Join us for a special optometry panel with Dr. Ben Thompson, Dr. Andre Stanberry, Dr. Tammy Labreche, and Dr. Jennifer Hunter. Moderation will be provided by Dr. Stan Woo, Director of the School of Optometry.
Dr. Ben Thompson
Ben Thompson is a professor and University Research Chair within the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Waterloo. Ben is also the CEO and scientific director of the Centre for Eye and Vision Research in Hong Kong. Ben’s research interests encompass human visual development and neuroplasticity.
Research title: Harnessing neuroplasticity to recover vision
Research abstract: Visual cortex neuroplasticity reduces as we age. This creates a challenge for vision rehabilitation approaches that aim to improve processing of visual information within the brain. I am interested in developing techniques that can enhance neuroplasticity in the adult visual cortex to enable vision recovery. Example interventions include non-invasive brain stimulation and exercise.
Dr. Andre Stanberry
Andre Stanberry completed his optometry degree at the State University of New York College of Optometry, followed by a residency in Ocular Disease and Family Practice. With a strong commitment to managing chronic eye conditions, he joined the faculty at the University of Waterloo in 2016. As an associate clinical professor and clinic director, he has integrated his interests in public health and clinical administration to enhance eye care services.
Research title: Technology and systems to improve eye care
Research abstract: As clinic director, Dr. Stanberry is focused on improving patient care and management as well as access to care. One area of interest is improving the ongoing monitoring of patients with ocular disease – for example, wearable devices that could monitor the intraocular pressure of patients with glaucoma. Another area of interest is making electronic medical records systems smarter and introducing lean principles in providing care.
Dr. Tammy Labreche
Tammy Labreche is a clinical associate professor at the School of Optometry and Vision Science and director of the George & Judy Woo Centre for Sight Enhancement. A graduate of the University of Waterloo, she has a Bachelor of Science degree, a Doctor of Optometry degree and a residency diploma in Low Vision and Geriatrics. She provides patient care and student education predominantly in the areas of healthy aging and low vision.
Research title: Improving the lives of individuals with visual impairment
Research abstract: Low vision services provide solutions for people of all ages with irreversible vision loss not correctible by surgery or eyewear. While patients have remaining vision to be harnessed, they may have significant challenges in areas such as navigating the world, recognizing faces, reading and working. Technology may be able to help address some of the gaps for people with vision loss. Dr. Labreche will talk about low vision rehabilitation research and practice, with bioptic driving as an example.
Dr. Jennifer Hunter
Jennifer Hunter is an associate professor at the School of Optometry and Vision Science. Prior to joining in 2022, she was faculty at the University of Rochester for 11 years. She has a broad background in physics, optics and vision science, including over 16 years of experience in retinal imaging, including adaptive optics instrument design and its uses. She also has an interest in lasers, particularly their safety, bioeffects and use in medical surveillance.
Research title: Seeing cellular mosaics in the living eye
Research abstract: Dr. Hunter’s research aims to identify and characterize biomarkers of early retinal changes with age and in disease using both pre-clinical models and clinical populations. To do this, she is working to enhance two-photon excited fluorescence imaging capabilities for living eyes and to develop objective measures of human outer retinal function in health and disease. She is excited to have a rare new fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) device to assist in her research.
Dr. Stan Woo
Stan Woo is Director of the School of Optometry and Vision Science. He holds a Doctorate of Optometry (OD) and completed a residency in Low Vision Rehabilitation, a master’s in Vision Science and an MBA with a concentration in medical and health care management. Prior to his current position, which he started in 2017, he was dean and professor at the Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University.
This seminar is sponsored by:
