Centre for Ocular Research & Education

New Contact Lens Update Focuses on Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Latest Issue Introduces Case Record Feature that Translates Research Into Clinical Practice

WATERLOO, Ontario, February 18th, 2021—The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has published issue number 58 of its free online education magazine, Contact Lens Update. This edition launches a new case record feature that shares research-relevant yet patient-centred insights as experienced by practicing eye care professionals.

University of Waterloo alumna and president-elect of the Alberta Association of Optometrists in Canada, Andrea Lasby makes two contributions to the issue. Acknowledging the conflicting evidence regarding meibomian gland changes with contact lens use, her feature article reviews a recent publication by Tianpu Gu and colleagues that investigates the potential for meibomian gland changes to distinguish dry eye from normal eyes in young adult wearers.

Andrea is also responsible for Contact Lens Update’s inaugural clinical case record, which she has poignantly dedicated to the late Dr. Luigina Sorbara, her former professor and mentor at the School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of Waterloo. In a fascinating and clinically applicable illustration, she describes the diagnosis and successful management of her contact lens patient with extremely poor lens comfort and severe evaporative dry eye—gaining a successful outcome without needing to change the type of contact lens worn. Her text book example includes many tips for practitioners, ranging from comprehensive patient education through to proactive use of meibography for early detection and ongoing monitoring of gland changes.

Understanding the impact of make up on ocular comfort, the tear film and meibomian glands is relevant for many patients. Mariam Alkawally’s poster at the 2020 American Academy of Optometry Annual Meeting (Academy at Home) builds on her preliminary findings presented a year earlier. Linking to her abstract in this issue’s conference highlight helps practitioners appreciate the changes that occur to the ocular surface and meibomian glands when eyeliner is applied to the lid margin.

Andrew Pucker, assistant professor and chief of the Myopia Control Clinic at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has both researched and published extensively on the subject of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). His topical editorial addresses several commonly asked questions about MGD, weighing the evidence and clinical implications for each.

“With each successive issue, Contact Lens Update delves deeper into the issues and evolving areas of practice being explored and embraced by the eye health community. It’s a privilege to expose new voices, new ideas and best practices to our readers worldwide, adapting our magazine alongside fascinating ocular science advancements,” said Karen Walsh, professional education team leader and clinical scientist at CORE and the editor of Contact Lens Update.

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

Two CORE Researchers Inducted into ISCLR

WATERLOO, Ontario, January 21, 2021—Two researchers at the Centre for Ocular Research and Education (CORE) at the University of Waterloo have been inducted into the International Society for Contact Lens Research (ISCLR), in recognition of their contribution to the field.

CORE’s William Ngo, OD, PhD, FAAO, head of biosciences and research assistant professor, and Chau-Minh Phan, MSc, PhD, FAAO, research assistant professor, have been invited to join ISCLR, an exclusive honor extended to the top 100 contact lens researchers worldwide. Dr. Ngo and Dr. Phan join an impressive list of a dozen other current and past CORE researchers to enter the society.

Dr. Ngo is experienced in both clinical practice and research, with particular interest and extensive publishing on the study of ocular surface disease and contact lenses. He is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Phan’s research interests primarily focus on developing biomaterials for ocular drug delivery and in vitro eye models. In addition to his role at CORE, he is the co-founder of two start-ups, Tricolops Technology and OcuBlink, Inc.

Dr. Lyndon Jones, director of CORE, is a member of ISCLR, as well as the following CORE staff and student alumni: Kathy Dumbleton, Desmond Fonn, Maud Gorbet, Alex Hui, Nancy Keir, Rachael Peterson, Gina Sorbara, Sruthi Srinivasan, Lakshman Subbaraman, Jay Wang, and Craig Woods.

“CORE’s representation in ISCLR speaks to the depth of our contribution to the contact lens field over the last three decades,” says Dr. Jones. “We have a rich history and passion for research. The work our current and former researchers have done—and continue to do around the world whether at CORE or in other roles—has a demonstrable impact on the lives of millions.”

Established in 1978 by a group of leading global researchers, ISCLR is committed to international communication in the field of contact lens research and related sciences. ISCLR hosts a biennial scientific meeting to provide an opportunity for researchers from around the world and members of industry to share and discuss early-stage study developments and factors impacting contact lens success.

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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
McDougall Communications for CORE
aimee@mcdougallpr.com +1.585.414.9838 | mike@mcdougallpr.com +1.585.434.2150

New Contact Lens Update Provides Global View of Eye Care Professional Response During Pandemic

International Panel Shares Clinical Practice Experiences in 2020

WATERLOO, Ontario, December 14, 2020—The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has published issue number 57 of its free online education magazine, Contact Lens Update. The latest edition looks at the unique events of 2020 through the eyes of ten front line practitioners who have been working with a fast-moving, ever-changing situation to continue delivering patient care.

Representing ten countries, the international panelists work in a number of clinical settings and specialise in several aspects of optometric practice, research and education. They provide fascinating insights into the similarities and differences encountered during the year—and the passion, professionalism and resilience of the eye care profession.

