2025 for 2025 CAMPAIGN
This is a trust fund for the profession supported by the profession. Research and academic support are vital to our profession and since 1977 the COETF has supported optometric research, education, growth and professional development through unrestricted cash awards of over two million dollars to qualified applicants.
Help us reach 2025 UNIQUE donors by 2025 who each donate a total of $2025.00.
Donate as a one time donation, monthly recurring donations, or annual recurring donations!
NEWS & MORE
The COETF / University of Waterloo Research Webinar Series
In partnership with the University of Waterloo School of Optometry, COETF is offering a free Research Webinar Series highlighting some of the research projects that are funded each year. Three webinars have been scheduled for the remainder of this year with each one hour webinar consisting of presentations on three distinct research projects. Each webinar will offer CE points for attending.
2024 COETF - UW Webinar Series
Monday October 28, 2024
1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
1. Toward a brain-based approach for improving reading in those affected by central vision loss
Clustered objects in the periphery suppress one another, but people with central vision loss depend on peripheral vision to read text. Non-invasive brain stimulation may improve peripheral reading by alleviating visual crowding.
COPE Course ID: 93372-GO
Speaker: Dr. Andrew E. Silva
2. Network and enrichment analysis for the discovery of novel therapeutics for treating ocular surface disease
This multi-disciplinary project uses network analysis, computational modelling and in vitro assays to predict and validate potential cytokine inhibitors. We discovered two flavonoids that may have an inhibitory effect on tumour necrosis factor α and interleukin 17A.
COPE Course ID: 93239-GO
Speaker: Cassandra Huynh
3. Translating Vision Screenings To Eye Exams In Waterloo Region (2023)
In 2018, the province of Ontario mandated a universal vision screening program for all kindergarten children. This study evaluates parental compliance in seeking vision care for their child after a vision screening in the Region of Waterloo (ROW).
COPE Approval Pending
Speaker: Marisa Ruth McKinney, BSc
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
1. Extended Release of Ciprofloxacin from Commercial Silicone-Hydrogel and Conventional-Hydrogel Contact Lenses containing Vitamin E Diffusion Barriers
Vitamin E could be used as a coating with commercial silicone hydrogel lenses to extend the release of ophthalmic drugs. This concept could provide a promising approach to improve overall therapeutic outcomes for topical ocular drugs.
COPE Course ID: 92787-CL
Speaker: Mehdi Al Atrach, MSc (Optom), BSc (Optom), MSc (Pharm), BSc (Pharm)
2. In-vitro loading and release profile of anti-viral drug, acyclovir from commercially available soft contact lenses
Interaction of the antiviral drug acyclovir with various commercially available daily disposable contact lenses was studied. The drug was loaded in the lenses and the release was studied in static mode in PBS solution using UV spectroscopy.
COPE Course ID: 92866-CL
Speaker: Parvin Shokrollahi, PhD
3. Development of photopolymerizable biodegradable materials for 3D printing of CL lens and ocular inserts for ocular drug delivery
In this project, ocular inserts were fabricated using gelatin methacrylate biomaterial and the release of polyvinyl alcohol (a well known wetting agent to treat dry eye) was tested using our millifluidic chip.
COPE Course ID: 92816-GO
Speaker: Piyush Garg
Thursday October 10, 2024
1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
1. Examining the Underlying Mechanisms of Dynamic Visual Acuity
This study investigates the neurophysiological mechanisms of dynamic visual acuity, revealing the potential linkage between horizontal and random dynamic VA to pathways involving the dorsal stream, ventral stream, and V1 pathway.
COPE Course ID: 93245-GO
Speaker: Heather Hudecki, PhD candidate
2. Changes in lenticular stiffness and resilience with zinc
Water channels are thought to enable shape changes of crystalline lenses. Zinc increases the permeability of water channels in oocytes. We examined zinc's effects on the lens and found changes in stiffness and resilience.
COPE Approval Pending
Speaker: Shilpa Gorla, BSc Medical Technology, MSc Anatomy, PhD candidate
3. Exploring the Role of Autophagy in Regulating Inflammatory Responses in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells
The impairment of autophagic function in immortalized human corneal epithelial cells dysregulates the inflammatory responses associated with hyperosmolar stress.
COPE Course ID: 93225-GO
Speaker: Nijani Nagaarudkumaran, PhD Candidate
2021 COETF - UW Webinar Series
Wednesday, September 15:
Development of an internally heated in vitro eye model to evaluate contact lens dehydration
Speaker: Chau-Minh Phan
Evaluating the effects of brain stimulation on bistable perception and visual cortex plasticity
Speaker: Dania Abulei
Efficacy of vision-based treatments for children and teens with amblyopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Speaker: Taylor Brin
Thursday, October 14:
Differential acuity for measuring VA in infants
Speakers: Susan Leat & Elizabeth Irving
A starting point for scleral lens fitting ocular sagittal height measured with OCT and Scheimpflug CSP software in keratoconic and healthy eyes
Speaker: Kirsten Carter
Short Term Comfort Responses Associated with the Use of EyeLid Cleansing Products to Manage Demodex folliculorum
Speaker: William Ngo
Monday, November 15:
Finite element model of the avian crystalline lens
Speaker: Adeline Suko
Investigation of effect of multiple visual impairments on motion perception in individuals with low vision
Speaker: Amritha Stalin
Nanoscale Comparison of Meibum Thin Films from Dry Eye and Non-Dry Eye Individuals
Speaker: Elizabeth Drolle
Every job, every profession has lingo... the words and expressions that only true insiders know. Seeing or hearing an insider expression from someone feels like you both know a secret hand shake and are playing on the same team. It is with this spirit of comradely and team that WNLtees is proud to donate $1 from every Canadian sale to the COETF.
WNLtees is a completely UNseriousness eye care industry idea in a serious world. We hope to make you smile and pass it on. WNLtees T-shirts make fun, unique gifts, great pajamas and our favorite - under sport coat attire.
Test your Optical Insider knowledge and support COETF at: www.wnltees.com Smile and pass it on!
Thank you to our 2020 Campaign Donors
$ 8,000.00 Michael York
$ 6,800.00 Barry Thienes
$ 3,900.00 Donald Williamson
$ 3,750.00 Joan Hansen
$ 3,100.00 Scott Mundle
$ 2,025.00 Joshua Smith
$ 2,020.00 Jerome Breker
$ 2,020.00 Michael Dennis/Julie Louie
$ 2,020.00 Craig Menzies
$ 2,020.00 Sandra Taylor