Australian-based academics are among the authors of the most valuable scientific and clinical educational papers published by the Centre for Ocular Research and Education (CORE) in 2021.
CORE has announced its Top 10 papers published in 2021 on topics that advance academic and clinical knowledge in optometry and ophthalmology.
Emeritus Professor Nathan Efron from the School of Optometry and Vision Science at Queensland University of Technology, Professor Mark Willcox and Dr Alex Hui, both from the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of New South Wales, and Dr Padmaja Sankaridurg from UNSW and the Brien Holden Vision Institute, are recognised in the Top 10 papers.
Efron and Willcox were among the authors of a broad-ranging, evidence-based review that investigated potential complications of inappropriately substituting soft contact lenses.
Willcox, Hui and Sankaridurg contributed to a detailed report on the potential for contact lenses to be used to detect systemic and ocular surface diseases, treat and manage various ocular conditions or be used for augmented vision.
Insight spoke with the authors earlier this year about their review, considered the most far-reaching report of its kind to-date.
Although clinical research was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, CORE published a record 66 scientific and clinical educational papers throughout the year.
Early reports indicated that more than 65% of science and technology-related research was paused or delayed due to COVID-related closures, according to CORE.
CORE director Professor Lyndon Jones said despite widespread disruption, the organisation continued to publish topics essential for both current practice and future ophthalmic progress.
“We found a way to overcome another year of pandemic challenges to further evolve and advance ocular science and education, thanks to my incredible colleagues at CORE and our collaborators around the globe,” he said.
“With our record publication volume, it would be easy to overlook some of the most critical pieces of work. The top 10 selections underscore the highest-potential research for eyecare professionals, spanning topics such as dry eye, drug delivery, myopia control, eye simulation models, and future contact lens technologies.”
CORE’s top 10 papers of 2021 include:
- Ocular health of children wearing daily disposable contact lenses over a 6-year period (Woods J, et al.), Contact Lens & Anterior Eye
- Lysozyme Deposition on Contact Lenses in an In Vitro Blink-Simulation Eye Model Versus a Static Vial Deposition Model (Chan V, et al.), Eye & Contact Lens
- All soft contact lenses are not created equal (Efron N, et al.), Contact Lens & Anterior Eye
- Contact lens technologies of the future (Jones L, et al.), Contact Lens & Anterior Eye
- Development of an In Vitro Blink Model for Ophthalmic Drug Delivery (Phan C, et al.), Pharmaceutics
- Bulbar redness and dry eye disease: comparison of a validated subjective grading scale and an objective automated method (Schulze M, et al.), Optometry & Vision Science
- The Impact of Incubation Conditions on in Vitro Phosphatidylcholine Deposition on Contact Lens Materials (Walther H, et al.), Optometry & Vision Science
- Clinical practice patterns in the management of dry eye disease: A TFOS international survey (Wolffsohn J, et al.), Ocular Surface
- Optimization of goblet cell density quantification methods (Yang M, et al.), Experimental Eye Research
- Uptake and release of a multipurpose solution biocide (MAP-D) from hydrogel and silicone hydrogel contact lenses using a radiolabel methodology (Yee A, et al.), Eye & Contact Lens
CORE appoints Dr.Alex Hui as head of biosciences
Meanwhile, on 5 January, CORE announced Hui would become its head of biosciences. Hui is currently a senior lecturer at the School of Optometry and Vision Science at UNSW Sydney, but will soon relocate to CORE’s facility in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
“Dr Hui is a very well respected educator, optometrist, and researcher with the exact skill-set and background to serve as our biosciences head,” Jones said.
“His outstanding knowledge of the ocular surface, combined with his extensive lecturing on ocular therapeutic drugs and a PhD in ocular drug delivery, aligns with our ongoing initiatives and mission. We are absolutely delighted to bring Alex back to Waterloo and are excited to have him lead the CORE Biosciences platform.”
Before joining UNSW in 2015, Hui completed his optometry training and PhD at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science and CORE. He is an author on more than 30 peer reviewed and non-peer reviewed publications and has been an invited speaker at conferences worldwide. In addition to drug delivery systems, his research has been focused on ocular therapeutics, myopia control, and contact lenses. He is also an associate editor for Clinical and Experimental Optometry.
“CORE has continued to build an international reputation for high quality research, which I’ve admired during my seven years in Australia,” Hui said.
“It’s been a privilege to spend time with everyone at UNSW, and I’m excited about this new opportunity to work with a fantastic group of researchers and personnel back in Canada.”
CORE’s current head of biosciences Dr William Ngo has been appointed as an assistant professor at the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry & Vision Science.
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