Joseph Sassani

Joseph Sassani serves as Professor and Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs in Ophthalmology and Professor in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. His expertise spans ocular pathology and diabetic complications of the eye.

Research focuses on diabetic dry eye, corneal wound healing, and naltrexone therapy targeting opioid growth factor receptors (OGFr). He investigates dual-pathway mechanisms reversing diabetic ocular surface damage and impaired skin wound healing, with emphasis on topical naltrexone applications.

Recent publications reveal strong translational trends: animal model validation (mini-pigs, rats) bridges molecular OGF/OGFr biology to clinical ophthalmology and dermatology applications, particularly for diabetic complications.

Secured $2M+ in research funding including active "Ocular Trauma Microsurgery Simulator" project (Congressional Medical Research, 2010-present) and completed "Ocular Safety of Topical Naltrexone" study (DoD, 2008), demonstrating sustained grant leadership in ocular therapeutics.