Archives: Core News

The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) is expanding its expertise in managing clinical and lab studies to other areas of research

WATERLOO, Ontario, April 30, 2025—The largest research centre of the University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science is expanding its scope. The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) will continue to carry out its world-leading front-of-eye research while applying its nearly 40 years of research experience to a broader range of fields.

CORE’s leadership will change as part of this shift, though research partners will notice no difference as a steering committee takes over the strategic planning decisions of CORE from Dr. Lyndon Jones, who is stepping aside at the end of June after 15 years as CORE director.

“Lyndon has been instrumental in shaping CORE into an internationally renowned research entity. He has done so much to position the centre at the forefront of anterior segment ocular research,” said Dr. Jill Woods, CORE’s longtime head of clinical research, who will chair the new steering committee. “To expand CORE’s scope, we need a broader leadership team with additional expertise. The new steering committee has the varied skill set necessary.”

CORE will integrate into the Waterloo Eye Institute (WEI), which is being built both physically and as a group of people aiming to create Canada’s premier centre for optometric research, patient care and education. A once-in-a-generation renovation, expansion and reorganization, the WEI will feature a modernized clinic, more space for clinical research and new integrative research centres.

“The Waterloo Eye Institute will help shape the future of optometry, so it’s a fitting home for CORE, which has been on the cutting edge of ocular research for nearly four decades,” said Dr. Stanley Woo, director of the School. “I can’t wait to see what we accomplish when we collaborate more closely with research groups and companies within the WEI, across campus and around the world.”

One of the new research centres within the WEI will be the Canadian Vision Imaging Centre, which aims to use advanced ocular imaging to make breakthroughs in better understanding, diagnosing and treating diseases of the eye and beyond. Another will be the Biomedical Sciences Research Hub, which will focus on basic science and pre-clinical studies related to eye health, disease and processes. The existing Centre for Sight Enhancement, both a clinical and research centre, will be another source of collaboration for CORE.

“CORE has long been the School’s flagship research centre, so we expect it to play a leading role in the WEI,” said Dr. Ben Thompson, the School’s incoming director. “By bringing together a range of clinicians, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs and social innovators, the WEI aims to build the future of eye health, and CORE will help lead that work.”

Jones will remain an integral part of CORE in his new role as principal scientist. He will continue as a principal investigator on existing and future projects while working on expanding CORE’s scope with existing and future collaborators and granting agencies.

“I have full confidence in the steering committee to maintain the high-quality work in clinical research, biosciences and education for which CORE is known,” said Jones. “Our team will continue to contribute to impactful advancements in vision science as we expand into new opportunities.”

CORE began as the Centre for Contact Lens Research (CCLR) in 1988 under the leadership of Dr. Desmond Fonn. Over the years, it has been involved in some of the most meaningful advancements in the history of contact lenses, including the development of disposable lenses and the evolution of silicone hydrogel lenses. In 2018, to reflect its expanding interests and capabilities, CCLR rebranded as CORE.

CORE won’t change its name as it integrates into the WEI, but it will expand into research of the entire vision system and beyond. It will be available to assist researchers in a range of fields with study design, research administration, human participant recruitment, lab work, data management, report writing and knowledge mobilization.

With WEI experts, CORE will be able to provide scientific leadership and technical skills across vision science fields. For example, incoming professor and CORE steering committee member Dr. Austin Roorda is a world-renowned expert in retinal imaging. He also has a wealth of experience with industrial partnerships as founder and director of Berkeley’s Center for Innovation in Vision and Optics.

CORE is also looking to partner with principal investigators in fields outside vision science. For example, it could manage a clinical trial for a medical device or design a study for a startup ready to test the clinical viability of its new product.

At the same time, CORE is ensuring it’s well positioned to grow its reputation for contact lens, myopia and dry eye research, with Dr. Chelsea Bray, head of the WEI’s Advanced Contact Lens Service, joining the steering committee.

