Dr. Ruanne Lai: Transforming Personal Challenges into Scientific Breakthroughs

At just 12 years old, Dr. Ruanne Lai began experiencing night vision loss — a challenge that would profoundly shape both her personal life and professional journey in the field of vision science. Today, as a research and knowledge translation facilitator for the Research Excellence Cluster in Vision at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Dr. Lai works with a diverse team of researchers dedicated to advancing vision research.

“I’m passionate about vision research, not only as a scientist but also as someone personally affected by vision loss,” she says. Her journey into the complexities of vision loss began subtly, initially impacting only her vision at night and dimly-lit places. However, as time passed, her condition progressed significantly. “I first noticed difficulty with daytime vision towards the end of my master’s degree, particularly when it came to reading large volumes,” she recalls.

A pivotal moment in Dr. Lai’s life came when she moved to Germany to pursue her Ph.D. It was there that her vision loss became much more pronounced. “I struggled with extended reading sessions and began bumping into people more often,” she says. “I didn’t see myself as a blind person, but I knew something was different.” Determined to find answers, she delved into scientific literature, which ultimately led to her diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) with the help of a local ophthalmologist.

“When I got diagnosed, I felt like, ‘OK, now I have a purpose,’” says Dr. Lai. Abandoning her studies in biochemistry and molecular biology, she refocused her academic path entirely on vision science, driven by a newfound determination to make a difference in the field.

In 2012, Dr. Lai joined Dr. Orson Moritz’s lab at UBC in Vancouver, embarking on her first major research project on RP, funded by Fighting Blindness Canada (FBC). “That’s how my connection with FBC began,” she says. As she engaged with FBC donors and others with similar eye conditions, Dr. Lai found herself deeply connected to her new world. “I felt a strong sense of belonging,” she says.

In her current role at UBC, Dr. Lai coordinates an interdisciplinary network of vision research, led by Dr. Joanne Matsubara. “You can’t do research in silos anymore,” she says. “My background in vision science is crucial for the work I do today. As part of a growing interdisciplinary international network, we strive to lead in vision research by using cellular, behavioural, and technological methods to improve the world’s understanding of the eye, brain, vision, and vision health.”

Working alongside experts in ophthalmology, vision science, retinal and brain imaging, and artificial intelligence as well as biomedical, chemical, and computer engineering, Dr. Lai is inspired by the integration of diverse expertise. As a woman in STEM living with vision loss, she brings a unique and empathetic perspective, making her well-suited to lead community engagement and patient education projects. Working within a collaborative team, she is pushing the boundaries of vision science — a field that is deeply connected to her personal journey, which fuels her unwavering commitment.