Centre for Ocular Research & Education

New Contact Lens Update Provides Tips forCommunicating with Presbyopic Patients

WATERLOO, ONTARIO, August 17, 2026—The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has published Issue 91 of Contact Lens Update, which focuses on optimizing communication skills to help educate patients about contact lenses for presbyopia. The bi-monthly publication is available at no charge by visiting ContactLensUpdate.com.

“No one likes to be reminded that they are getting older, and the onset of presbyopia can be one of the first changes that makes someone aware of their age. Eye care practitioners play a vital role in reassuring patients that although presbyopia affects everyone, there are safe and effective contact lens treatment options to reduce their need to wear spectacles. The latest issue of Contact Lens Update helps practitioners discuss this important topic with their patients,” said Lyndon Jones, principal scientist at CORE.

Shalu Pal, an optometrist and owner of The Yorkville Eye Institute in Canada, shares her clinical expertise on contact lenses for presbyopia in the issue’s opening editorial. Her comprehensive guide outlines practical tips for practitioners to incorporate every day, covering a proactive approach to early education, a personalized method to explain accommodative status, a detailed guide of the entire fitting process, and the best way to assess visual satisfaction.

Susan Gromacki, an optometrist and director of the contact lens service at First Sight Vision Care in the United States, reminds colleagues of patient perspectives and concerns regarding presbyopia in this month’s feature article. She discusses the findings of a questionnaire and focus group that examined feelings about presbyopia and the most popular forms of vision correction in adults aged 36 to 48.

This issue’s clinical insight is a patient handout from CORE that explains the basics of presbyopia and how different types of contact lens correction can be used to manage the condition. The full-color handout is available to download as a PDF and can be used as a helpful starting point for practitioners to explain the pros and cons of contact lens correction types, and to aid in identifying which option would best suit their patient’s lifestyle.

The conference highlight is contributed by Marc Vincent, an optometrist and head of Professional Affairs at CooperVision in France. His study examined the prescribing rate and satisfaction of 1,064 new and experienced contact lens wearers at 118 French eye care practices. Presbyopes were fit with soft daily disposable or frequent-replacement multifocal contact lenses, who then rated overall comfort and satisfaction, ease of handling, and quality of vision upon completion of the trial period. The study also reported the percentage of patients choosing to continue with lens wear or their reasons for discontinuation.

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.

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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, Principal Scientist, CORE
+1.519.888.4065 or lwjones@uwaterloo.ca

Latest CORE Publication Focuses on AI & Myopia Management

WATERLOO, Ontario, June 22, 2026—Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to rapidly transform myopia management, offering new capabilities for predicting progression, personalizing treatment, and improving clinical decision-making. The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has dedicated Issue 90 of Contact Lens Update to the topic, focusing on the challenges, opportunities and paths forward. The bi-monthly publication is available at no charge by visiting ContactLensUpdate.com.

“AI is not a substitute for clinicians, but it can augment their clinical reasoning. For myopia management, systems can already help synthesize complex scientific evidence, project progression, and support personalized treatment decisions. This issue provides practitioners with a practical understanding of how AI can be integrated into daily care to improve outcomes for young myopic patients,” said Daddi Fadel, adjunct assistant professor at the University of Waterloo and a consultant for CORE.

Jeffrey J. Walline, a distinguished professor and associate dean at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, writes the issue’s opening editorial. He argues that while AI predicts average myopia progression in groups reasonably well, it remains poor at forecasting individual progression. He concludes that truly transformative AI for personalized myopia care does not yet exist, though it will likely emerge within our professional lifetime.

Nicola Logan, professor of Optometry and associate dean for Research & Enterprise at Aston University, UK, provides the feature article that analyzes AI in myopia research, finding that use is growing rapidly yet remains focused on screening and prediction rather than treatment decisions. She concludes that meaningful clinical transformation will require more international data sharing, multi-ethnic studies, and integrated decision-support systems.

In the clinical insight, CORE provides practitioners with practical summaries of the seven International Myopia Institute (IMI) reports, accompanied by clinically relevant infographics. These resources translate the latest evidence into actionable guidance for myopia management, supporting clinicians in risk assessment, treatment selection, and patient communication.

