From a leadership update to a broader shift in research focus, changes are coming to the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Sciences’ (SOVS) Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE).
First, tell me about CORE.
Established in 1988, CORE is a global research facility specializing in the integration of clinical, laboratory, and socio-behavioral ocular research.
About its origins: The institution was originally founded to provide support for independent clinical trials; fundamental basic research; and the development and testing of contact lens materials, designs, and care systems.
Among CORE’s noteworthy advancements and contributions in the ocular field is the evolution of contact lenses, including:
- Silicon hydrogel lens and extended wear
- Development of disposable lens modality
- Comprehending lens dropout and lens wear dissatisfaction
- Conducting preliminary testing of contact lens and dry eye products prior to regulatory approval and commercial market launch
Fact: The institute originally operated as the Centre for Contact Lens Research (CCLR) before rebranding itself in 2018 to reflect “expanding interest and capabilities.”
Alrighty, now to these changes.
We’ll start with the shift in leadership.
Specifically: CORE Director Lyndon Jones, DSc, PhD, FCOptom, will step down from his role at the end of next month (June 2025).
Some background:
- Dr. Jones has served as director for nearly 15 years (since January 2011).
- During his tenure, he is credited with positioning CORE as an “internationally renowned research facility” and “at the forefront of anterior segment ocular research”
- As a registered optometrist in both the United Kingdom and Canada, he also teaches at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Sciences
Is Dr. Jones leaving CORE then?
Not at all. In fact, the institute noted he will “remain an integral part of CORE” with a new role as principal scientist.
As for his other positions at CORE: He will reportedly continue in his role as principal investigator on existing and future projects while also assisting in the institute's scope expansion plans with current 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,” he stated in the institute’s announcement.
Why the need for a leadership change?
According to Jill Woods, MSc, MCOptom, FAAO, FBCLA, head of clinical research at CORE, the institute needs “broader leadership with additional expertise” as it prepares to expand its scope.
As such: A steering committee will be taking over the strategic planning decisions for the institute following Dr. Jones’ departure.
- Heading up that committee: Dr. Woods.
So what will this scope expansion entail, exactly?
A major update: CORE plans to integrate with the Waterloo Eye Institute (WEI)—but not change its name.
About WEI: Currently under (physical) construction, this is a comprehensive, state-of-the-art eye care center at the University of Waterloo intended to support advances in three key areas of ocular focus:
- Vision research
- Optometric education
- Patient care
To be included within the institute: A modernized clinic as well as expanded space for clinical research and integrative research centers.
Talk more about these research centers.
Three were identified—two new* and one existing center—all of which CORE will be collaborating with.
- *Canadian Vision Imaging Center: Designed to use advanced ocular imaging to enable a better understanding of how to diagnose and treat ocular diseases.
- *Biomedical Sciences Research Hub: Focused on basic science and pre-clinical studies concerning ocular health, disease, and processes.
- George & Judy Center for Sight Enhancement: Already established as both a clinical and research center for clinical, teaching, and research, this is focused on vision rehabilitation.
The vision: “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,” stated Ben Thompson, OD, incoming director of the university’s SOVS.
- To note: Thompson will assume his new position after current director Stanley Woo, OD, MS, MBA, FAAO, concludes his term on June 30, 2025.
So what exactly will this scope expansion look like for CORE?
The institute reported it will be diving into research “of the entire vision system and beyond” by assisting researchers and clinical experts at the WEI in a wider range of fields, including:
- Study design
- Research administration
- Human participant recruitment
- Lab work
- Data management
- Report writing
- Knowledge mobilization
Interesting … how else?
The institute plans to provide scientific leadership with the addition of vision science experts to the incoming steering committee—and is also on the lookout to partner with principal investigators in fields outside of vision science.
An example of how this would work: CORE noted it could manage a clinical trial for a medical device or even design a clinical study for a startup seeking to test a new product’s clinical viability.
So a whole lot of expansion. But what about its current research areas of focus?
That’s not going anywhere. In fact, the institute stated it actually wants to grow its current reputation for contact lens, dry eye, and myopia research.
To do this: Chelsea Bray, OD, head of WEI’s Advanced Contact Lens Service (ACLS), will be joining CORE’s steering committee.
- Note: The ACLS provides specialty contact lenses (including scleral lenses for severe dry eye) and myopia control treatments for patients in need.