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Alexander- The doctor who was shot by his patient

Professor Gustav Alexander was an Austrian Otolauringologist. Born in  Vienna in 1873. Prof. Alexander received his medical degree in 1898. He was mainly trained in anatomy, neurology, histopathology and other areas in addition to ontology. Today is his death anniversary.

He has been famous for his description of Alexander’s law.  His edict that gaze in the direction of the fast component increased the intensity of the nystagmus, while gaze in the opposite direction had the reverse effect, added diagnostic significance to the laws of nystagmus.

He personally funded and established a histopathology lab for his students. In addition to being a wonderful scientist, he was also a talented pianist. The expression of his appreciation for the arts extended to his collection of paintings, bronzes, silver and early tiles.

Later, he published Ear diseases of childhood and the handbook of Oto-neurology. On April 12th, 1932, Professor Gustav Alexander was shot dead by his own patient. He had performed saddle-nose surgery on a patient, Johann Sokoup, who was not happy with the results, hence, the same person has tried shooting 22 years before that and missed the aim, unfortunately. His death is considered an irreparable loss to the otology. He published an average of 12 articles every year.

References:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/014556139607500307

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-laryngology-and-otology/article/professor-gustav-alexander-vienna/632C779BD7824B1201CABD818452427F

Sushma April 12, 2022 Today in history

Conference deadlines for September and October

Here is the list of conferences, congress and fellowship deadlines for the months of September and October in the field of ophthalmology and vision science

Developing Country Eye Researcher Travel Fellowship program

DCERF fellows 2023

Candidates in any of the following categories are eligible to apply:

  • Researchers with an MD, PhD, OD or equivalent professional degree
  • Trainees in one of the fields of interest below who are interested in pursuing a career as a researcher or clinician-scientist
  • Graduate students, in an applicable scientific field, with an interest in a research career
  • Can be interested in any area of eye and vision research, whether basic or clinical research, epidemiology, public health, infectious diseases, genetics or a particular subspecialty

DCERF recipients are eligible to have the following costs covered up to the maximum award amount:

  • Round trip flight to the ARVO Annual Meeting, Hotel accommodation
  • Meal stipend, Annual Meeting registration
  • One year of ARVO membership and above all
  • Support of an Annual Meeting mentor and the DCERF alumni community

Website: DCERF

Deadline: 31 October 2023

Venue: Happens at a different venue every year, 2024 meeting is in Seattle, Washington

VSS Program Cover and Website Banner Competition 2024

The Website Banner Competition is a contest to select an image that will serve as the brand, or theme, of the annual meeting by providing imagery that will be used throughout the VSS meeting. Although the winning image will be used for many purposes, to enter the competition you need to submit proposed images for the primary website banner and the secondary page website banner. Also, other items will be created using variations of the winning image.

Deadline to submit an image for Website Banner Competition: September 14, 2023
Website Banner Competition image results: by October 3, 2023

Website: VSS

World Ophthalmology Congress 2023

The World Ophthalmology Congress aims to strengthen the participants’ action and impact on national, regional and international scales through a multidisciplinary programme that features the integration of new technologies in the field of Ophthalmology.

World Ophthalmology Congress 2023 is scheduled in the most populous city, New York on October 09-11, 2023 and New York, being one of the centers for research, education, and science in USA, we will try to bring the maximum number of Directors, Optometrists, Ophthalmic surgeons, Retina and Retinal Surgery, Clinical researchers & Scientists, Public Health Professional, Glaucoma, Medical Practitioners, Professors, Deans, Students & Technicians, Medical & Health care Organizations & Associations, Researchers & Scholars, Diagnostic Instruments in Optometry to provide a better understanding of the field. So, come and join us in New York in October 2023.

Meeting dates: 9-11 Oct 2023

Abstract deadlines: 5th August 2023

Website: WOC

OMIG

OMIG stands for Ocular Microbiology and Immunology Group and the conference is conducted annually around the USA. Lastly, this year it is conducted at San Fransico.

Abstract deadline: 8 Sep 2023

Meeting dates: Friday, November 3, 2023

Venue: Marines’ Memorial Club & Hotel
609 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA 94102 and the meeting in Crystal Ballroom

Website: OMIG

Women in Vision

The Women in Vision UK 2023 Annual Meeting will take place on Tuesday 12th December at the Science Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge. Additionally, we would like to invite abstract submissions for a wide range of presentation types. Abstracts are welcome from those who are early in their career, and those who are more established. Basic science, clinical research, teaching innovations, clinical case studies, etc. are all encouraged – anything vision-related that you would like to share!