“For those who already know us, it’s business as usual,” said Woods. “For those who don’t, please reach out. We have a wealth of research expertise to offer in both clinical trials and basic biomedical research.”

# # #

MEDIA CONTACT
optometry.communications@uwaterloo.ca

WATERLOO, Ontario, March 4, 2025 — Each year, CORE publishes on a wide variety of topics, and 2024 was no different. CORE researchers co-authored 33 peer-reviewed manuscripts that were published in 2024, with topics covering drug-releasing contact lenses, 3D-printed lens materials, myopia control, specialty lenses, clinically meaningful differences when using rating scales, and much more. The 2024 top 10 publications exemplify the wide range of research we are doing at CORE. Make sure to check out our publications by visiting our website.

The Top 10 papers for 2024, in chronological order of publishing, include:

1. Bose S, Phan C-M, Rizwan M, Tse JW, Yim E, Jones L. Fabrication and Characterization of an Enzyme-Triggered, Therapeutic-Releasing Hydrogel Bandage Contact Lens Material. Pharmaceutics. 2024; 16(1):26.  

This study explored GelMA+, a new material for potential use as bandage contact lenses that releases medication in response to the enzyme MMP-9 in tears. The 30% formulation showed greater strength and slower breakdown than the 20% version and supported better cell growth. When loaded with bovine lactoferrin, the 30% GelMA+ gradually released the protein over five days, with the release rate increasing with higher enzyme levels. These findings suggest that enzyme-triggered drug-releasing contacts could offer a new method for treatment of ocular diseases in which MMP-9 is upregulated. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16010026

2. Phan CM, Wy Chan V, Drolle E, et al. Evaluating the in vitro wettability and coefficient of friction of novel and contemporary reusable silicone hydrogel contact lens materials using an in vitro blink model. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2024; 47(2):102129. 

This study evaluated the in vitro performance of serafilcon A, a weekly replacement silicone hydrogel lens that releases the amphiphilic polymer PEO-PBO, compared to other SiHy lenses. Over seven days, serafilcon A gradually released PEO-PBO, with a 50% decrease in release by day 7. This led to slightly increased contact angles but no significant changes in friction or NIKBUT. In contrast, other lenses showed increases in friction or contact angles over time. These findings highlight how serafilcon A maintains stable wettability and friction performance despite the gradual depletion of its releasable wetting agent, providing valuable insights into its potential performance over its weekly replacement period. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clae.2024.102129 

3. Qiu SX, Fadel D, Hui A. Scleral Lenses for Managing Dry Eye Disease in the Absence of Corneal Irregularities: What Is the Current Evidence? J Clin Med. 2024; 13(13):3838.

Scleral lenses are typically used to treat eyes with corneal irregularities, but there is growing interest in their potential to help patients with dry eye disease, even when the cornea is not an abnormal shape or thickness. Some patients report significant symptom relief with scleral lens wear, leading to discussions about moving scleral lenses earlier in the dry eye treatment hierarchy. This review examines the limited but emerging evidence supporting this approach, highlighting scleral lens benefits such as corneal healing, reduced tear evaporation, and improved vision and comfort. Scleral lenses may play a broader role in dry eye disease management beyond their current use. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13133838

4. Ganguly S, Wulff D, Phan CM, Jones LW, Tang XS. Injectable and 3D Extrusion Printable Hydrophilic Silicone-Based Hydrogels for Controlled Ocular Delivery of Ophthalmic Drugs. ACS Appl Bio Mater. 2024; 7(9):6286-6296.

Silicone elastomers are commonly used in the biomedical industry, but 3D printing them has been challenging due to their slow drying time, low viscosity, and hydrophobicity. This study developed a hydrophilic silicone hydrogel for 3D printing using a semi-interpenetrating polymer network and photogelation. The printed hydrophilic silicone hydrogels exhibited strong mechanical properties, including high elasticity and low deformation after compression. The hydrogel also demonstrated effective drug loading and stable, tunable release for up to a month. This is the first hydrophilic, silicone-based soft biomaterial to function as an efficient controlled drug delivery system. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsabm.4c00901

5. Guthrie SE, Luensmann D, Woods J, Vega J, Orsborn G. Relationships Between Success Factors in Daily Disposable Multifocal Contact Lenses. Clin Optom (Auckl). 2024; 16:157-167.