The conference highlight from clinician and professional educator Epifanio Ruiz Campos of OPTOacademy examines how artificial intelligence can support clinical decision-making in myopia management. OPTOMYOPIA, an AI-powered augmented intelligence platform, integrates peer-reviewed literature and patient-specific data to synthesize complex evidence, supporting risk stratification and personalized treatment while demonstrating that AI should augment rather than replace clinicians.

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

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

New Contact Lens Update Examines the Benefits of Prescribing Contact Lenses for Children

WATERLOO, ONTARIO, April 22, 2026—The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has published Issue 89 of Contact Lens Update, which focuses on contact lenses for a rapidly growing demographic of eye care practice: the pediatric population. The bi-monthly publication is available at no charge by visiting ContactLensUpdate.com.

“Contact lenses are being increasingly prescribed to younger patients. They can positively impact the lives of many children who require vision correction by boosting their self-esteem, improving academic performance, and increasing engagement in extracurricular activities. The latest issue of Contact Lens Update helps practitioners more effectively discuss contact lens wear with children and their parents,” said Jill Woods, Head of Clinical Research at CORE.

Sheila Morrison, an optometrist in private practice at Mission Eye Care Center for Dry Eye and Corneal Disease in Alberta, Canada, shares her clinical expertise in the issue’s opening editorial. She examines important reasons for fitting children with contact lenses, their impact on quality of life and self-perception, and how lenses can benefit their sports-related performance. The overview also reminds practitioners of the importance of communication, optimizing compliance, and how to deal with potential ocular emergencies.

Isabelle Jalbert is an optometrist and associate dean of Education Quality at the University of New South Wales in Australia. Her feature article centers on an investigation of the safety of pediatric contact lens use. The review includes data from 11,679 children (ages 6-18) across the world who were prescribed orthokeratology, soft contact lenses, or rigid gas-permeable lenses then followed for a maximum of 12 years.

Debbie Jones, clinical professor and lead clinical scientist at CORE, School of Optometry & Vision Science at the University of Waterloo, authors the clinical insight that describes a young, active, hyperopic child’s journey to successful contact lens wear. The case report covers her ocular history, from presenting at two years old with an intermittent esotropia, to her initial contact lens fit at six years old, and subsequent aftercare visits.

The conference highlight is contributed by Hiu Yan Lam, a PhD candidate at Aston University in the United Kingdom. Her work investigated young adults who began wearing myopia control lenses between the ages of 8 to 12 years old, averaging 11 years of use. Optical coherence tomography measured the overall corneal thickness and epithelial thickness, with results compared to an age-matched group of adults who had never worn contact lenses.

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

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

New Contact Lens Update Explores the Evolution of Scleral Lenses

WATERLOO, ONTARIO, February 18, 2026—The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has published Issue 88 of Contact Lens Update, which focuses entirely on scleral lenses—one of the most transformative modalities in modern contact lens practice. Four feature stories examine the expanding role of sclerals, real-world prescribing trends, and the technologies shaping contemporary practice. The bi-monthly publication is available at no charge by visiting ContactLensUpdate.com.

“Today’s scleral lenses are no longer simply a last-resort option,” said Daddi Fadel, adjunct assistant professor at the University of Waterloo. “They have evolved into a powerful, highly customizable platform, giving clinicians the ability to manage complex visual and ocular surface challenges with unprecedented precision, comfort, and confidence.”

Fadel, who is among the world’s most recognized authorities in specialty contact lenses, wrote the issue’s opening editorial. She outlines the “what, why, and how” of scleral lenses, describing their evolution into a versatile therapeutic and optical platform. Fadel explains their essential role in restoring visual quality, comfort, and quality of life where conventional corrections fail, and details how advanced diagnostics, customized scleral alignment, and emerging optical technologies enable optimized vision and ocular surface outcomes.

Rute J. Macedo de Araújo, PhD, is an optometrist, vision scientist, and researcher at the University of Minho (Braga, Portugal) who concentrates on specialty lenses, corneal irregularities, and visual quality. She authors the feature article on current trends in scleral lens prescription, management, and evaluation. Her review highlights real-world scleral lens prescribing and management through the SCOPE initiative, illustrating progress in lens design and care but wide variability in follow-up practices.

Anitha Arvind, PhD, associate professor and head of Optometry at GD Goenka University and an expert in contact lenses and dry eye, and Monica Chaudhry, a senior optometrist with more than 40 years’ experience in specialty lenses and founder of MCVI, offer the clinical insight. These Gurugram, India-based professionals present a case showing how scleral lenses successfully managed long-term visual instability, irregular astigmatism, and contact lens intolerance post–radial keratotomy, using advanced corneal imaging to guide lens selection for stable vision and comfort.

