Centre for Ocular Research & Education

CORE Publishes Summaries of the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) Lifestyle Reports to Promote Practitioner and Patient Knowledge

Contact Lens Update Issue 74 Now Available

WATERLOO, Ontario, November 7, 2023—In response to increased clinical interest regarding how lifestyle choices affect the ocular surface, the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has published a resource collection to promote greater understanding among the global eye care community and their patients. Issue 74 of Contact Lens Update expands on the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) Lifestyle Reports that were published earlier this year. The issue is available at no charge by visiting ContactLensUpdate.com.

“Multiple factors may affect the patient sitting in front of you. The World Health Organization has recognized that eye problems can be a result of our lifestyle choices,” said Lyndon Jones, director of CORE and a member of the TFOS Board of Directors. “The TFOS Lifestyle Workshop was created to address how different aspects of our modern lifestyles can affect the health of the ocular surface. The broad range of reports address topics including the impact of contact lenses, the type of eye makeup they are wearing, to the state of their mental health. Our work to increase practitioner awareness of these issues will improve patients’ lives.”

The TFOS Lifestyle Reports also provides information on digital eye strain and digital device use, and discusses how food, beverages, and elective procedures can affect the integrity of the ocular surface. Information in Contact Lens Issue 74 enables both practitioners and patients to increase their knowledge of how different aspects of life impact the ocular surface, and provides insights on modifications that can improve the overall quality of life.

Jennifer Craig, professor at the University of Auckland and Chair of the TFOS Lifestyle Workshop, provides an introduction to the reports in the issue’s editorial. Her overview summarizes some of the key clinical findings from the eight topic reports, which span contact lenses, cosmetics, the digital environment, elective medications and procedures, environmental conditions, lifestyle challenges, nutrition, and societal challenges. The summary helps practitioners narrow down important points of discussion that could be affecting the health of their patient’s ocular surface.

The feature article features a series of eight informative infographics that condense the TFOS findings into an easily accessible visual format. This provides eye care practitioners with a synopsis of the important findings from each report, before they delve into the full details found within the comprehensive reports.

This issue’s clinical insight is a two-page patient handout that provides take-home messages from each of the TFOS Lifestyle Reports. This serves as a way for practitioners to open the conversation into how lifestyle impacts our eyes, and empowers patients to take a proactive role in managing the health of their ocular surface.

Himal Kandel, a Kornhauser Research Fellow at the Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, contributes the conference highlight. First presented as a poster at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology 2023 annual meeting, his study describes use of an international registry to examine factors that affect the quality of life in people with different types of dry eye disease and corneal neuropathic pain.

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 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 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 +1.585.545.1815

CORE Publishes Contact Lens Sustainability Infographics Series in 25 Diverse Languages

Effort Follows Widespread Global Response to English-Only Versions

WATERLOO, ONTARIO, October 31, 2023—The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has published a series of infographics in 25 diverse languages that encourage responsible contact lens recycling and disposal. The initiative resulted from widespread positive feedback about four English-only versions released earlier this year.

The series is now available for download and use by the global eye care community at ContactLensRecycling.com

Languages now include Afrikaans, Arabic, Croatian, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Malay, Norwegian, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Spanish, Swedish, and Vietnamese. CORE plans to distribute additional languages over the coming months.

The four separate designs are intended for professional and consumer educational purposes, as sustainable practices and programs are becoming more established within the contact lens sector. One infographic helps communicate with wearers about relative impact, putting contact lens-related waste into context with other common products and lifestyle habits. Two others explain the best routes for ideal contact lens disposal, while a fourth reminds wearers not to place their contacts into wastewater systems. These can be provided to patients directly as printed resources, sent via email or text, or used on social media and practice websites to make consumers aware of available options.

“Several contact lens manufacturers have demonstrated sustainability commitments by preventing waste and inspiring reuse, recycling, recovery, and responsible disposal. Helping patients grasp that they can enjoy their contacts while remaining environmentally responsible is something we should all be reinforcing,” said Daddi Fadel, DOptom, clinical scientist with CORE and the coordinator of the translation initiative.

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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, FAAO, McDougall Communications for CORE
aimee@mcdougallpr.com +1.585.414.9838 | mike@mcdougallpr.com +1.585.545.1815

CORE Announces Broadest Ever Scientific Program for American Academy of Optometry ‘23

WATERLOO, ONTARIO, October 6, 2023—The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has announced a multifaceted series of scientific presentations, lectures, and posters for the American Academy of Optometry 2023 Annual Meeting, scheduled from October 11-14. The diverse lineup represents the breadth of the organization’s expertise and impact across the optometric world, which has accelerated during the past several years.

Among CORE’s offerings are sessions on tear film stability, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and dry eye, sustained drug delivery devices for the eye, presbyopia-correcting multifocal contact lens fitting, a new tool to assist orthokeratology fit success, and the impact of myopia control lenses on vision.

“Our work has evolved to consistently span a broad range of clinically relevant pharmaceuticals, devices, and practices, and we’re privileged to share some of our latest findings and insights during Academy ‘23. After thirty-five years—including the last six under the CORE brand—our industry collaborations continue to grow, with more innovation ahead,” said Lyndon Jones, PhD, DSc, FCOptom, FAAO, the director of CORE.