Some of their experiences are explored in depth within the latest edition, including mask design and dry eye.

The feature article provides a visual demonstration of the effect of wearing different types of face masks on the spread of aerosols and droplets from the mouth and nose when speaking, coughing and sneezing. An accompanying video created by Prateek Bahl of USNW Sydney and colleagues shows significant differences in efficacy between different designs of masks.

Mask-associated dry eye (MADE) is addressed in the Clinical Insight. This includes a downloadable graphic available in 32 languages for practitioners to use with patients that explains the phenomenon and simple steps to alleviate it.

The Conference Highlight shows how reported increases in dry eye are not solely confined to adults. A study from Amy Nau, who divides her time between clinical practice and research, examined the dry eye symptoms in a population of middle and high school students who commenced online home learning during the pandemic.

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

CORE and Myopia Profile Form Alliance to Expand Clinical Research and Professional Education Capabilities

WATERLOO, CANADA and BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA, November 30, 2020— The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) and Myopia Profile today announced an alliance designed to expand both organizations’ services and reach. This unique venture brings together two groups both at the forefront of research and education in their respective fields. The affiliation will grow CORE’s already extensive clinical research capabilities, adding expertise in specialty lenses, gas permeable, orthokeratology and scleral contact lenses, provide Myopia Profile with priority access to a world-leading clinical research site, and further extend the professional and patient education capabilities for which each team is internationally known, including the areas of myopia management.

The heads of CORE and Myopia Profile—Dr. Lyndon Jones and Drs. Paul and Kate Gifford, respectively—have a multi-decade professional relationship dating back to the mid 1990’s. They have often collaborated on projects, lectures and other initiatives designed to advance ocular health and science.

“Our new alliance is a natural extension of our respect for one another, which has grown into friendship as the years have passed. We have long been aware of synergies in our work, along with areas where we can each extend the capabilities of the other. I’m delighted that the time is right for our respective organizations to take this step, and I am excited to see what we can achieve together,” said Dr. Jones.

“We share many points of view with CORE—clinically and personally—making this partnership a natural evolution of our relationship. Paul and I are delighted to be able to work more closely with the wider team at CORE, and look forward to sharing the results of this joint venture with the profession,” said Dr. Kate Gifford.

CORE and Myopia Profile will maintain their individual identities, facilities and staffing while pursuing projects together.

About Myopia Profile
Myopia Profile is the world’s largest and most popular, multi-channel educational resource dedicated to childhood myopia management. Developed by husband-and-wife optometrist team Drs Paul and Kate Gifford, it was first built around the Clinical Myopia Profile patient communication tool developed by Kate from 15 years’ experience in her Brisbane CBD practice. Starting as a bulk email to share the tool, then a website, then a Facebook group, Myopia Profile has now grown into a thriving, engaged community of many thousands of optometrists around the world, across web and social media platforms. The Myopia Profile team develops internationally accessible professional education, online courses, clinical communication tools and public awareness assets, and has expertise in bespoke industry learning and software solutions, and collaborative translational research. For more information, please visit myopiaprofile.com.

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 +1.585.434.2150

American Public Health Association Honors Five Ocular Scientists for COVID-19 Papers

WATERLOO, Ontario, November 17, 2020—The American Public Health Association (APHA) has recognized the work of five of the world’s most prominent ocular scientists with its 2020 Vision Care Section (VSC) Outstanding Scientific Paper Award. Two papers published by the group as the COVID-19 pandemic took root provided timely, evidence-based guidance to address and correct misinformation regarding safe contact lens wear.

The COVID-19 Pandemic: Important Considerations for Contact Lens Practitioners and The Ocular Surface, Coronaviruses and COVID-19 and authors were honored with the award during APHA’s 2020 Annual Meeting in late October for contributing “significantly to the advancement of eye/vision care in the public health field.” The gathering is the largest public health conference in the world.

Both papers hold the highest ever Altmetric scores for the journals in which they were published, regardless of topic. Moreover, The COVID-19 Pandemic: Important Considerations for Contact Lens Practitioners is among the top 0.2 percent of all research scored by the analytics service across all disciplines. They have received widespread attention in more than 40 countries, generating over 6,000 medical, scientific, and mainstream media stories with a potential reach eclipsing 6 billion. The findings spurred the most cohesive alignment on a single public health issue by contact lens manufacturers, educators and fitters in the last decade.

Lyndon Jones, DSc, director of the Centre for Ocular Research and Education (CORE) at the University of Waterloo, initiated the project and was lead author of the first paper. Mark Willcox, DSc, director of research at the School of Optometry and Vision Science at UNSW (Sydney), headed up the second paper, with Karen Walsh, MCOptom, professional education team leader and clinical scientist at the CORE, Jason Nichols, PhD, associate vice president for research and professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry, and Philip Morgan, PhD, director of Eurolens Research at the University of Manchester, contributing to both.

Since 1979, the APHA Vision Care Section (VCS) has been an advocate for equality in and access to vision and eye health care. By working alongside other health disciplines, the VCS helps keep vision and eye health at the forefront of healthy advancement for the good of everyone.

