Dr. Jean Bennett is a world-renowned pioneer in the field of ocular gene therapy, whose work has transformed the treatment landscape for inherited retinal diseases. Her research focuses on the molecular genetics of retinal degenerations such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration, with the goal of translating genetic insights into targeted therapies that restore vision. Dr. Bennett was among the first to use viral vectors to deliver therapeutic genes directly to retinal cells and led the team that achieved the first proof-of-principle of ocular gene therapy—work that ultimately contributed to the development of Luxturna, the first FDA-approved gene therapy for a genetic disease. Her laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania studies disease mechanisms, develops novel animal models, evaluates gene delivery vectors, and investigates immune responses to gene transfer. Beyond the eye, her research extends to diseases of the ear and kidney caused by cilia protein mutations. Dr. Bennett’s translational work led to the reversal of blindness in canine models of congenital retinal disease, a breakthrough that laid the foundation for human clinical trials. She serves as the Scientific Director for the Phase I/II Luxturna clinical trial at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.