The conference highlight is presented by Jamie Kuzniar, FSLS, FAAO, founder of Elevate Eye Care + Eyewear (Rochester Hills, Mich., U.S.), and Nicholas Brown, director of Engineering at Ovitz Inc. (Rochester, N.Y., U.S.). This case series presents clinical outcomes using wavefront‑guided scleral lenses to enhance visual quality in keratoconus patients. The results demonstrated significant reduction in higher‑order aberrations and improved visual acuity by custom correcting patient-specific optics and optimizing lens stability and fit for better real-world vision.

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

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

CORE Summarizes TFOS DEWS III Reports to Boost Dry Eye Knowledge

WATERLOO, Ontario, December 15, 2025—The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has published issue 87 of Contact Lens Update, which focuses on the third edition of the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society Dry Eye WorkShop report (TFOS DEWS III). Expert-authored summaries and downloadable PDFs aim to increase understanding of key conclusions and recommended actions, highlighting what has evolved since the previous work was released in 2017. The publication is available at no charge by visiting ContactLensUpdate.com.

“Dry eye disease is a commonly encountered problem that adversely affects the lives of millions. Since the release of TFOS DEWS II, over 8,000 additional peer-reviewed articles have been published on the topic. Due to that sheer volume, it is important to reassess what we know and our approaches. Recognizing that many practitioners may not have the time to read the entire report, the latest issue of Contact Lens Update provides an overview of the most critically important findings,” said Lyndon Jones, Principal Scientist at CORE and TFOS Board member.

Jennifer Craig, a therapeutic optometrist and professor at the University of Auckland, TFOS Board director, and member of the TFOS DEWS III leadership group, shares a clinically relevant introduction to the reports in the issue’s editorial. Her overview covers three key sub-reports, touching on sex, gender and hormones; pathophysiology, the tear film, diagnosis, and treatment. She offers clinicians practical guidance on the new findings and how practitioners can incorporate them into everyday practice.

The feature article consolidates critical aspects specific to the TFOS DEWS III: Diagnostic Methodology work. Heiko Pult, an optometrist and clinical researcher in Weinheim, Germany, and honorary professor at Cardiff University and Aston University in the United Kingdom, encapsulates the authors’ guidance on how to screen for dry eye, the updated subclassification, and how to diagnose each dry eye subtype.

A complementary conference highlight is contributed by Eric Lortie-Milner, an optometrist in private practice, lecturer at the University of Montreal, and PhD candidate at the University of Sherbrooke in Quebec, Canada. He presents the initial results of a larger study investigating the use cyclosporin and intense pulsed light treatment on a group of symptomatic soft contact lens wearers. The preliminary results describe how eight weeks of cyclosporin treatment impacted various signs and symptoms of dry eye.

CORE has created downloadable handouts of the TFOS DEWS III: Digest, TFOS DEWS III: Diagnostic Methodology, and TFOS DEWS III: Management and Therapy sub-reports as Issue 87’s clinical insight. The PDFs provide practitioners with an overview of the highlights of each report to help expand their knowledge, and to aid in diagnosis and management.

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

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

New Contact Lens Update Explores AI’s Impact and Potential

WATERLOO, Ontario, August 13, 2025—Artificial intelligence (AI) is on the verge of reshaping contact lens practices, being incorporated into tools that enhance fitting accuracy, streamline workflows, and personalize treatment. The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has dedicated Issue 85 of Contact Lens Update to AI innovations, from smart lenses to data-driven fitting algorithms, that are transforming the management of contact lens wear and ocular surface health. The bi-monthly publication is available at no charge by visiting ContactLensUpdate.com.

“AI breakthroughs are altering the way clinicians approach fitting and monitoring contact lenses, particularly for patients with complex corneal profiles or coexisting ocular surface conditions. As the technology continues to evolve, it holds significant promise for elevating the standard of care and delivering more efficient, customized, and outcome-focused solutions for contact lens wearers,” said Daddi Fadel, clinical scientist at CORE.