Registration will open in October. WVUK members can register to attend for free. Nevertheless, membership is open to everyone who works in vision science, irrespective of gender or identity.

Abstract deadline: 9 October 2023

Meeting date: 12 December 2023

Website: Women in Vision

Augmenting Writing Skills for Articulating Research (AWSAR): 

AWSAR is an initiative that aims to disseminate Indian research stories among the masses in an easy-to-understand and interesting format to the common man.

Deadline: around October, not yet announced this year

Website: AWSAR

International CXL experts meeting:

The 18th International Experts’ CXL Meeting will remain in Zurich this year due to unforeseen political circumstances, also, to continue our tradition of hosting all of you, a special gala dinner is planned to be held in a private location on Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich City Center.

Website: CXL

Abstracts application window: 19 July 2023 to 22 Sep 2023

Meeting venue: Mövenpick Zurich Airport Hotel

IASc-INSA-NASI Summer Research Fellowship

The three national Science Academies offer several two-month Summer Fellowships to enable students/teachers (studying/teaching in India) to work with scientists associated with the three Academies during 2023. At last, copy of the application format, instructions to applicants including eligibility criteria, and a list of names of scientists/faculty who have consented to guide students/teachers to work on short-term projects is displayed in the online application.

Application deadline: October, not announced yet

Program: Feb and March

Website: SRFP

Hopefully, this list makes it easier for you to prioritize deadlines and work efficiently. Further, let us know what else you expect from the blog, we would be happy to provide on the topics you are interested in.

For August deadlines click on this link: August deadlines

Sushma September 13, 2023 Research

August deadlines

Hello people, here comes the list of conferences and awards in August

Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology

A federation of national ophthalmic and regional subspecialty societies. Further, it is themed “Beyond All Limits,” the APAO 2024 Congress in Bali will bring together ophthalmologists from around the world. Also, It features about 800 internationally recognized speakers presenting their latest work and scientific innovations. Finally, an attendance figure of around 5000 delegates will attend every year at these conferences

Venue: Bali, Indonesia

Program dates: February 22 – 25, 2024

Abstract submission window: 14 April 2023 to 31 Aug 2023

Website: APAO

HOPE meeting

HOPE Meetings give opportunities to excellent graduate students selected from countries and areas in the Asia-Pacific and Africa region to engage in interdisciplinary discussions with Nobel Laureates. Further, the experience the students gain at the meeting will inspire and motivate them to become excellent scientists. Lastly, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) organises the meeting. Only INSPIRE Indian students are eligible from India.

Date: Monday, February 26 to Friday, March 1, 2024
*Registration: Sunday, February 25

Venue: Kyoto-city, Kyoto [tentative]

Nomination deadline: Around the last week of August or September

Participants: The participants will comprise about 20 PhD students and young researchers from the institutions in Japan In addition, 90 will be nominated by the Overseas Cooperating Institutions of the Asia-Pacific and Africa region

Website: HOPE

INSA medal for young scientists

The INSA Young Scientists Award is considered to be the highest recognition of promise, creativity and excellence in a young scientist. Also, It is made annually to those distinguished for these attributes as evidenced by their research work carried out in India. They recognized 925 young scientists till 2021. Many of them established rewarding scientific careers and continue to make outstanding contributions winning further honour

Eligibility: Any citizen of India who has not attained the age of 40 years on December 31, of the year preceding the year of award, shall be eligible for the award. Also, OCI/PIO card holders working in India for at least 5 years are eligible for nomination for this award.

Number of Awards: 40.

Value: Medal, a certificate and an honorarium of Rs. 1,00,000/-.

Nominations and Last Date: August/September each year.

Website: https://insaindia.res.in/old_website/aa4young1.php

Bug busters 4

This prestigious meeting brings together leading experts, researchers, and clinicians from around the world to exchange knowledge, present groundbreaking findings. Further, discusses cutting-edge strategies in the field of corneal infections.

Meeting dates: October 20-22, 2023

Deadline: 15 Aug 2023

Website: https://www.lvpei.org/events/2023/bug-buster-4/index.html

5th Annual Conference of Indian Neuro-Ophthalmology Society

The Indian Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (INOS) aims to provide an environment for knowledge sharing among researchers, healthcare practitioners and decision-makers interested in neuro-ophthalmology. The 5th Annual Conference of the INOS will be held on 9th-10th December 2023 at the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Hyderabad. The conference will also have presentations of original research and interesting cases in the form of posters, poster pods and oral presentations along with a session to showcase innovations in neuro-ophthalmology.

