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing (and, where applicable, long-read sequencing) to identify pathogenic variants and support precision and genetic counseling as well as therapeutic readiness, including eligibility for gene therapy.
Patient-centered clinical implementation
We co-develop clinical guidelines and collaborate closely with patient organizations and multidisciplinary care teams. Our goal is to support informed decision-making and improve outcomes for patients with rare genetic eye conditions.
Our projects
Our research projects are performed in collaboration with the Rotterdam Eye Hospital and focus on natural history studies on genetic eye diseases.
- Genetic epidemiological studies of retinitis pigmentosa - insights translated into clinical practice.
- Identification of children in the Netherlands with retinal dystrophy for future gene-specific treatments.
Key Publications
Full list of publications: pure.eur.nl/en/persons/virginie-verhoeven.
- Genome-wide meta-analyses of multiancestry cohorts identify multiple new susceptibility loci for refractive error and myopia. Verhoeven VJM et al. Nat Genet. 2013;45(3):314-8.
- Genome-wide association meta-analysis highlights light-induced signaling as a driver for refractive error. Tedja MS, & Verhoeven VJM et al. Nat Genet. 2018 Jun;50(6):834-848.
- IMI - Myopia Genetics Report. Tedja MS & Verhoeven VJM et al., Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2019 Feb 28;60(3):M89-M105.
- Whole exome sequencing of known eye genes reveals genetic causes for high myopia. Haarman AEG & Verhoeven VJM et al. Hum Mol Genet. 2022 Sep 29;31(19):3290-3298.
- Frequency and Genetic Spectrum of Inherited Retinal Dystrophies in a Large Dutch Pediatric Cohort: The RD5000 Consortium. Heutinck PAT & Verhoeven VJM et al. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2024;65(10):40.
Collaborations
Collaborations within Erasmus MC
- Department of Ophthalmology.
- Department of Clinical Genetics.
- Department of Epidemiology.
Collaborations outside of Erasmus MC
- CREAM & CREAM-KIDS Consortium.
- ERN-EYE Network.
Funding & Grants
- ZonMw Veni grant (2017).
- Erasmus MC fellowship (2020).
- Combined Ophthalmic Research Rotterdam (2023).