Kasandra Swiderska, a research scientist at M-Optometry and honorary research associate at the University of Manchester, and Philip Morgan, a professor of optometry and director of Eurolens Research at the University of Manchester, wrote the issue’s opening editorial. They provide an overview of how AI is revolutionizing contact lens care and explore AI’s current and future role in ocular health, including ortho-k, keratoconus, and smart lens technologies. The authors note that responsible adoption requires consideration of ethical, technical, and clinical aspects.

Rute Macedo de Araújo, an optometrist and vision scientist who earned her doctorate from the University of Minho, focuses on specialty contact lenses, corneal irregularities, and visual quality. She penned the feature article about AI use to identify subtle meibomian gland changes in asymptomatic children wearing ortho-k or myopia control soft lenses. The technology detected early morphological alterations that might go unnoticed with traditional assessment methods, underscoring the potential of AI-based meibography for proactive ocular surface monitoring in pediatric contact lens wearers.

Three members of the eye care community teamed to create the issue’s clinical insight: Ben David, general manager at AOS, who has led innovations in hybrid care software for optical retail over the past six years; optometrist and dry eye specialist Sarah Farrant, a global consultant, educator, and former BCLA president who is passionate about advancing eye care access and education; and Karl Hans Jeebaun, CEO of AOS and Sparca, who has pioneered AI-driven ophthalmic software and holds key roles with eye care innovation and policy groups. Their article highlights the evolution, current applications, and future potential of AI in contact lens practice, supported by real-world case studies that demonstrate improved outcomes and patient satisfaction.

The conference highlight is shared by Andrea Fazio Liu, a research optometrist at the UC Berkeley School of Optometry & Vision Science. This study used an AI-based approach to quantify morphological differences between upper and lower eyelid Meibomian glands in dry eye. Findings revealed significant distinctions in gland length, width, contrast, and tortuosity, highlighting the potential for standardized AI analysis in gland assessment.

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

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

New Contact Lens Update Highlights Methods to Grow Contact Lens Practices

WATERLOO, Ontario, June 30, 2025—The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has published issue 84 of Contact Lens Update, which focuses on ways for eye care practices to increase the number of contact lens wearers and how to prevent patient discontinuation (dropout). The bi-monthly publication is available at no charge by visiting ContactLensUpdate.com.

“Contact lenses improve our patients’ quality of life while reinforcing loyalty to their eye care practice, resulting in a win-win situation for patients and practitioners alike. They represent a lucrative market with numerous clinical benefits, but the profession often fails to discuss the latest technological advances with existing lens wearers or forgets to recommend them as an alternative or complementary method of vision correction to spectacle wearers. The latest issue of Contact Lens Update serves as an important reminder of how practices can attract new lens wearers and optimize the experience for current and future lens wearers,” said Jill Woods, head of Clinical Research at CORE.

Mike McDougall, president of McDougall Communications in New York, authors the opening editorial. He summarizes a survey conducted by the Contact Lens Institute that investigated the opinions of 1,054 adults who required vision correction. It found that a significant number of people who have never worn contact lenses were highly interested in trying them, and highlights missed yet easily addressable opportunities where practices failed to discuss lens wear with prospective and former lens wearers.

The feature article summarizes a review of common barriers that prevent new contact lens wearers from successful use. Doerte Luensmann, a senior clinical scientist at CORE, outlines solutions that clinicians can use to combat these frequently encountered problems, including issues with vision, comfort, handling, and disinterest.

The conference highlight is contributed by Samantha Watson, a contact lens optician and affairs consultant at CooperVision in England. Her online survey and related interviews analyzed the emotional journey and expectations encountered among a group of recent lens wearers and/or people interested in trying lenses. The abstract contrasts the reality of contact lens fitting and dispensing against the number of actual visits, and highlights areas where better communication may improve the patient experience.

To help practitioners increase their number of contact lens patients, CORE has created a downloadable handout as this issue’s clinical insight feature. The PDF provides an overview of key points for practitioners to cover to attract new wearers, retain existing ones, and help identify issues that may result in patients ceasing lens wear.

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

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

Expanding CORE’s horizons

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.”

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MEDIA CONTACT
optometry.communications@uwaterloo.ca

New Contact Lens Update Focuses on Sustainability for Practices, Manufacturers, and Patients

WATERLOO, Ontario, April 29, 2025—As the “Earth Month” comes to a close, the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has published a new guide to help practice staff and manufacturers minimize environmental impact year-round. Issue 83 of Contact Lens Update focuses on contact lens-related sustainability initiatives, wearer attitudes, and practical patient education. The bi-monthly publication is available at no charge by visiting ContactLensUpdate.com.

