The photoreceptor is an exquisitely organized cell with multiple compartments each making unique contributions to the function of the cell - the detection of light. My lab's goal is to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern the sorting, trafficking, and delivery of membrane proteins from their site of synthesis in the inner segment to the various photoreceptor compartments. This work will impact our understanding of health and disease because there are many examples of genetic mutations that prevent the trafficking of specific proteins or cause a breakdown in the overall compartmentalization of the photoreceptor, ultimately resulting in devastating blinding diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa. Understanding the patterns and molecular details of the various protein trafficking pathways utilized by this cell should aid our progress in developing therapies to save and restore vision.