This study aimed to understand how subjective comfort and vision are linked for habitual multifocal soft contact lens (MFCL) wearers refitted with daily disposable MFCLs and to identify factors that influence success with these lenses. Fifty-eight participants wore two different MFCL designs for two weeks: stenfilcon A and delefilcon A. The results showed that participants were more likely to want to continue using stenfilcon A, with greater satisfaction in both vision and comfort, especially for near and intermediate vision. While comfort and vision were correlated for stenfilcon A, vision needs were found to be more critical for continued MFCL wear than comfort. The study suggests that meeting vision needs is the most important factor in ensuring long-term satisfaction with MFCLs. https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTO.S462723

6. Navascues-Cornago M, Guthrie SE, Morgan PB, Woods J. Determination of the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) for Ocular Subjective Responses. Trans Vis Sci Tech. 2024; 13(8):28.

This study aimed to find the minimal clinically important difference for subjective responses to contact lens use and see if these values vary across different study designs. Data from 7 one-week crossover studies and 14 one-day studies were analyzed, where participants rated comfort, dryness, vision, and ease of insertion on a 0-100 scale. The results showed that minimal clinically important difference values were consistent across different responses and study designs, with averages around 7 units for all categories. These values are important for understanding patient feedback and planning clinical studies. https://doi.org/10.1167/tvst.13.8.28

7. Wolffsohn JS, Berkow D, Chan KY, et al. BCLA CLEAR Presbyopia: Evaluation and diagnosis. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2024; 47(4): 102156.

Measuring the range of clear focus is essential for optimizing presbyopia correction. Subjective techniques, such as patient-reported outcome questionnaires and defocus curves, assess how residual accommodation and natural depth of field impact vision. Objective methods, like autorefraction, corneal topography, and lens imaging, evaluate optical performance and guide adjustments. These tests must consider target size, contrast, and illumination for accuracy. Objective techniques are more reliable and can clarify unexpected subjective results. A clear diagnosis, ruling out factors like binocular vision issues or digital eye strain, is crucial. Contact lenses can be a trial for more permanent solutions like implanted inlays or laser surgery, helping patients make informed choices. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clae.2024.102156

8. Wong KY, Liu Y, Phan C-M, Jones L, Wong, M-S, Liu J. Selection of DNA aptamers for sensing drugs treating eye disease: atropine and timolol maleate. Sensors & Diagnostics. 2024; 3(10):1679-1688.

This study aimed to improve how we monitor ocular drugs for better treatment and drug delivery. Traditional methods struggle to detect low drug levels in small amounts of ocular fluid. Using capture-SELEX, aptamers were developed for two common drugs, timolol maleate and atropine. The aptamers, TMJ-1 and AT-1, bind to the drugs with high affinity. Biosensors based on these aptamers were created, with TMJ-1 detecting timolol maleate at 0.3 μM and AT-1 detecting atropine at 1 μM, which is 10 times more sensitive than traditional methods. This research shows that aptamer-based biosensors could enhance ocular drug monitoring and improve treatment outcomes. https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SD00223G

9. Laughton D, Hill JS, McParland M, et al. Control of myopia using diffusion optics spectacle lenses: 4-year results of a multicentre randomised controlled, efficacy and safety study (CYPRESS): BMJ Open Ophthalmol. 2024; 9(1): e001790.

