Research that Changes the Way People See the World

In 2022, NECO faculty made significant contributions to the field of optometry and vision research, publishing an impressive collection of 89 research and review articles that spanned a wide range of topics from pediatric eye care and specialty contact lenses to traumatic brain injury and ocular disease.

With dozens of faculty publishing in highly regarded journals and working on research grants, NECO stood out as a leading institution in optometry and vision research.

Some of the highlights from 2022 include the work conducted in Dr. Vera-Diaz’s children’s lab on her NIH funded R01 longitudinal study. This study may predict future myopia onset in young children. The results of this study to date have been published in the international journal, Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, and multiple aspects of the study were presented at ARVP and AAO.

Dr. Kerber attended the annual AOA meeting and presented key data from the industry funded CHAMP (Childhood Atropine for Myopia Progression) study. This study led to the approval of the first pharmaceutical treatment for myopia control in the United States.

Dr. Nickla continued her high-level research on blue light and myopia, showing the effects of blue light on diurnal rhythms and ocular growth.

Dr. Panorgias published a study describing a novel protocol for electroretinograms in the prestigious journal Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science.

Drs. Ross and Malkin contributed to multiple studies and reviews on assistive technology for individuals with low vision, including “Acceptability of Telerehabilitation for Magnification Devices for the Visually Impaired Using Various Approaches to Facilitate Accessibility,” and “Why Are Visual Assistive

Mobile Applications Underused by Low Vision Patients?” These articles address the researchers’ interest in developing additional support tools for low vision patients that are easy to access, easy to use, and are available at an affordable cost to patients.

The faculty’s diverse expertise allowed them to not only focus on medical and scientific aspects of optometry and vision research, but also to evaluate and present strategies for improving teaching methods, patient care, and interprofessional education in eye care. Articles such as “Recognizing Eye Health as an Integral Part of Children’s School Health Throughout the World,” featuring NECO’s Dr. Moore, and “Cross Cultural Communication in Optometry: A Teaching Case Report” by Drs. Xu and Lewandowski, reveal the broader impact of eye care across the many facets of a person’s life.

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Applicants

Countries Represented: United States, Canada, Panama, China, India, Sri Lanka

ACCELERATED OD PROGRAM

6 4 Students Countries Represented: China, Ecuador, Iran, Jordan

ADVANCED STANDING INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM

5 3 Students Countries Represented: Canada, United Kingdom, South Africa