Venue: IIIT Hyderabad, Telangana

Website: INOS

Deadline: 15 Sep 2023

This is the month of children’s eye health and safety, go through this link for more information. Lastly, we hope this will make it easy for you to send abstracts and attend conferences on time.

Sushma August 3, 2023 Research

Deadlines for June and July

Here is a list of important events, programs, conference and workshop deadlines for June and July. Unquestionably, we won’t let you miss any deadline.

World Ophthalmology Congress:

World Ophthalmology Congress 2023 is an international conference which encourages effective knowledge transfer and best practices among experts from around all the world. Besides, international community organises WOC 2023

The World Ophthalmology Congress aims to strengthen the participants’ action and impact on national, regional and international scales through a multidisciplinary programme that features the integration of new technologies in the field of Ophthalmology. Also, the organisers scheduled WOC in the most populous city, New York on October 09-11, 2023. New York, being one of the centres for research, education, and science in the USA, we will try to bring the maximum number of Directors, Optometrists, Ophthalmic surgeons, Retina and Retinal Surgery, Clinical researchers & Scientists, Public Health Professionals, Glaucoma, Medical Practitioners, Professors, Deans, Students & Technicians, Medical & Health care Organizations & Associations, Researchers & Scholars to provide a better understanding of the field.

Venue: New York in October 2023.

Abstract submission deadline: 10 June 2023

Website: https://suntextmeetings.com/ophthalmology/

Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships

This Fellowship is designed for Indian scholars who are registered for a PhD at an Indian institution for six to nine months. Also, U.S. host institution affiliates with the applicant. Additionally, USIEF strongly recommends all applicants identify institutions with which they wish to affiliate and to correspond, in advance, with potential host institutions. If the applicant has secured a letter of invitation from a U.S. institution, s/he must include it as a part of the online application.

Website: Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships

Application window: 8 Feb to 17 July 2023

CfAO summer school on adaptive optics:

Held on the beautiful University of California, Santa Cruz campus, this workshop provides professional instruction in the field of Adaptive Optics by speakers renowned for their contributions to this interdisciplinary field.  Infact, the summer school is appropriate for scientists, engineers, researchers, and technicians at the graduate level and above; this workshop combines lectures and hands-on, facilitated laboratory activities with working adaptive optics systems. Lastly, the venue is University of California, Santacruz.

Program dates: 14-18 August 2023

Deadline:31 July 2023

Website: CfAO summer school

IVI 4th International Optometry Conference

Program dates: 21-23 Sep 2023

Venue: IIT Madras, Research Park, Chennai

Website: International Optometry Conference

Deadline: Not yet announced

British Congress of Optometry and Vision Sciences 2023:

This conference will provide a forum for eye and vision researchers from across many disciplines and professions to meet and discuss their work, whilst promoting inclusion and accessibility as best as we can. Lastly, to note the abstract deadline is supposed to be in June and July. The dates are to be announced soon.

Program: Supposed to be in September

For deadlines of may, click on this link.

Sushma June 12, 2023 Research

Deadlines in May for eye care professionals

Here is a list of important events, programs, conferences and workshop deadlines for May. Unquestionably, we won’t let you miss any deadline.

European Adoptive Optics Summer school

conferences
European summer school

The programme includes live lectures that will be delivered via Zoom by experts from across the different applications of AO, as well as laboratory demonstrations, a simulation workshop and pre-recorded content highlighting the variety of research involving AO.  Also, there will be networking opportunities and (conditions permitting) even a demonstration from the VLT! Lastly, the school will teach the principles of AO to those new to the field, such as PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, and provide a basic background to users of the technology. Firstly Early bird : £75 (approx. 80€) Deadline is Monday 8th May 2023 and secondly, standard : £100 (approx. 120€) Deadline is Wednesday 31st May 2023. Also, there will be a small number of scholarships available to allow attendance free of charge. Consequently, if you would like to apply please justify your need for a scholarship (max. 200 words).

Website: https://aoschooleurope.sciencesconf.org/resource/page/id/4

Tiny beam fund

Tiny Beam Fund focuses on helping people understand things (i.e. letting a shaft of light into a dark space). Fund also wants this understanding to form the base and basis on which solutions are built (i.e. using the understanding as a supporting structure).

Two categories of awards are available:

Category 1: US$60,000 – for a single individual PhD-holder or a team of up to four individuals with a PhD-holder as the lead/PI.

Category 2: US$45,000 – for a single individual PhD student close to completion of PhD or a team of up to four individuals with a PhD student as the lead/PI

Application window: April 6 to June 8, 2023

Website: https://tinybeamfund.org/

American Academy of Optometry:

The American Academy of Optometry presents four days of quality enrichment and education at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. In addition, the event will feature workshops, a robust lineup of lectures, popular ACE courses, Section and SIG Symposia, and scientific program papers and posters. Additionally, the academy is accredited by COPE to provide continuing education to optometrists.