This study assessed the effectiveness of Diffusion Optics Technology (DOT) spectacle lenses in controlling myopia in children over 4 years. In a 3-year trial, DOT lenses showed significant improvements compared to standard single vision lenses, with reduced axial length and better refraction outcomes. After a fourth year, DOT lenses continued to demonstrate effectiveness, although the COVID-19 pandemic impacted results in years 2 and 3. The findings support DOT lenses as a safe and effective option for slowing myopia progression in children, with additional benefits seen after extended use. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjophth-2024-001790

10. Morgan PB, Efron N, Woods CA, Jones D, Jones L, Nichols JJ. International trends in daily disposable contact lens prescribing (2000-2023): An update. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2024; 47(6):102259.

This study tracked global trends in daily disposable contact lens prescriptions from 2000 to 2023. Data from over 265,000 daily wear soft lens fits across 20 countries showed a significant increase in daily disposable lens prescribing, rising from 17.1% in 2000 to 46.7% in 2023. The study also found variations between countries, with a higher percentage of males fitted with daily disposables compared to females. Additionally, daily disposable wearers were slightly younger than those fitted with reusable lenses. This trend reflects the growing availability and range of daily disposable lens designs over time. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clae.2024.102259

About the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)
The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) – formerly known as the Centre for Contact Lens Research – was established in 1988 at the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry & Vision Science. Over the next three decades, the organization evolved from a three-person operation into a thriving hub of basic and applied research, collaborating with sponsors, agencies and academia on advanced biosciences, clinical research and education. Its uncompromising independence and results of the highest quality have been at the heart of many of the most prominent advances in eye health. Today, its approximately 30-person team serves a range of ophthalmic sectors, including medical devices, ocular pharmaceuticals, digital technology and others, with a focus on the anterior segment. For more information, please visit core.uwaterloo.ca.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Lyndon Jones, Director, CORE
lwjones@uwaterloo.ca or +1 519-888-4065

WATERLOO, Ontario, March 3, 2025—While orthokeratology has earned considerable attention of late for myopia control, it remains a versatile, reversible, and evolving solution for correcting multiple refractive errors and providing freedom from traditional eyewear. Acknowledging renewed interest worldwide, the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has dedicated Issue 82 of Contact Lens Update to provide guidance on the topic through expert knowledge and best practices for optimal lens fitting. The bi-monthly publication is available at no charge by visiting ContactLensUpdate.com.

“Although ortho-k lenses are widely recognized for their role in slowing myopia progression, they were initially developed for the correction of both myopia and astigmatism. These lenses can also correct hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia by reshaping the cornea overnight—incredible, high-precision technology deserving more recognition,” said Daddi Fadel, clinical scientist at CORE. “This non-surgical approach allows patients to experience clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or soft contact lenses. We developed the latest issue of Contact Lens Update to help eye care professionals make even more use of the approach.”

Paul Gifford is an optometrist and research scientist specializing in orthokeratology and myopia control, an adjunct senior lecturer at UNSW Sydney, a visiting associate professor at the University of Waterloo, and co-founder of Myopia Profile Pty Ltd. His opening editorial provides an overview of orthokeratology’s advancements, its broad applications across the refractive spectrum, and its role in modern vision correction. He highlights its effectiveness, safety profile, and practical benefits, reinforcing the importance of integrating ortho-k into clinical practice for both children and adults.

Asif Iqbal, who is pursuing his PhD in Specialty Contact Lenses at the Contact Lens and Visual Optics Lab, Queensland University of Technology, and Stephen Vincent, director of the Centre for Vision and Eye Research at the Queensland University of Technology, authored the feature article. Their contribution investigated the effects of overnight ortho-k on corneal tissue thickness in adult myopes by measuring topographical epithelial and stromal changes after three months and assessing the impact of lens decentration on corneal thickness.

Aaron Wolf, the owner of Austin Optometry Group and Texas Specialty Eye Center in Austin, Texas, is an expert in specialty contact lenses, keratoconus, orthokeratology, and various ocular topography and imaging technologies. His clinical insight presents a case report on hyperopic orthokeratology with presbyopia, detailing lens design considerations, patient outcomes, and the potential of customized ortho-k lenses for presbyopic correction.