Six CORE scientists will be featured in eight different talks in New Orleans:

The CORE rebrand was announced at Academy 2018 in Chicago, conceived to illustrate the organization’s substantial expansion from its early roots in contact lens clinical studies. In celebration of its six years under the new name, CORE plans to release several infographics that spotlight various projects, publications, education, people, and more in the coming weeks.

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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

CORE’s Lyndon Jones to Headline Global Contact Lens Forum at Vision Expo West 2023

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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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

CORE Strengthens Biosciences Research Team and Promotes Three Scientists

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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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

CORE Publishes Guidance on Ocular Surface Immunology for Better Patient Care

Contact Lens Update Issue 73 Now Available

WATERLOO, Ontario, August 21, 2023—In response to increased clinical interest regarding ocular surface immunology, the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has published a collection of resources to create a greater understanding among the global eye care community. Issue 73 of Contact Lens Update focuses on the topic and is available at no charge by visiting ContactLensUpdate.com.

“The ocular surface forms the main line of defence in protecting the eye against external pathogens and has a crucial inflammation-regulating role. Inflammatory eye conditions disrupt the homeostasis of the immune system and can result in reduced quality of life or permanent sight loss,” said Lyndon Jones, director of CORE. “Increased awareness of the pathophysiology, early diagnosis, and effective management of ocular surface disease can benefit practitioners and patients alike.”

In primary eye care settings, immunological conditions that impact the ocular surface are routinely observed in people suffering from allergic conjunctivitis, dry eye, Sjögren’s syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis. As knowledge of ocular surface immunology continues to evolve, eye care practitioners who are familiar with the latest research and treatment options can offer a higher standard of care.

Sezen Karakus, assistant professor at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, shares her expertise in the issue’s editorial. Her comprehensive review explains key components involved in protecting the ocular surface, and details changes that occur in commonly encountered diseases, including immune and autoimmune conditions. She provides an overview of current research and discusses areas that may soon become part of a clinician’s treatment arsenal.

The feature article is authored by Jeremy Chung Bo Chiang, a postdoctoral research associate at Aston University. He succinctly presents the four stages underlying the immunopathogensis of dry eye disease, followed by valuable information about current topical ophthalmic treatments, their mechanisms of action, and clinical tips.

Barbara Caffery, an optometrist at Toronto Eye Care and former president of the American Academy of Optometry, shares her knowledge in the issue’s clinical insight column. The case report details a patient’s journey through an initial examination, dry eye diagnosis, and management. She then poses important questions that can help identify people who may have Sjögren’s syndrome and delves into additional tests required for diagnosis.

The conference highlight is contributed by Elyana Locatelli, a pre-medical student and research fellow at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami. Based on her poster that was presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology 2023 annual meeting, the retrospective study examines the subjective preference of cyclosporine compared to lifitegrast in patients with dry eye, and investigates whether any patient factors were associated with medication choice.

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 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 +1.585.545.1815

Canadian Association of Optometrists Presents Dr. Debbie Jones with 2023 President’s Award

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

CORE Publishes Resource on Ectatic Corneal Diseases

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

CORE Shares Myopia, Dry Eye, Contact Lens Comfort, and Foundational Research at BCLA Conference

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

CORE Offers Clinical Insights on Biometry in Myopia Management

Issue 71 of Contact Lens Update Now Available

WATERLOO, ONTARIO, May 1, 2023—Addressing the rapidly-evolving importance of biometry in myopia management, the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has dedicated Issue 71 of Contact Lens Update to the topic. Four international experts offer timely, clinically-relevant perspectives that eye care professionals can employ in their practices for equipment selection, axial length assessment, and outcomes interpretation. The latest edition and all past issues are available for free at ContactLensUpdate.com.

“With global myopia prevalence estimated to reach 50% by the year 2050, more effectively controlling and managing the disease has captured the attention of the optometry and ophthalmology communities like few other issues,” said CORE Director Lyndon Jones. “This issue of Contact Lens Update is designed to help our clinical peers better understand several aspects of biometry and axial length, in a succinct format that can be read in a matter of minutes.”

Debbie Jones, clinical professor at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science and lead clinical scientist at CORE, authors the opening editorial. She summarizes several multifunction instruments that are becoming mainstays in clinical settings, each capable of supplying a wealth of information to support management of young myopic patients.

The feature article from Marielle Reidy, a pediatric optometrist and a PhD candidate conducting myopia research at the Ohio State University, discusses the results of a study assessing the potential of ocular biometrics and uncorrected visual acuity for detecting myopia. She writes that “some biometric measures taken under noncycloplegic conditions can serve as useful screening tools for myopia detection, when cycloplegic refractive assessment is not possible. Axial length, the AL/CR ratio, or the AL/CR ratio in combination with UCVA can all detect myopia with good success.”

Gareth Lingham, an orthoptist and postdoctoral fellow at the Centre for Eye Research Ireland, shares results from his poster first presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2022 annual meeting. This study assessed the performance of a machine learning-based algorithm in estimating axial length by using age, sex, spherical refractive error, astigmatism and corneal radius of curvature data. The outcomes highlight the potential for new technologies to be employed when biometry is unavailable.

Also included in this issue is a clinical insight by Jason Compton, owner of Compton Eye Associates in the New York City area and assistant adjunct faculty of the SUNY College of Optometry. His downloadable practitioner resource provides a useful overview of the benefits of optical biometry over ultrasound for measuring axial length.

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

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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 +1.585.545.1815