Dr. Davis is the Director of the Fundus Photograph Reading Center (FPRC), which works with various clinical research studies to analyze photographs of the retina and to assess changes over time. The mission of the FPRC is "to develop methods for assessment of ocular disorders and ocular manifestations of systemic disorders in fundus and other ocular photographs that are suitable for multi-center clinical trials and epidemiologic studies, and to collaborate in the design, conduct, and analysis of such studies." Under the guidance of Dr. Davis, several standards for "grading" the characteristics of the lens and retina have been established. The photographs of individuals receiving promising study treatments are reviewed and compared with the photographs of individuals not receiving the treatment, and an analysis of the amount, type, and rates of change can be performed in an unbiased manner. Having such a system in place provides a record of the effect of both the treatment and natural history of the condition being studied. The Fundus Photograph Reading Center is an invaluable resource for those doing research on eye conditions. The FPRC currently serves the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, a national study investigating the effects of vitamin and mineral supplements on macular degeneration and cataract, and the Studies of the Ocular Complications of AIDS which is looking at the course of cytomegalovirus retinitis, among other studies.

Diabetic Retinopathy Vitrectomy Study Research Group: Early vitrectomy for severe vitreous hemorrhage in diabetic retinopathy: Four-year results of a randomized trial. DRVRS Report Number 5 Arch Ophthalmol, 1990; 108:1234-1244.

Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study Research Group: Fundus photographic risk factors for progression of diabetic retinopathy. ETDRS Report Number 12. Ophthalmol, 1991;98(suppl):823-833.

Studies of Ocular Complications of AIDS (SOCA) Research Group in collaboration with the AIDS Clinical Trails Group (ACTG). Foscarnet-ganciclover cytomegalovirus retinitis trial:5. Clinical features of cytomegalovirus retinitis at diagnosis. Am J Ophth 1997;124:141-157.

Davis MD, Fisher MR, Gangnon RE, Barton F, Aiello LM, Chew EY, Ferris FL, Knatterud GL for the ETDRS Research Group. Risk factors for high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy and severe visual loss. ETDRS Report 18. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 1998; 39(2):233-252.

The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial Research Group: Early worsening of daibetic retinopathy in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial. Arch Ophthalmol 1998; 116:874-886