The conference highlight comes from Randy Kojima, who serves as the research director for the KATT Design Group in Vancouver, B.C., and who is on the faculty on the Pacific University College of Optometry in Forest Grove, Ore. The study examines current ortho-k prescribing patterns, showing that while the majority of new fits are children and teenagers for myopia management, 14.5% were adults up to age 54, emphasizing the broader benefits of ortho-k beyond myopia control.

In addition to a complete archive of back issues, ContactLensUpdate.com offers a resource library that provides no-cost professional tools, patient resources, images and video. It also houses complimentary technical training videos produced by International Association of Contact Lens Educators, plus an industry glossary. Industry professionals can access the latest issue directly from ContactLensUpdate.com or quickly sign up for email receipt of future issues.

The publication receives support from the educational arms of Alcon, CooperVision, and Johnson & Johnson Vision.

# # #

About the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)
The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) was established in 1988 at the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry & Vision Science. Over the next three decades, the organization evolved from a three-person operation into a thriving hub of basic and applied research, collaborating with sponsors, agencies and academia on advanced biosciences, clinical research and education. Its uncompromising independence and results of the highest quality have been at the heart of many of the most prominent advances in eye health. Today, its team serves a range of ophthalmic sectors, including medical devices, ocular pharmaceuticals, digital technology and others, with a focus on the anterior segment. For more information, please visit core.uwaterloo.ca.

MEDIA CONTACT
Lyndon Jones, Director, CORE
+1.519.888.4065 or lwjones@uwaterloo.ca

Contact Lens Update Issue 81 Offers Guidance from Top Researchers & Clinicians

WATERLOO, Ontario, December 18, 2024—In response to widespread demand from eye care professionals to better understand myopia progression and intervention, the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has themed Issue 81 of Contact Lens Update as “The Science of Myopia Control: What Every ECP Should Know.” The bi-monthly publication is available at no charge by visiting ContactLensUpdate.com.

“We are in the midst of a global myopia epidemic and public health crisis. Its prevalence continues to increase, with an estimated 50% of the world’s population projected to become myopic by the year 2050. High myopia is associated with the risk of serious ocular health problems which can lead to vision loss, such as retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, and glaucoma,” said Jill Woods, Head of Clinical Research at CORE.

“It is crucial for practitioners to be aware of the latest scientific findings to ensure their patients are given the highest standard of care. Intervention to slow myopia’s progression is particularly important for children, preventing them from becoming highly myopic as they age.”

Debbie Jones, Clinical Professor and Lead Clinical Scientist at CORE, School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of Waterloo, recaps the September 2024 International Myopia Conference in the issue’s editorial. Her conference highlights include ways of identifying people at risk of developing myopia, barriers to increasing the amount of time spent outdoors, and new potential treatments such as colored light therapies, pharmaceutical treatment using a caffeine derivative, and optical films for spectacle lenses.

The feature article is written by Vishakha Thakrar, an optometrist and owner of a specialty contact lens practice in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada. She outlines the findings of a systematic review investigating the intervention-dependent rebound effect that may occur after stopping myopia control treatment. The review presents studies that examined a range of optical, pharmaceutical, and low level red light therapies, including spectacles and soft contact lenses designed for myopia control  and  orthokeratology.

The conference highlight is contributed by Lisa Ostrin, Associate Professor at the University of Houston College of Optometry, Texas, United States. The abstract summarizes a presentation from the 2024 International Myopia Conference describing the safety profile of an instrument used for low-level red light therapy. The work compares the emitted irradiance level to criteria established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to determine the class of laser, instrument group, and maximum permitted exposure time.

Optometrist Oliver Woo, founder and chief clinical director of his eponymously-named orthokeratology and myopia management clinic in Sydney, Australia, presents the issue’s clinical insight column. The case report details a young patient’s journey through different therapies to manage her myopia, with Dr. Woo delving into why it is important customize the replacement frequency of orthokeratology lenses to each patient.