“There is growing attention to sustainable practices in eye care, driven by patient demand, practitioner awareness, manufacturer innovation, and evolving retail standards. The latest issue of Contact Lens Update highlights several of the most important opportunities for practices to engage with contact lens patients about environmental effects, proper disposal and recycling, and available programs to minimize impact of wear,” said Lyndon Jones, director of CORE.

Sarah Smith’s opening editorial provides evidence- based research to help guide patient conversations regarding the amount of waste generated by different lens replacement modalities. A research optometrist with Eurolens Research at The University of Manchester (Manchester, England), she also explores contact lens recycling programs and describes how the recycled plastic is given a new lease on life. In addition, Smith shares straightforward advice on ways to make practices more sustainable.

The feature article is written by Alison Ng, a lecturer at the School of Optometry & Vision Sciences at Cardiff University (Cardiff, Wales) and adjunct associate professor at the School of Optometry & Vision Science at the University of Waterloo. She summarizes a review surrounding the environmental effects of contact lenses, the vital role that practitioners serve in educating patients about sustainability, and the future of environmentally-friendly contact lenses.

The conference highlight comes from Sarah Mastrorocco, an optometrist at Walterboro Eyecare Center (Walterboro, South Carolina). She conducted an online survey at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, investigating how concerned soft contact lens wearers were about the environmental impact of lenses, whether they were aware of the university’s contact lens recycling program, their willingness to recycle their lenses at the school, and whether a company’s or practice’s commitment to recycling influenced their choice of product or eye care practitioner.

To help increase patient awareness of sustainable contact lens practice, CORE has created downloadable handouts for practitioners to use in this issue’s clinical insight column. These are ideal for in-office digital or hard copy display, staff training, and inclusion in take-home materials for new and existing contact lens patients.

Contact Lens Update Issue 83 follows CORE’s recent introduction of a first-of-its-kind eye care sustainability website: SustainableEyecare.com. A wealth of resources are available at no cost on the site to eye care practitioners, educators, manufacturers, students, and consumers.

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

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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

CORE Launches SustainableEyecare.com

Website Helps Eye Care Professionals and Patients Responsibly Use, Recycle and Dispose of Contact Lenses and Eyewear

WATERLOO, ONTARIO, April 21, 2025—Ahead of Earth Day, the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) at the University of Waterloo has launched SustainableEyecare.com. The first-of-its-kind website is designed to educate eye care professionals and patients about the environmental impact of contact lenses and eyewear, as well as about practical solutions for recycling and responsible disposal.

“Consumers are increasingly conscious about the amount of waste they generate, including the use of plastics associated with contact lenses, frames, and spectacle lenses. However, many don’t have complete information needed to make good choices. For instance, despite having the best of intentions when putting their contact lens packaging in the recycling bin, people are largely unaware that blister packs or contact lens foils may not be accepted by municipal recyclers,” said Dr. Lyndon Jones, director of CORE.

“Practitioners and staff have the opportunity to address this challenge and patients’ other environmental questions as part of routine care and follow-up. SustainableEyecare.com aims to help by providing targeted education and actionable guidance in a clear, compelling way.”

The site includes:

Easy-to-understand information about the environmental challenges linked to contact lens, frames, and spectacle lens disposal.
Clear instructions for how to properly dispose of lenses to minimize environmental effects.
A directory of known recycling programs around the world, as well as a listing of green initiatives from select eye care manufacturers and industry bodies.
Customizable resources and downloadable infographics that eye care professionals can use to educate patients, some of which are available in 30 languages.
Tips on how to build sustainability into clinical practice operations.
A compendium of relevant peer-reviewed and professional publications.

“This Earth Day, we’re encouraging everyone in eye care to take another step toward protecting our planet. Society has benefited immeasurably from contact lenses and glasses, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be mindful of their disposal. Whether you’re a patient wanting to reduce your plastic footprint or an eye care professional looking to implement greener practices, SustainableEyecare.com provides tools and knowledge to help make a difference,” noted Dr. Jones.

CORE plans to update the site with additional resources from across the eye care spectrum, and encourages organizations to submit their own initiatives for possible inclusion over the coming weeks and months.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Lyndon Jones, Director, CORE
+1.519.590.4163 or lwjones@uwaterloo.ca