Owsley's research focuses on the impact of aging on vision. Studies address why some older adults in normal macular health transition to age-related macular degeneration — the leading cause of blindness in older adults in the United States. Owsley’s research also addresses the relationship between vision and driving and some strategies that can improve eye care utilization among populations at-risk for eye disease and vision impairment. She is particularly interested in the translation of research findings into public policy in these areas.