Published six times per year, Contact Lens Update provides a global platform for unbiased clinical insights based in current research. Since 2011, each issue has provided dependable and up-to-date ocular health information for more than 60,000 leading eye care professionals. In addition to a complete archive of back issues, ContactLensUpdate.com offers a resource library that provides no-cost professional tools, patient resources, images and video. It also houses complimentary technical training videos produced by International Association of Contact Lens Educators, plus an industry glossary. Industry professionals can access the latest issue directly from ContactLensUpdate.com or sign up for email receipt of feature issues on the website.

The publication receives support from the educational arms of  CooperVision and Johnson & Johnson Vision.

# # #

About the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)
The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) was established in 1988 at the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry & Vision Science. Over the next three decades, the organization evolved from a three-person operation into a thriving hub of basic and applied research, collaborating with sponsors, agencies and academia on advanced biosciences, clinical research and education. Its uncompromising independence and results of the highest quality have been at the heart of many of the most prominent advances in eye health. Today, its team serves a range of ophthalmic sectors, including medical devices, ocular pharmaceuticals, digital technology and others, with a focus on the anterior segment. For more information, please visit core.uwaterloo.ca.

MEDIA CONTACT
Lyndon Jones, Director, CORE
+1.519.888.4065 or lwjones@uwaterloo.ca

WATERLOO, Ontario, October 7, 2024—Although an increasing number of multifocal contact lens options are available, global prescribing rates remain relatively low, primarily due to perceived fitting challenges in the category. The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has focused Issue 80 of Contact Lens Update on providing insights and tips for eye care practitioners to build greater confidence in recommending multifocal lenses and to aid successful wearer adoption. The bi-monthly publication is available at no charge by visiting ContactLensUpdate.com.

“Multifocal soft contact lenses have been available for decades; however, their penetration into the market remains low, despite more advanced products being introduced over that time. These lenses are available in a wide range of powers, including astigmatic corrections, and in various materials. They also come in different replacement schedules, including daily disposable options,” said Jill Woods, Head of Clinical Research at CORE.

“These innovations present an opportunity to fit more of the presbyopic population than ever before, yet many patients are unaware of the possibility. Contact Lens Update Issue 80 is designed to help overcome the profession’s cautiousness—rooted in legacy concerns about fitting time and a fear of failure—by presenting new research that can be directly translated into better patient care and satisfaction.”

James S. Wolffsohn, Professor of Optometry and the Head of the School of Optometry at Aston University, writes the issue’s opening editorial. He presents a comprehensive overview of the BCLA CLEAR (Continued Learning Evidence-based Academic Reports) presbyopia initiative, providing an update on current knowledge and management of the condition.

Jill Woods is a global expert on presbyopia, myopia control, dry eye, and contact lens performance. With nearly 20 years of experience in presbyopia research and numerous publications in the field, she provides the feature article that examines how patients’ initial reactions to soft multifocal contact lenses can predict overall vision satisfaction and intention to purchase after one week of wear, which can be a strong indicator of success.

Doerte Luensmann, a Senior Clinical Scientist at CORE, contributes her expertise in clinical trial management for multisite global and domestic studies, assisting in study design and site management. Her clinical insight infographic offers a proactive guide for optimizing multifocal soft contact lens fitting, including determining full refraction and ocular dominance and ensuring patient satisfaction with follow-up communication and training.

The conference highlight is shared by Sabyasachi Goswami, a graduate student in Brain & Cognitive Sciences at the University of Rochester, who specializes in visual neuroscience with research interests in myopia, accommodation, and optical limitations of human vision. The study examines how various refractive zonal designs in multifocal contact lenses affect visual quality, including acuity, contrast sensitivity, and preference, using adaptive optics to suggest possible patient-specific customization.