Venue: New Orleans, Louisiana, October 11-14, 2023

Abstract submission deadline:  May 31st, 2023, 5:00 PM ET

Website: https://aaopt.org/meetings/annual-meeting/

BRICS Young Scientist Forum:

The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) in partnership with the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) invites you to submit applications to participate in the 2023 8th BRICS Young Scientist Forum. Further, North West Province, South Africa is holding the forum from 31 July – 2 August 2023 

Deadline:  Thursday, 25 May 2023.

Venue: North-West Province, South Africa

For deadlines in April: April

Telangana Ophthalmological Society:

Website:https://tsos.co.in/toscon-2023/

Venue: CITADEL hotel and convention center, Shamshabad, Gaganpahad, Telangana

Deadline for abstract submission: May 20

Conference days: 7-9 July 2023

Sushma June 10, 2023 Research

Deadlines in April for eye care professionals

Here I am back with deadlines for April month!

Prevention of blindness week

The Prevention of Blindness Week campaign is planned by the Government of India and is held from the 1st to the 7th of April for increasing awareness towards blind people.

Raman–Charpak Fellowship

This programme implemented by the Indo-French Centre for Promotion of Advanced Research (IFCPAR/ CEFIPRA) aims at improving the doctoral skills of Indian and French students by providing them with an opportunity to carry out part of their research work in a University / Research & Development Institute based in France or India respectively. This programme is now also open to French Master Students, who wish to spend some time in India in accordance with their curriculum. It aims at improving the Master’s skills of French students by providing them with an opportunity to carry out internship work in a University / Research Institute based in India.

Application deadline: April/May- June/July

Venue: Between India and France

Program dates: For PhD students-Mid-October onwards, For masters students-Mid-January (following year) onwards

Website: http://www.cefipra.org/Raman_Charpak.aspx

American Academy of Ophthalmology 2023:

The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. A global community of 32,000 medical doctors, we protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public. We innovate to advance our profession and to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality eye care.

Application deadline: The online abstract submitter for papers/posters and videos opens Mar. 9 and closes Apr. 11. 2023

Venue: Moscone Center, San Francisco

Program dates: Friday–Monday, Nov. 3 – 6, 2023

Website: https://www.aao.org/annual-meeting

Brains, Minds and Machines

The synergistic combination of cognitive science, neurobiology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science holds the promise of significant progress. Elucidating how human intelligence works will in turn lead to more sophisticated AI algorithms. The goal of this course is to help produce a community of leaders that is equally knowledgeable in neuroscience, cognitive science, and computer science and will lead the scientific understanding of intelligence and the development of true biologically inspired AI.

Application deadline: 19 April 2023

Venue: Marine Biological Laboratory
7 MBL Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543

Program dates: Aug 04, 2023 – Aug 25, 2023

Website: Brain, Minds and Machines

Hopkins Comprehensive eye care award:

Application window: 1st April – 1st june

Website: https://aaopt.org/awards-grants/resident-awards/#toggle-id-4

From: American Academy of Optometry

EPOS 2023: The Eye in Systemic Diseases

Abstract deadline: 19 April 2023

Program dates: 19-211 Oct 2023

Venue: Leuven, Belgium

Website: https://epos2023.com/ESOPRS

For the March Newsletter, follow this link

ESOPRA:

The aims of the society are to promote the practice and teaching of Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery within Europe. Members are warmly welcome if they are keen to participate actively whatever their seniority or whatever branch of medicine they are involved in.

Venue: Naples

Abstract deadline: 15 April

Program date: 14-16 sep,2023

Website:https://www.esoprs.eu/

TOSCON 2023

8th Annual state of ophthalmological conference, Hyderabad 2023

Abstract submission opens: March 15, 1:01 AM

Abstract submission closes: April 30, 11:59 PM

Notification of results: May 15

Notification of final program schedule: May 30

Sushma March 10, 2023 Research , , , ,

March Newsletter for eye care professionals

Here is a list of important events, programs, conferences and workshop deadlines for the month of March. Unquestionably, we won’t let you miss any deadline.

It’s World Optometry Day on 23 March

March 23rd is World Optometry Day, which celebrates a specialized healthcare profession involving examining the eyes to detect defects or abnormalities. The day was launched by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, aiming to draw attention to doctors of optometry, who are at the frontline of eye and vision care!