Other APHA award winners this year included Robert Cramer, PhD, associate professor at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, for his contributions to suicide prevention training for health care providers and Anthony S. Fauci, MD, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, for his lifetime of service in shaping response to public health challenges over four decades.

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 +1.585.434.2150

Power of One: Roadmap to Better Contact Lens Patient Care

Presenter: Judith Parks:
Dec 2nd | 9pm EST

New Contact Lens Update Focuses on Scleral Lens Research and Future Uses

Scleral Expert Dr. Melissa Barnett Curates Issue No. 56

WATERLOO, Ontario, November 2, 2020—The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has published issue number 56 of its free online education magazine, Contact Lens Update. The latest edition reviews multiple topics relevant to current and future uses of scleral contact lenses.

The issue is curated by Melissa Barnett, principal optometrist at the University of California, Davis Eye Center and past president of the Scleral Lens Education Society. Her editorial tackles hot topics including the use of scleral lenses in keratoconus and how to recognise and address midday fogging. She also explores potential future uses of scleral lenses, from ocular drug delivery to smart lenses.

The role of the filling solution is examined in both the feature article and the conference highlight. A unique challenge of scleral lenses is midday fogging that can occur in the post-lens fluid reservoir; which is a frustrating problem for practitioners and patients alike. The results of a study by Jennifer Fogt to investigate if a novel filling solution can mitigate this challenge are reported along, with a review of midday fogging in general.

Fiona Stapleton’s conference highlight looks at the impact on comfort and vision by adding a lubricating drop to the filling solution ahead of lens wear.

Spotlighting advice that is always necessary yet elevated in the COVID-19 climate of ensuring safety, a downloadable practitioner reference details the correct steps to disinfect reusable diagnostic lenses in practice. The simple directions in the printable fact sheet cover the different steps required for rigid, soft and hybrid contact lens materials.

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

COPE Approved Online Event: Power of One – Roadmap to Better Contact Lens Patient Care

Presenter: Harbir Sian

October 21st, 2020 at 8pm

A ‘Dose’ of Myopia: Contact Lens Update Explores Importance of Selecting Correct Myopia Management Treatment Strength

Globally recognised academic research and clinical practice experts contribute insights

WATERLOO, Ontario, September 30, 2020—The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has published issue number 55 of its free online education magazine, Contact Lens Update. The latest edition reviews a number of new publications focused on how the efficacy of myopia management interventions varies with the dose of treatment used.

Mark Bullimore

Mark Bullimore, internationally recognised scientist, speaker and educator, provides an extensive review of the implications of the results from the recently-publicized BLINK study. He describes how the findings fit into the overall understanding of myopia management, and how eye care practitioners can make use of them in practice.

Philip Cheng

Philip Cheng, clinical director of the Myopia Clinic Melbourne, offers two contributions. He builds on the BLINK study results, reviewing evidence of a dose-dependent response in other myopia management interventions. He then draws on his considerable practical experience to demonstrate how to apply this information directly to the choice of recommended treatments.

The theme of a dose-dependent response is also covered in the issue’s conference highlight. A study conducted by Jan Roelof Polling and colleagues in a myopia control clinic in the Netherlands confirms the previously reported relationship between improved control of axial length change and higher concentrations of atropine.

“This new content exemplifies our aims for Contact Lens Update—direct translation of current research into clinical application,” said Karen Walsh, the magazine’s editor and CORE clinical scientist and professional education team leader. “I am sure many eye care practitioners interested in myopia management will find this information especially useful when advising children and their parents on available options.”

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)

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 Mask-Associated Dry Eye (MADE) Infographics Now Available in 22 Languages from COVIDEyeFacts.org

Recent Outreach on the Issue Attracts Global Attention

WATERLOO, Ontario, September 21, 2020—Efforts by the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) to educate eye care professionals and the general public about mask-associated dry eye (MADE) have attracted widespread attention during the past several weeks. In a nod to requests from around the world for more information, CORE has now released its downloadable MADE infographic in 22 languages at COVIDEyeFacts.org. Alcon Europe provided translation services.

“In less than a month from when we first described MADE in The Conversation, interest has skyrocketed. I think this outreach shows the essential role that ocular science and optometry can play in shaping larger healthcare discussions, including the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Lyndon Jones, director of CORE. “We thank Alcon for helping us spread the word even farther.”

CORE’s strong affirmation that responsible mask wear remains critical to public health has been central to its work.

Since late August, CORE’s MADE insights have been published or broadcast in more than 20 countries on six continents, with a potential audience approaching 1 billion people. In addition to being embraced by the optometry and ophthalmology communities, MADE has also been the subject of feature stories in The Washington Post, The Mirror, CTV, Health.com, The National Post, Sina.com, Lifehacker Japan, and nearly 200 other media outlets.

The MADE infographic is available in the following languages: Bosnian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, and Ukrainian.

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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 CONTACT
Aimee J. Lewis
McDougall Communications for CORE
aimee@mcdougallpr.com +1.585.414.9838