In addition to a complete archive of back issues, ContactLensUpdate.com offers a resource library that provides no-cost professional tools, patient resources, images and video. It also houses complimentary technical training videos produced by International Association of Contact Lens Educators, plus an industry glossary. Industry professionals can access the latest issue directly from ContactLensUpdate.com or quickly sign up for email receipt of future issues.

The publication receives support from the educational arms of CooperVision and Johnson & Johnson Vision.

# # #

About the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)
The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) was established in 1988 at the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry & Vision Science. Over the next three decades, the organization evolved from a three-person operation into a thriving hub of basic and applied research, collaborating with sponsors, agencies and academia on advanced biosciences, clinical research and education. Its uncompromising independence and results of the highest quality have been at the heart of many of the most prominent advances in eye health. Today, its team serves a range of ophthalmic sectors, including medical devices, ocular pharmaceuticals, digital technology and others, with a focus on the anterior segment. For more information, please visit core.uwaterloo.ca.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Lyndon Jones, Director, CORE
+1.519.888.4065 or lwjones@uwaterloo.ca

WATERLOO, Ontario, June 26, 2024—Prescribing soft toric contact lenses is center stage for Issue 78 of Contact Lens Update. Left uncorrected when eye care providers instead prescribe spherical soft lenses, astigmatism can lead to reduced visual acuity, visual fatigue, poor overall vision quality, and dropout.

Published by the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE), the bi-monthly publication is available at no charge by visiting ContactLensUpdate.com.

“The benefits of prescribing toric soft contact lenses for low to moderate astigmatism are important to consider, given that 45% of our patients have 0.75 D or more of refractive astigmatism, and 35% have 1.00 D or more,” said Daddi Fadel, DOptom, FSLS, FBCLA, FAAO, FIACLE, a clinical scientist at CORE.

“The inability to tolerate the visual disturbances caused by residual astigmatism is a major reason why many patients abandon soft contact lenses. Recognizing the advantages and surmounting obstacles like visual performance, comfort, cost, and chair time are essential for patients’ well-being. When assessing the cost-effectiveness of soft toric lenses compared to spherical ones in astigmatic individuals, practitioners should note that toric lenses provide significant advantages, often surpassing wearers’ expectations despite the increased cost. Prescribing toric soft contact lenses for low and moderate astigmatism should become a standard practice.”

Philip Morgan is professor of Optometry, head of Optometry, deputy head of the Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, and director of Eurolens Research at The University of Manchester. His editorial highlights evidence that indicates some patients who could benefit from toric soft contact lenses are not receiving appropriate fitting. Additionally, his piece debunks conceived barriers such as poor visual performance, reduced comfort, and increased cost and chair time.

Dr. Melissa Barnett is the director of Optometry at the University of California, Davis, and globally recognized expert in specialty and scleral lenses, dry eye disease, keratoconus, and presbyopia. She authors the feature article examining the willingness to pay for soft toric lenses versus spherical contact lenses in individuals with astigmatism, shedding light on consumers’ perceived value of the attributes of these lenses.

Doerte Luensmann, a senior clinical scientist at the Centre for Ocular Research and Education, is involved in clinical trial management for multisite studies conducted in Canada and worldwide to support the development of study designs and management of clinical sites. Her clinical insight presents a case report illustrating the ineffectiveness of spherical lenses in correcting corneal astigmatism, emphasizing the significance of prescribing toric soft contact lenses for even low levels of astigmatism.

The conference highlight is shared by Micheal Read, the new technologies manager at Eurolens Research, The University of Manchester, where he liaises with the contact lens industry and manages clinical and laboratory research projects. His poster presents the findings of their study on the visual effectiveness of soft toric contact lenses in cases of mild to moderate astigmatism.

In addition to a complete archive of back issues, ContactLensUpdate.com offers a resource library that provides no-cost professional tools, patient resources, images and video. It also houses complimentary technical training videos produced by International Association of Contact Lens Educators, plus an industry glossary. Industry professionals can access the latest issue directly from ContactLensUpdate.com or quickly sign up for email receipt of future issues.