European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons

ESCRS seeks to promote and support research in the field of intraocular lens implantation and refractive surgery and the dissemination of the useful results thereof. In addition, ESCRS has over 7,500 members from 130 countries worldwide.

Abstract submission opening date: January 2023

Abstract submission deadline: 15 Mar 2023

Video upload deadline:18 April 2023

Conference date: 8-12 September 2023

Venue: Vienna, Austria

Website: https://congress.escrs.org/

CVR-VISTA vision science summer school

The summer school features talks by our faculty, who are world leaders in vision science research. Besides, the curriculum reflects the wide range of research areas at CVR, and includes research on human visual perception, computer vision, machine learning, visual neuroscience, 3D film, immersive environments, disorders of vision, and more.

Application deadline-3 Mar 2023

Program dates: 10-14 July 2023

Venue: Centre for Vision Research, York University

Website:https://www.yorku.ca/cvr/summer-school/

Center for Visual Science Symposium

The travel fellowships (sponsored by the National Science Foundation) for students and postdocs cover the cost of travel for up to 10 recipients who will receive a maximum of $500 each. Additionally, you must submit actual receipts in order to be reimbursed. CVS will waive the registration fee for travel fellowship recipients.

Notification for funding: 21 Mar 2023

Website: https://www.cvs.rochester.edu/symposium/travel-fellowships.html

Venue: University of Rochester

International Symposium on Visual Information Communication and Interaction

The International Symposium on Visual Information Communication and Interaction (VINCI) is the premier international forum for researchers and industrial practitioners to discuss the state of the art in visual communication theories, designs, and applications. The 16th International Symposium on Visual Information Communication and Interaction (VINCI ’23) will be held during 22-24 September 2023, in Guangzhou, China.

VINCI’23 includes tracks of Technical Papers, Art Papers, Young Talent Summer, and Art Gallery. All accepted papers will be included in the ACM Proceedings as formal publications and EI-indexed.

Selected papers will be invited to be extended for publication in a Special Section of The Visual Computer (Springer) and a Special Issue of the Visual Computing for Industry, Biomedicine and Art (Springer).

Venue: Guangzhou, China,

Dates: 22-24 September 2023

Deadline for abstracts: April 1st,2023

Website: https://vinci-symp.org/index.html

Royal Society Wolfson Visiting fellowship

The Royal Society Wolfson Visiting Fellowships provide an opportunity for talented international research leaders to undertake a flexible 12-month period of sabbatical leave in a UK university or research institution, to foster international collaborative links and enrich scientific research in the host organisation as well as the wider UK science base.

Application deadline: 22 Mar 2023

Result announcement: August 2023

Website: Royal Society Wolfson Visiting Fellowship

World glaucoma week: 12-18 Mar 2023

World Glaucoma Week

Workplace Eyewellness Month-March

March is Workplace Eye Wellness at Prevent Blindness. Proper eye protection minimizes the risk of significant eye injury. Also, Prevent Blindness recommends that the type of eye protection that should be used depends on the hazards in the workplace. For example, someone working in an area that has particles, flying objects, or dust, should wear safety glasses with side protection (side shields). If working near hazardous radiation (welding, lasers, or fiber optics) special-purpose safety glasses, goggles, face shields, or helmets designed for that task should be worn.

If you wanted to have a look at the February newsletter, click on the following link

Essilor Award for Outstanding international contributions to optometry and many more awards:

This award recognizes an individual(s) or organizations whose direct efforts and contributions have resulted in unquestionably significant and extraordinary advances in optometry and eye care internationally.

Since the Award is only to be made from nominations of truly extraordinary international contributions to optometry or eye care, it is not necessarily awarded every year.

Deadline : 1 April

Website: https://aaopt.org/awards-grants/optometrists-vision-scientists/#toggle-id-1

Sushma February 11, 2023 Research , , , ,

February Calendar for Eye care professionals

February is recognised as Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness month. It is characterised by central vision loss. Currently, there is no cure for this disease.

It is not easy for us keep up with the facts like above on every day basis. Hence to make it simple for you, I made a list of important courses, conferences, workshops and meetings for the month of February. Quickly, add them to your calender and work on attending such conferences. Additionally, if the abstract deadline is open, you can still submit your research and present.

Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmic Congress:

The Scientific Program Committee are fully committed to developing a world-class scientific program for our APAO 2023 Congress. In addition to the 16 ophthalmic subspecialty programs, there is a 120-minute Wet Lab course to provide a comprehensive introduction and hands-on experience on the various levels of surgeries or procedures in ophthalmology.

