Archives: Core News

WATERLOO, ONTARIO, September 18, 2023—One of the eye care profession’s most in-demand speakers will headline the Vision Expo West 2023 Global Contact Lens Forum, which is scheduled for Wednesday, September 27 in Las Vegas. For the first time, Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) Director Lyndon Jones joins the event’s faculty, sharing insights alongside peers Melissa Barnett, Jason Compton, Janelle Davison, and Sheila Morrison.

The Forum ‘meeting within a meeting’ design—which runs from 8:30 am to 3:15 pm—is structured to provide practical, timely clinical and business processes tips for any professional that recommends, fits, or prescribes contact lenses. Topics include new products and technologies, ‘leveling up’ practice management pearls, and the good, bad, and ugly of myopia control. Participants can earn up to four hours of continuing education (CE) credits at no additional cost.

Dr. Jones will also join Dr. Barnett, Dr. Compton, and Dr. Shalu Pal the following day for “The Greatest Contact Lens Course Ever.” The two-hour session promises a series of rapid-paced presentations, including drug delivery, myopia management and scleral lenses, to expand attendees’ contact lens knowledge and patient interactions.

Vision Expo West pre-registration for educational courses is required at west.visionexpo.com.

Dr. Jones has delivered more than 1,000 invited lectures at conferences in more than 40 countries, has authored over 400 refereed and professional papers, and is rated among the top 10 optometry researchers worldwide by OptomRankings.com. He most recently was a featured speaker at the 4th World Congress of Optometry / O=MEGA23 conference in Melbourne, Australia.

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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 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:
Aimee J. Lewis or Mike McDougall, APR, Fellow PRSA, McDougall Communications for CORE
aimee@mcdougallpr.com +1.585.414.9838  |  mike@mcdougallpr.com +1.585.545.1815

WATERLOO, ONTARIO, August 31, 2023—The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has added a post-doctoral fellow to its Biosciences research team, as well as promoted three scientists to leadership roles.

Haile Darge, Ph.D., has joined CORE as a post-doctoral fellow focused on developing biomaterials for ocular drug delivery and in vitro eye models using 3D printing technology. He earned an MSc in medicinal physiology from Addis Ababa University, School of Medicine and a Ph.D. from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech). His previous research explored the preparation of polymeric biomaterials for controlled drug delivery in cancer treatment, wound dressing and 3D cell culturing. He has authored more than two dozen peer-reviewed research articles in drug delivery for cancer treatment.

Deborah Jones, B.Sc., FCOptom FAAO, FBCLA, has been promoted to lead clinical scientist at CORE. Jones is also clinical professor at the School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo. Her primary clinical focus is on pediatric optometry and her main area of research is in myopia control. She graduated from City University, London, and is a Fellow of the British College of Optometrists. She holds a UK Diplomate in Contact Lens Practice and is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and the British Contact Lens Association.

Amir Moezzi, B.Sc., Ph.D., FAAO, has been promoted to lead clinical scientist at CORE, researching ocular physiological responses to contact lens wear. He earned a B.Sc. in optometry in Iran, where he practiced optometry and worked as an instructor. He went on to work in the field of technical management for ophthalmic lens processing after training at LOH Optikmaschinen Germany. Moezzi completed his MSc in 1999 and later completed a Ph.D. in Vision Science both at the University of Waterloo. Moezzi is a registered member of the College of Optometrists of Ontario, a member of the Ontario Association of Optometrists, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.

Alison Ng, B.Sc.Ph.D., MCOptom, FAAO, has been promoted to lead clinical scientist at CORE. She is also an adjunct associate professor at the School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo.  Her research interests including the ocular surface response to environmental factors, contact lenses, cosmetics, dry eye disease, nutrition, and corneal neuropathic pain. She joined CORE as a post-doctoral fellow in 2014. Previously, she was a practicing optometrist in the UK and earned a Ph.D. at Cardiff University. Ng serves as a TFOS Global Ambassador for Canada and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.

“CORE’s capacity to serve a range of sponsors and collaborators continues to grow with more robust needs for biosciences, clinical study, and professional education expertise from the ophthalmology, optometry, vision science, and related communities,” said Lyndon Jones, CORE’s director. “We are incredibly fortunate to work alongside so many talented people, including Haile, Debbie, Amir, and Alison. Congratulations to each of them in their new roles.”

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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 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:
Aimee J. Lewis or Mike McDougall, APR, Fellow PRSA, McDougall Communications for CORE
aimee@mcdougallpr.com +1.585.414.9838  |  mike@mcdougallpr.com +1.585.545.1815

Honour Recognizes Contributions to Pediatric Vision Care and Myopia Control

WATERLOO, Ontario, July 17, 2023—The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) has named Debbie Jones, BSc, FCOptom, FAAO, FBCLA, as its 2023 President’s Award recipient. The organization’s highest honour was conferred in recognition for her significant contributions to pediatric vision care, myopia control, and optometry education.

Dr. Jones is a clinical professor at the School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of Waterloo, and a lead clinical scientist with the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE). Dr. Harry Bohnsack, CAO president, and Dr. Michael Nelson, CAO past president, presented the award during the 2023 CAO Congress opening ceremony in Quebec City.