The publication receives support from the educational arms of Alcon, CooperVision, and Johnson & Johnson Vision.

# # #

About the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) was established in 1988 at the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry & Vision Science. Over the next three decades, the organization evolved from a three-person operation into a thriving hub of basic and applied research, collaborating with sponsors, agencies and academia on advanced biosciences, clinical research and education. Its uncompromising independence and results of the highest quality have been at the heart of many of the most prominent advances in eye health. Today, its approximately 50-person team serves a range of ophthalmic sectors, including medical devices, ocular pharmaceuticals, digital technology and others, with a focus on the anterior segment. For more information, please visit core.uwaterloo.ca.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Lyndon Jones, Director, CORE

+1.519.888.4065 or lwjones@uwaterloo.ca

WATERLOO, CANADA, and HYDERABAD, INDIA, April 26, 2024—L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) and the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) at the University of Waterloo have entered into a strategic partnership to advance vision science research and therapeutic development, as well as to enhance eye care delivery on a global scale.

Structured as a memorandum of understanding, the agreement leverages the respective strengths of the two world-leading eye care and research institutions, aiming to foster a dynamic exchange of knowledge, resources, and technology. Dr. Amit Mathur, strategic global partnerships and digital innovation advisor to LVPEI and a University of Waterloo alumnus, initiated the collaboration.

Key focus areas include:

• Joint research initiatives, encompassing collaborative research projects focused on cutting-edge solutions in vision science and eye health.
• Therapeutic development, expediting the creation of new interventions to address some of the most challenging eye conditions affecting people worldwide.
• Knowledge exchange and capacity building, facilitating cross-institutional sharing through joint seminars, workshops, and exchange programs for researchers and clinicians.
• Innovation in eye care, exploring novel approaches to delivery mechanisms while harnessing the latest technology and research to improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Prashant Garg, executive chair at LVPEI, said, “Our agreement with CORE represents a significant milestone in the quest to push the boundaries of vision science and eye care. By combining our strengths, we are setting the stage for breakthroughs that could transform the landscape of eye health globally.”

Professor Lyndon Jones, director of CORE, added, “LVPEI is renowned for its dedication to excellence in eye care and research. Together, we are committed to unlocking new possibilities in vision science and therapeutic development for the benefit of patients worldwide.”

The memorandum of understanding was signed by LVPEI and CORE in late April, and both organizations are now establishing the joint operating models for the partnership.

# # #

About L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI)
Established in 1987, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Prevention of Blindness, is a comprehensive eye health facility. The institute has ten functional arms to its areas of operations: Clinical Services, Education, Research, Vision Rehabilitation, Rural and Community Eye Health, Eye Banking, Advocacy and Policy Planning, Capacity Building, Innovation, and Product Development. The LVPEI Eye Care Network has over 300 Centres in India, spread across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Karnataka. The institute’s mission is to provide equitable and quality eye care to all sections of society. The LVPEI’s five-tier ‘Eye Health Pyramid’ model, covering all areas of the community right from the villages to the city, provides high quality and comprehensive – prevention, curative, and rehabilitation – eye care to all. It has served over 36.89 million (3 crores 68 lakh people), with more than 50% entirely free of cost, irrespective of the complexity of care needed.

About the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)
The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) was established in 1988 at the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry & Vision Science. Over the next three decades, the organization evolved from a three-person operation into a thriving hub of basic and applied research, collaborating with sponsors, agencies and academia on advanced biosciences, clinical research and education. Its uncompromising independence and results of the highest quality have been at the heart of many of the most prominent advances in eye health. Today, its approximately 50-person team serves a range of ophthalmic sectors, including medical devices, ocular pharmaceuticals, digital technology and others, with a focus on the anterior segment. For more information, please visit core.uwaterloo.ca.

MEDIA CONTACT
Lyndon Jones, Director, CORE
+1.519.888.4065 or lwjones@uwaterloo.ca