Website: https://2023.apaophth.org/

Venue: Malaysia

Dates: 23-26 February, 2023

Abstract submission deadline: 29 August 2022

The EyeOEP:

This program aims to provide a comprehensive optometry curriculum for delivering evidence-based eyecare. We designed to engage participants more actively and intensively. Further more, attractions of the conference this year include the Just-A-Minute (JAM) Optometry Pearls Competition, Live Demonstration Sessions, EyeOEP Quiz, Panel Discussions, and Debate.Ooptometry trainees, practicing optometrists and other eyecare professionals can attend the program.

Website: https://eyeoep.lvpei.org/

Dates:12-16 February 2023

Venue: LVPEI, Hyderabad, India

Click on this link to keep you updated with Vision research

WSPOS Independent medical education program-Comprehensive update on myopia management

Venue: Virtual

Registration: Free

Program date: 4 Feb, 2023

Website:https://www.wspos.org/world-wide-webinar/

Bachelor of Optometry at LVPEI in collaboration with GITAM

LVPEI has signed an MoU with the GITAM University at Hyderabad to start a four-year undergraduate Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optom) program. The initial three years will be a mix of classroom training and exposure visits at LVPEI. In the final year, the students will do a clinical internship at LVPEI. The curriculum includes the application of technologies such as artificial intelligence and deep learning to improve the patient experience

Website: https://www.lvpei.org/events/2022/bachelor-of-optometry/index.html

Venue: LVPEI, Hyderabad

Angiogenesis, Exudation and Degeneration 2023- Virtual edition

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute invites you to join us in February 2023 for our twentieth annual angiogenesis meeting. Also, the program will feature an exceptional group of basic scientists, clinicians, and healthcare experts, all focused on understanding and treating neovascular, exudative, and degenerative diseases of the eye. 

Website: https://umiamihealth.org/en/bascom-palmer-eye-institute/healthcare-professionals/continuing-medical-education/angiogenesis

Date: 10-11 Feb,2023

Venue: Virtual

TIFR Visiting Student Research Program 2023

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) conducts annual summer programmes in which talented students are introduced to research activities in the areas of Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics. The selected students are expected to work on a research project under the supervision of a TIFR researcher. 

Website: https://www.tifr.res.in/~vsrp/

Application deadline: 15 Feb 2023

Envision Summit:

Physicians created this premier event to support and empower leaders in an innovative format for continuing education and designed with your needs in mind.

Website: https://www.envisionsummit.org/

Date: Feb 17-20, 2023

Abstract submission deadline: 14 Dec 2022

Venue: Puerto Rico

EduEye, workshop on eye tracking in learning and education:

This workshop specifically targets researchers and practitioners who are interested in using eye tracking in education and learning. Further, this includes researchers from all areas of psychology, human-computer interaction, computer science, eye tracking methodology, and other related fields. 

Website: https://www.uni-ulm.de/in/edueye/

Venue: Tubingen, Germany

Dates: 30 May to 2 June, 2023

Abstract submission deadline: 22, Feb 2023

IPECP summit

Website: Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice Committee

Venue: United States

OCICON 2023 Optometry Mahotsav

Website: OCICON

Venue:

-Ahmedabad- 29 Jan, 2023

-Jaipur- 5 Feb, 2023

-Guwahati-12 Feb, 2023

-Bengaluru-19 Feb, 2023

-Kolkata- 26 Feb, 2023

ICVS summer school

We invite applications for the ICVS Summer School 2023 at Pembroke College, Oxford, UK, 31st July – 4th August 2023 (arrival 30th July; departure 4th August). The school will accept selected students and young researchers with basic knowledge of colour vision. It will focus on colour vision and its applications. The school will include lectures, discussions, and hands-on workshops, providing opportunities for formal and informal interaction with leading colour-vision researchers.

Venue: Pembroke College, Oxford

Application deadline: 1st March 2023

Website: http://www.icvs.info/index.php/summer-school

Program dates: 31st July – 4th August 2023

DBT RA program in biotechnology and Life sciences:

The Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India has recognized the importance of Post-Doctoral training in career development and initiated DBT-Research Associateship Program in Biotechnology way back in 1999. The objective of the DBT-RA Program is to train and nurture young researchers, scientists and generate a critical mass of trained manpower in modern areas of biology and biotechnology and build a robust postdoctoral base for the growth of the Biotechnology sectors in the country.

Website:https://ra.dbtindia.gov.in/

Application deadline: 28 Feb, 2023

European Conference on Visual Perception *(ECVP) 2023

The ECVP is an annual international conference that aims to provide a forum for presenting and discussing new developments in the disciplines of Psychology, Neuroscience, and Cognitive Sciences related to the scientific study of visual perception. Empirical, theoretical, and applied perspectives are all encouraged.

