News & Events
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Corey Smith is the recipient of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences New Faculty Research Grant.
Dr. Smith is leading a project entitled “Identification of Imaging Biomarkers for Early Detection of Age-Related Macular Degeneration”. The purpose of this project is to use ophthalmic imaging technology (optical coherence tomography (OCT) and microperimetry) to identify early signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This longitudinal study will use high-resolution imaging protocols and 3D data analysis to measure localized structural (imaging biomarker) and functional (microperimetry) changes in the retina and provide new information about early-stage AMD with insight into what starts advanced disease in some individuals, but not others. This research is vitally important to better understand AMD pathogenesis and help determine which patients will need treatment. Dr. Smith hopes that his research will ensure existing clinical imaging devices are used to their full potential for patient care by developing clinically relevant protocols that can be used by ophthalmologists to identify imaging biomarkers predictive of AMD.
Dr. Corey Smith is an Assistant Professor and QEII Foundation Scholar in Retina Research with the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University.
Dr. Kana Tokumo is the recipient of the Research Fellowship in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. Dr. Tokumo, who under the supervision of Dr. Balwantray Chauhan, is studying changes in the structure of the eye and specific regions of the visual field in patients diagnosed with glaucoma. They are looking at these changes and their timings impact the visual acuity and function of these patients in everyday life. Ultimately, their goal is to identify early signs of visual deterioration and develop personalized treatment strategies to preserve vision and improve patients’ quality of life.
The PhD in Vision Science scholarship is awarded to Aliénor Jamet, who is working under the supervision of Dr. Balwantray Chauhan. In this study, they will focus on single cell imaging of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) to monitor and detect the earliest alterations in their structure over time. This research will not only allow them to visualize how glaucoma compromises single RGCs but also enable them to quantify the improvement that new drug treatments have at the level of the individual cell in vivo.
Colyn Munn is a recipient of the Masters in Vision Science scholarship and is working with his supervisor, Dr. Corey Smith to develop a new method for non-invasive and early blood vessel leakage detection in diabetic retinopathy. Current detection methods involve a time-consuming procedure where a dye is injected into the patient’s bloodstream and carry a risk of a serious reaction. This new method will allow physicians to non-invasively screen for leakage without the need for a lengthy exam or additional equipment. This research aims to reduce the cases of vision loss caused by delayed diagnosis and delayed treatment of vessel leakage.
Skylar Dempster is also a recipient of the Masters in Vision Science scholarship. She is working with her supervisors, Leah Walsh and Jeffrey Locke, to evaluate the application of a preferential looking (eye movement detection based) stereopsis (3-D vision) test compared to the current option requiring a motor or verbal response, in young children under the age of 5-years. Findings from this study will guide the use of appropriate stereopsis testing in young children to ensure that accurate and reliable results can be obtained. If proven effective, this preferential looking test can help determine the diagnosis early, without the burden of multiple appointments or delays in accessing a full assessment until children are able to comply with current methods.
The Undergraduate Studentship is awarded to Omar Abuelatta, who under the supervision of Dr. Melina Agosto, is aiming to better understand the interaction between a family of proteins namely, group III mGluRs, and a protein, called ELFN1, that is known to help in correctly localizing group III mGluRs to their appropriate locations in the retina. These proteins play essential structural and functional roles in transmitting visual stimuli from the retina to the brain.
QE II Health Sciences Centre,