Organizers noted Dr. Jones’ leadership in children’s eye health spanning 25 years, including widespread acknowledgement as a key opinion leader and in-demand conference speaker. Last year, she authored CAO’s position paper on myopia, making Canada the first country to declare that myopia management should be standard of care for all children. They also acknowledged her impact in the classroom and clinic, having worked with more than 2,000 optometry students during her tenure at the University of Waterloo.

“It’s such an honour to be given the President’s Award, but this really isn’t about me. This shines a spotlight on the importance of academic and research optometrists. It’s also about the CAO’s foresight and progressive thinking surrounding myopia prevalence. The Association’s myopia management position paper took a stand like no country before it—something about which all optometrists in Canada should be proud,” said Dr. Jones.

Dr. Jones was nominated by Dr. Marlee Spafford, professor and special advisor to the Provost at the School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of Waterloo.

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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 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
Aimee J. Lewis or Mike McDougall, APR, Fellow PRSA, FAAO
McDougall Communications for CORE
aimee@mcdougallpr.com +1.585.414.9838  |  mike@mcdougallpr.com +1.585.434.2150

WATERLOO, Ontario, June 12, 2023— As ectatic corneal diseases—such as keratoconus—pose significant challenges to vision and quality of life, the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has dedicated Issue 72 of Contact Lens Update to better understanding the underlying causes and advancements in treatment methods for its successful management.  The bi-monthly publication is available at no charge by visiting ContactLensUpdate.com.  

“With a multidisciplinary approach that includes early diagnosis, monitoring, patient education, and advancements in contact lenses and surgeries, we can offer better visual outcomes and significantly improve the quality of life for patients affected by ectatic corneal diseases,” said Daddi Fadel, DOptom, FSLS, FBCLA, FAAO, FIACLE, a clinical scientist at CORE. “Prompt diagnosis and regular monitoring are essential for successful outcomes with corneal crosslinking in halting the progression of keratoconus. Additionally, educating patients about the significance of avoiding eye rubbing is crucial for preventing and managing the disease effectively.” 

Advancements in managing ectatic corneal diseases offer a variety of tailored contact lens options. Personalized fitting, including scleral lenses, is crucial for optimal outcomes by improving vision and addressing high-order aberrations associated with these conditions. As our understanding of ectatic corneal diseases continues to evolve, it is vital for eye care practitioners to stay updated with the latest developments and provide personalized solutions for the best possible care of patients with these complex conditions.  

Fadel, a pioneer of modern lens designs, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Contact Lens Research & Science, and author of several peer-reviewed articles and books, writes the issue’s opening editorial. She presents a comprehensive review of ectatic diseases, providing a detailed summary of the current understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of ectatic diseases, including therapeutic contact lenses and surgical approaches. The editorial provides an up-to-date overview of the field, making it a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers involved in the management of ectatic diseases. 

Melissa Barnett, director of optometry at the University of California, Davis, an internationally recognized expert in specialty and scleral lenses, dry eye disease, keratoconus, and presbyopia, provides the feature article that delves into the management of keratoconus through contact lenses, highlighting the significance of corneal topography and imaging techniques in optimizing lens fitting. The feature article provides valuable perspectives on current approaches and strategies for effectively managing keratoconus with contact lens interventions. 

Karen Carrasquillo, senior vice president of clinical and professional affairs at BostonSight, adjunct clinical professor at the New England College of Optometry and at the School of Optometry, MCPHS University, shares her expertise in the form of a clinical insight. This comprehensive case report highlights key considerations in managing keratoconus patients, emphasizing the importance of addressing both mechanical and optical aspects of the lens fit. Proper weight distribution, minimizing suction, and optimizing visual quality with customized optics are crucial factors for effective treatment. 

The conference highlight is shared by Christine Sindt, professor of clinical ophthalmology and director of the Contact Lens Service at the University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. This poster compared different methods of measuring higher-order aberrations (HOAs) on scleral lenses and their impact on fitting and functionality, showing that both high-resolution aberrometer (HRA) and low-resolution aberrometer (LRA) improved HOAs measurements. The wavefront lens based on HRA measurements corrected 50% more HOAs compared to that based on the LRA measurements.

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 the 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, Cooper Vision, 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 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 
Aimee J. Lewis or Mike McDougall, APR, Fellow PRSA, McDougall Communications for CORE 
aimee@mcdougallpr.com +1.585.414.9838  |  mike@mcdougallpr.com +1.585.545.1815 

Insights Span 11 Lectures, Paper Presentations, and Scientific Posters

WATERLOO, Ontario, June 5, 2023—A team of researchers and educators from the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) will present multiple insights this coming week at the 2023 BCLA Clinical Conference. Spanning 11 lectures, paper presentations, and scientific posters, their findings and guidance will include topics such as myopia, dry eye, and contact lens comfort.

“CORE’s participation in the BCLA this year exemplifies how we collaborate with sponsors and peers to advance biosciences, clinical research and education—work that is not only intriguing, but has real application with practices and patients,” said Lyndon Jones, FBLCA, CORE’s director. “All of us are enthusiastic about being back in Manchester to share some of our latest initiatives and explore new partnership opportunities. Ocular science and eye care continue to evolve, and we are privileged to be at the centre of that.”

Myopia management has dominated conference proceedings of late, and it’s the same at this year’s BCLA. CORE Lead Clinical Scientist Debbie Jones, FBCLA, will moderate a panel discussion on managing a myopic patient’s contact lens journey, then present a paper on young adult acceptance of a dual focus soft contact lens. CORE Head of Clinical Research Jill Woods, FBCLA, joins her to offer a hands-on, 90-minute workshop that will review multifunction instruments for myopia management. Posters on new software for ortho-k fitting success and visual performance of myopia control soft lenses will be presented by CORE Senior Clinical Scientist Doerte Luensmann and CORE Data, Statistics & Website Manager Sarah Guthrie, respectively.

Lyndon Jones is delivering six lectures across all three days, co-presenting with industry sponsors and academic peers on comfort opportunities, clinical myths, presbyopia, and lifestyle impact on the ocular surface. Alongside Professors Jennifer Craig and James Wolffsohn, he will demonstrate the new Dry Eye Wheel, developed in conjunction with the World Council of Optometry. Dr. Jones will close out BCLA with a discussion of CORE’s fabrication of a microfluidic chip for drug delivery and ocular cytotoxicity evaluation—a breakthrough that attracted substantial attention at the recent ARVO meeting in New Orleans.

In addition, CORE Clinical Scientist Daddi Fadel will conduct a 90-minute workshop on using specialty lenses in challenging situations. She and co-presenter Debarun Dutta will review applying scleral lenses in conditions of low cell density, extremely thin corneas, and high scleral toricity, as well as using non-traditional corneal lenses for high myopia and corneo-scleral ortho-k for corneal toricity that is against the rule.

The 2023 BCLA Clinical Conference and Exhibition takes place from June 9-11. Nearly 1,000 attendees from around the world are expected to attend.

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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 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

Aimee J. Lewis or Mike McDougall, APR, Fellow PRSA, FAAO
McDougall Communications for CORE
aimee@mcdougallpr.com +1.585.414.9838  |  mike@mcdougallpr.com +1.585.434.2150

Latest Innovations Offer Widespread Applications for Development of
Drug Delivery Systems, Biodegradable Contact Lenses, and Pharmaceuticals

WATERLOO, Ontario, April 18, 2023—Scientists from the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) are poised to unveil multiple advancements in 3D printing next week during the ARVO 2023 Annual Meeting in New Orleans. These innovations have widespread applications, with the potential to accelerate development of drug delivery systems, biodegradable contact lenses, and pharmaceuticals.

“Our multidisciplinary team has created one of the most sophisticated 3D printing environments for ocular research in the world,” said Alex Hui, OD, PhD, FAAO, head of Biosciences at CORE. “This investment in people and technologies is opening doors for new discoveries, product validation, and clinical insights, with so many implications for enhancing vision.”

CORE’s scientific poster presentations at ARVO span several interlinked aspects of three-dimensional modeling. Three related works focus on a new, CORE-developed method to rapidly fabricate PDMS (polydimethyl siloxane) microfluidic chips at a low cost and with high throughput. These chips are used to test ocular cellular responses to various conditions, formulations, and materials. Researchers were able to incorporate human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs), which showed strong adherence, metabolic activity, and growth capability, indicating the viability of chip-based cell biological studies.

CORE also fabricated a PDMS microfluidic chip for evaluating contact lens-based drug release. ARVO organizers have designated “Fabrication of a Microfluidic Chip for Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Studies Using 3D Printing” (Ramasamy M., et al.) as a scientific highlight for the entire conference.

Another CORE program to be shared in New Orleans developed a biodegradable bioink for fabricating ophthalmic devices. A novel gelatin methacrylate (GelMA)-centric formulation was used with a commercial masked-stereolithography (mSLA) 3D printer, with the resulting material assessed for degradation. Investigators also fabricated a contact lens from the same material, without requiring any support structures during printing.

In a quest to better evaluate ocular drug delivery, CORE scientists designed a soft hydrogel eye model, including an upper and lower eyelid, a frontal surface to mimic the cornea and sclera, and an internal chamber to mimic the interior of the eye. The eyeball and the lower eyelid were 3D bioprinted, then fit to a CORE-created in vitro OcuBlink device for automated blinking and tear collection. The outcomes supported the method for testing that more closely mimics a human ocular system, especially for drug absorption through the cornea.

The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) is the largest and most respected eye and vision research organization in the world. Its members include nearly 10,000 researchers from more than 75 countries. The ARVO 2023 Annual Meeting runs from April 23–27, and attracts thousands of attendees from academic, industry, and clinical settings.

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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 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
Aimee J. Lewis or Mike McDougall, APR, Fellow PRSA, FAAO
McDougall Communications for CORE
aimee@mcdougallpr.com +1.585.414.9838  |  mike@mcdougallpr.com +1.585.434.2150