Application deadline: 1st March 2023

Program dates: Monday, 27th to Thursday, 31st of August, 2023.

Website: ECVP

Venue: Paphos, Cyprus

The Child Vision Society’s 2023 Biennial Meeting

A scientific meeting is organized every second year to provide an opportunity for exchanging new ideas and findings between basic scientists and clinicians concerned with vision in infants and children. Active participation in attending the meeting is encouraged by means of short oral presentations and posters

Abstract deadline: 10 Feb 2023

Program date: 12-14 July 2023

Early bird registration : before15 March 2023

Venue: UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, UK

Website: https://www.cvrsoc.org/

Sushma January 23, 2023 Research , , , ,

Snellen and his visual acuity chart

A day in an optometry clinic or vision camp doesn’t go without a visual acuity chart. Although there are various types of charts, the most common one is Snellen visual acuity chart. Herman Snellen (February 19, 1834 – January 18, 1908), a dutch ophthalmologist developed the chart in 1862 to measure visual acuity. Today, Jan 18 marks his death anniversary.

The chart has 11 lines of optotypes constructed as per strict geomteric rules. Each row of letters is assigned a ratio which indicates the visual acuity required to read it, and the ratio for the lowest line a person can read represents the individual’s visual acuity for that eye. A ratio less than 1 (for instance, 6/10) indicates worse-than-normal vision; a ratio greater than 1 (for instance, 6/5) indicates better than normal vision.

Want to learn how to make a visual acuity chart?

Conversely there are some controversies in using Snellen as a standard chart:

  1. The number of letters increases from top to bottom. This might cause visual crowding to some patients and reduce the visual acuity than the actual vision.
  2. The ratio difference between cosecutive lines is not similar and does not follow a particular order
  3. Spacing between the rows and letters is not similar or does not follow a linear or exponential order

Another interesting invention of Snellen was designing a light hollow prosthesis along with Muller brothers in 1892. The shell prosthesis was originally placed over atrophic eye and used after enucleation. This caused serious discomfort for the patient. To avoid this problem, Snellen designed a hollow prosthesis that could fill the space and fix in the socket well. This has been a real success in those times.

Herman Snellen (1834-1908) studied medicine in Utrecht and wrote a thesis under the guidance of Franciscus Donders (1818-1889). Yes, he was the Donders who introduced prismatic and cylindrical lenses for managing astigmatism and invented impression tonometer.

He invented numerous surgical procedures. These also include equipments related to entropion, ectropion, and trichiasis. Next time when you walk into an optical store and look at a big E on the top of a chart, remember the mastermind behind the chart is Snellen.

Sushma January 18, 2023 Today in history

It’s Krause’s birthday!

Karl Friedrich Theodor Krause (15 December 1797 – 8 June 1868 ) is a german anatomist from Hanover. Accessory tear glands in the eyes are named after him, Krause’s glands. These are small mucous acinous glands. Further, they are situated between the conjunction of the upper and lower lid conjunctiva. And they are approx 40 in the upper lid and 6 or 8 in the lower lid. These glands produce tears that are secreted onto the conjunctiva.

Krause’s ligament:

He was the first physician to describe the transverse perineal ligament. Certainly, it is the thickened anterior border of the urogenital diaphragm.

His son was also an anatomist, Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Krause (12 July 1833 – 4 February 1910). In 1892, people at Anatomical Institute Laboratory appointed him as the head of the lab. Below mentioned are the three eponyms under his name.

Krause’s corpuscles:

These are sensory receptors for the sensation of cold on the limbus, conjunctiva, skin and tongue. Sometimes referred to as “Krause’s end bulbs”

Krause ‘s membranes:

These are defined as isotropic bands in striated muscle fibre that consist of disks of sarcoplasm and connect the individual fibrils. Also known as Z-Disc or Dobie’s line.

Krause respiratory bundle:

A slender compact fibre bundle that is also known as the “solitary tract”. It is referred to as “Gierke respiratory bundle”, coined in honour of anatomist Hans Paul Bernhard Gierke.

Fun fact: Bacteriologist Robert Koch was Wilhelm Krause’s student at Gottingen

Read about “Alexander- The doctor who was shot by his patient“

Sushma December 15, 2022 Today in history

Eco-friendly eyewear

What would the world look like if we understood that we are a part of nature? How would things change?

While focussing on sustainability and conscious living, many eyewear brands have started using eco-friendly eyewear, including an eco-friendly lens and frame. Here is an overview of a few materials that frame designers use in their quest to produce more sustainable eyewear.

