The largest research centre of the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science is expanding its scope. The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) will continue to carry out its world-leading front-of-eye research while applying its nearly 40 years of research experience to a broader range of fields.
CORE’s leadership will change as part of this shift, though research partners will notice no difference as a steering committee takes over the strategic planning decisions of CORE from Dr. Lyndon Jones, who is stepping aside at the end of June after 15 years as CORE director.
“Lyndon has been instrumental in shaping CORE into an internationally renowned research entity. He has done so much to position the centre at the forefront of anterior segment ocular research,” said Dr. Jill Woods, CORE’s longtime head of clinical research, who will chair the new steering committee. “To expand CORE’s scope, we need a broader leadership team with additional expertise. The new steering committee has the varied skill set necessary.”
CORE will integrate into the Waterloo Eye Institute (WEI), which is being built both physically and as a group of people aiming to create Canada’s premier centre for optometric research, patient care and education. A once-in-a-generation renovation, expansion and reorganization, the WEI will feature a modernized clinic, more space for clinical research and new integrative research centres.
“The Waterloo Eye Institute will help shape the future of optometry, so it’s a fitting home for CORE, which has been on the cutting edge of ocular research for nearly four decades,” said Dr. Stanley Woo, director of the School. “I can’t wait to see what we accomplish when we collaborate more closely with research groups and companies within the WEI, across campus and around the world.”
One of the new research centres within the WEI will be the Canadian Vision Imaging Centre, which aims to use advanced ocular imaging to make breakthroughs in better understanding, diagnosing and treating diseases of the eye and beyond. Another will be the Biomedical Sciences Research Hub, which will focus on basic science and pre-clinical studies related to eye health, disease and processes. The existing Centre for Sight Enhancement, both a clinical and research centre, will be another source of collaboration for CORE.
“CORE has long been the School’s flagship research centre, so we expect it to play a leading role in the WEI,” said Dr. Ben Thompson, the School’s incoming director. “By bringing together a range of clinicians, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs and social innovators, the WEI aims to build the future of eye health, and CORE will help lead that work.”
Jones will remain an integral part of CORE in his new role as principal scientist. He will continue as a principal investigator on existing and future projects while working on expanding CORE’s scope with existing and future collaborators and granting agencies.
“I have full confidence in the steering committee to maintain the high-quality work in clinical research, biosciences and education for which CORE is known,” said Jones. “Our team will continue to contribute to impactful advancements in vision science as we expand into new opportunities.”
CORE began as the Centre for Contact Lens Research (CCLR) in 1988 under the leadership of Dr. Desmond Fonn. Over the years, it has been involved in some of the most meaningful advancements in the history of contact lenses, including the development of disposable lenses and the evolution of silicone hydrogel lenses. In 2018, to reflect its expanding interests and capabilities, CCLR rebranded as CORE.
CORE won’t change its name as it integrates into the WEI, but it will expand into research of the entire vision system and beyond. It will be available to assist researchers in a range of fields with study design, research administration, human participant recruitment, lab work, data management, report writing and knowledge mobilization.
With WEI experts, CORE will be able to provide scientific leadership and technical skills across vision science fields. For example, incoming professor and CORE steering committee member Dr. Austin Roorda is a world-renowned expert in retinal imaging. He also has a wealth of experience with industrial partnerships as founder and director of Berkeley’s Center for Innovation in Vision and Optics.
CORE is also looking to partner with principal investigators in fields outside vision science. For example, it could manage a clinical trial for a medical device or design a study for a startup ready to test the clinical viability of its new product.
At the same time, CORE is ensuring it’s well positioned to grow its reputation for contact lens, myopia and dry eye research, with Dr. Chelsea Bray, head of the WEI’s Advanced Contact Lens Service, joining the steering committee.
“For those who already know us, it’s business as usual,” said Woods. “For those who don’t, please reach out. We have a wealth of research expertise to offer in both clinical trials and basic biomedical research.”