FBC announced $1.67 million in funding for two Transformative Research Awards which will push the boundaries of vision science.
Dr. Marius Ueffing (University of Tübingen) is developing a novel neuroprotective drug therapy to reduce photoreceptor death and slow vision loss in inherited retinal diseases (IRDs),
Dr. Luis Alarcon-Martinez (Center for Eye Research Australia) is using cutting edge imaging technology to understand how disrupted blood supply causes optic nerve damage in glaucoma. His team of collaborators also includes Dr. Adriana Di Polo (University of Montreal).
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
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
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
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
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.”
opti 2024 marks the beginning of a new era: the campaign visuals for the optical meeting place from January 12 to 14, 2024 in Munich show the faces of committed individuals in the industry. The cross-media campaign will start on 1 September 2023.
Sertac Özenir and Sabrina Oberlander show the spirit of opti.
The new campaign with real people instead of models stands for dynamism in communication. “If so many positive things are happening in the run-up to opti, we simply have to show this to the outside world! This is why we are venturing a new approach to communication with our extraordinary visitor campaign featuring real opti people,” says Cathleen Kabashi, head of opti in Munich, explaining the new campaign which will be continued successively throughout the year.
The Philosophy of the New opti Visualisation “WE ARE opti” is more than just a slogan or a hashtag. It revolves around the philosophy of opti in Munich as a response to the global industry challenges of our time: the big picture has so much more impact than the individual one!
The Faces of the First Campaign
The mix shows opti’s spectrum: opticians, representatives of the trade press, association members and influencers. The following opti participants were present at the photo shoot in Munich in August 2023:
Aziza Arbabzadeh, Senior Manager Consumer Optics at SPECTARIS Giovanni Graffweg, Master Optician & Owner of OPTIK BREIDERHOFF in Essen Sabrina Oberlander – Master Optician & Owner of BRILLENWERKE in Offingen, ambassador of the crafts Sertac Özenir, Master Optician & Owner of SEHWELT ELLER in Düsseldorf Sarah Schleicher, Optician & Influencer Dagmar Schwall, Object Manager eyebizz Frank Sonnenberg, Sustainability Interest Group, CSR Manager & Journalist #weareopti After the launch, the new visuals can be seen cross-medially on the opti website https://www.opti.de/en/weareopti as well as in print and digital media throughout Europe.
Year-round communication – continuous instalments to be continued What comes next? The kick-off will be followed by a second casting event for the next part of the campaign at opti in January 2024.
The urban vibe, for which Mexx is renowned, has been transposed into its junior collection. The model 5687, with its round shape, embellished by a gradient in feminine hues, offers a trendy aesthetic that will appeal to the youngest. For a return to class in style, look for Mexx Junior!
Aequus Pharmaceuticals, a specialty pharmaceutical company, announced the launch of Zimed® PF, the first preservative-free multi-dose Bimatoprost for glaucoma patients in Canada.
“This marks a new growth phase for Aequus and the launch of a Preservative Free (PF) innovation that brings value to both physicians and patients in a large therapeutic eye category,” says Grant Larsen, Chief Commercial Officer for Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc. Canada.
“An exciting product innovation, launched in multiple countries around the world, this product will be available at pharmacies across Canada in the coming weeks.”
SILMO Istanbul 2026 will gather key optical industry players from November 18–21, offering innovation, expertise and new growth opportunities across Eurasia.
SILMO Istanbul 2026 will gather key optical industry players from November 18–21, offering innovation, expertise and new growth opportunities across Eurasia.
SILMO Istanbul 2026 will gather key optical industry players from November 18–21, offering innovation, expertise and new growth opportunities across Eurasia.
SILMO Istanbul 2026 will gather key optical industry players from November 18–21, offering innovation, expertise and new growth opportunities across Eurasia.
