News

The American Academy of Optometry held its 98^th annual meeting (along with the 3rd World Congress of Optometry) in Orlando, Florida last week and the School of Optometry & Vision Science was well-represented. Both students and faculty shared their research and expertise over four days of lectures, workshops and poster presentations. In addition, a number of our members receive awards, designations and other recognition and we welcomed 200 people to our annual Canadian Alumni and Friends reception.

Here are the highlights from Academy 2019!

Dr. Patricia Hrynchak has been appointed Senior Teaching Fellow in the Faculty of Science for a 3-year term starting November 1, 2019.

Evidence shows that there is a wide choice of preserved artificial tears which can be recommended within a larger treatment plan for mild to moderate dry eye disease.

According to researchers at the University of Waterloo, while preservative-free drops are best for severe dry eyes, they are not the only option to consider in the management of more mild stages of the disease.

Multiple scientists and researchers within the Centre for Ocular Research and Education (CORE), have been named as part of Expertscape’s top 60 Expertise in Contact Lenses: Worldwide. Topping the list at number one is the director of CORE, Lyndon Jones, PhD, DSc, FCOptom, FAAO.

This year, the Canadian Optometric Education Trust Fund (COETF) awarded funding to 13 research projects conducted by faculty and graduate students at the School of Optometry & Vision Science. This article is part of a series that highlights some of these projects.

The symptoms of dry eye disease (DED), which affects an estimated 30% of Canadians, include irritated eyes and blurry vision. People who use extended-wear contact lenses may also experience similar symptoms.

Amblyopia (“lazy eye”) is among the most common causes of visual impairment in developed countries. Until recently, adults with the condition were considered untreatable, leaving them with significant, economic and social disadvantages. But neuroscience is providing new hope for adults with amblyopia.

Testing contact lens components on humans and animals can be expensive and controversial, and conventional testing using vials doesn’t adequately represent the structure of the eye or a lens wearer’s experience.

A portable device for measuring glare sensitivity. Evidence-based protocols for vision therapy. A model for testing contact lens components.

These are just some of the initiatives here the School of Optometry & Vision Science that recently received funding from the Canadian Optometric Education Trust Fund (COETF).

Dania Abuleil, a PhD student at the School of Optometry & Vision Science, has received a research grant from Sigma Xi, one of the oldest and largest scientific organizations in the world.

Funding from the Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research (GIAR) program will support Dania’s efforts to objectively measure changes in the brain following electrical stimulation.