Optogenetics is valuable for understanding neural circuitry to inform indirect treatments.

“And I think, not intended to disparage the beautiful retinal work and conferring vision on someone who couldn't see, of course that's wonderful, and that's direct what you might call direct optogenetics in patients. Indirect is everything that comes from understanding. Okay, we know these cells matter now, for this symptom. Well, how can we target those cells and help them work better in patients by any means? And I think that's the broader significance of optogenetics, clinically.”