Plant-based Materials

Castor beans:

Few companies make frames out of castor beans. They harvest and press the castor beans for actor oil. Later, polymerise the products to make plant based pellets. The pellets are melted down and injected into moulds to make frames and is a highly resilient and renewable source. It reduces the carbon footprint.

eyewear

Examples: Pala, Proof Eye Wear

Cellulose acetate:

The most common material used to make eco-friendly sunglasses and eyeglasses is cellulose acetate. Companies produce cellulose acetate from natural substances like cotton, wood pulp bamboo, Italian acetate, and ethically sourced buffalo horn. It is lightweight and can be made in any colour or shape. These are hypoallergenic, good for the environment and lightweight.

Example: Cocoleni, Eco eyewear, Ozeano,MONC

Do you want to know how to select a frame? Read this article for more info Quick steps to choose a suitable spectacle frame for your pretty face

Cork :

Cork is the bark of the cork oak tree, and for thousands of years, the cultivation of cork oak trees has proven to be one of our planet’s most sustainable and environmentally responsible types of farming.The harvesting process actually enhances the health and lifecycle of the forests which support high levels of biodiversity and foster a great diversity of plants and endangered species. Its growth reduces up to two times the amount of CO2 compared to other trees. The cork is stripped and treated and then hand wrapped around the temples which provides the frames with flexibility, a soft texture and incredible lightweight comfort. Cork is reusable, fire and water-resistant, insulating and biodegradable.

Examples: Sticks & Sparrow

Bamboo:

Bamboo is the fastest-growing grass on earth. After harvesting, does not require replanting, its extensive root system continually sends up new shoots, naturally replenishing itself & making it one of the most renewable resources on earth. In addition to its natural beauty, bamboo is intrinsically light in weight, is stronger than steel and can also tolerate extreme heat conditions. It leaves a much smaller ecological footprint than comparable materials. It boasts impressive strength and durability. Not only does bamboo grow everywhere, in all sizes, but it also grows fast. Really fast. Bamboo holds the current Guinness book for World Record for the fastest growing plant, with some varieties growing up to 91 cm (35 inches) a day. It’s possible to hear the creaks and groans during the sprouting season if you have time to sit and listen to the grass grow.

All of which makes it ideally suited to eyewear frame construction. It is lighter by volume than most softwood lumber. Don’t mistake its lightness for weakness; bamboo has a tensile strength greater than steel and can withstand compression better than concrete. These qualities make it an ideal construction material as well.

Bamboo example: Wear panda

Recyclable materials:

rPET-Frames made of recycled water bottles (rPET):

In the recycling facility, they sort, wash the bottles and chop them into flakes. Then, they are clean flakes are blended, melted, and turned into granules ready to be cut into chips. These chips enter our state-of-the-art facilities and are transformed into raw materials known as rPET. Our team creates 3D drawings to be used in the moulding process. Then, the frames go through a single moulding machine that turns them into beautiful frames! 5 water bottles to create one pair of fashionable eyewear. This reduces plastic waste, creates jobs and encourages a circular economy

Sunski, Genusee, Mita, Sea2See, Sea clean by GlassesUSA, Econyl (also uses old carpets destined for landfills)

Dick Moby, SKRP (Uses wooden recycled skateboard sunglasses), Dresden (limited-edition glasses made from milk bottle caps, recycled wood chips, and beer keg caps)

Recycled fishing gear and nets:

Abandoned fishing gear and nets are the most lethal forms of plastic in our ocean. Few companies partner with several mechanical recycling facilities to process various forms of end-of-life fishing gear and produced a pair of sunglasses. And as we suspected, fishing nets durable enough to last 500 years in the ocean make for super-strong sunglasses frames. These produce sustainable, recycled eyewear. These nets would last decades in the oceans, hence the sunglasses frames last you a lifetime.

The manufacturers separate the fishing gear by type of polymer, and recycle it through a mechanical process of shredding, washing and agglomeration. Further, these companies tie up with NGOs that collect ocean waste and process it into their raw material.

The raw material goes to a processing centre. Manufacturers sort, clean, shred, dry, and prep it. The prepped material gets a bit of pigment and stabilizer and is extruded into plastic granules to mould.

Example: Waterhaul, Econyl

Ceramic nose pads

Some companies make ceramic nose pads from heat-hardened clay and earthen material.

Example:- Zeal

Recyclable textile scraps:

These companies make eyeframes from textile waste products. They gather textiles from different sources. Then, the textile yarn is reprocessed to produce frames.

Example: Econyl

Do you know any more companies that use offbeat raw materials to make glass frames? Write to us in the comment section.

Sushma October 1, 2022 Non Technical , , ,