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Susana Marcos Awarded the Edwin H. Land Medal

Thursday, April 6, 2023

WASHINGTON – Optica (formerly OSA), Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide, and the Society for Imaging Science and Technology (IS&T) are pleased to announce that Susana Marcos, the David R. Williams Director of the Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, USA, has been awarded the Edwin H. Land Medal. Marcos, a highly regarded researcher in the field of visual optics and ocular imaging, is a pioneer in the development of new techniques for the evaluation of the eye. Her work is aimed at understanding the interplay of structural, biomechanical and optical properties of the eye. Marcos studies the impact of those properties on retinal image quality, and the limits that optics impose on visual functions and perception, specifically with applications in myopia, presbyopia, cataract and corneal corrections.

"On behalf of the Optica Board and membership, I am proud to congratulate Susana Marcos for this recognition," said Michal Lipson, Optica's 2023 President. "The Land Medal is awarded to individuals who share in Edwin Land's insatiable scientific intensity and curiosity in optics and imaging and, in part, reflect his image as inventor, scientist, entrepreneur, and teacher. Susana’s career journey in eye diagnostics and treatment reflects her impressive impact on the ophthalmic industry.”

Marcos joined the University of Rochester faculty in 2021 after serving as Director of the Institute of Optics, CSIC, Spain, (IO-CSIC), and Professor of Research at CSIC, where she founded the Visual Optics and Biophonics Lab (VIOBIO) in 2000. Marcos is a Fellow of Optica, the European Optical Society, and the Association for Research in Vision Ophthalmology. Marcos’ research recognitions include the Adolph Lomb Medal (Optica), ICO Prize, Doctor Honoris Causa (Ukraine Academy of Science), Ramón y Cajal Medal (Royal Academy of Sciences), King Jaime I Award, and National Research Award in Engineering.

Marcos is a cofounder of 2EyesVision SL and a coinventor of the SimVis technology that allows patients to ‘try on’ multifocal corrections before putting in contact lenses or having an intraocular lens implantation. She has authored or coauthored more than 200 peer-reviewed papers in top journals and has 23 patents (14 licensed to industry).

About the Edwin H. Land Medal

Recognizing pioneering work empowered by scientific research to create inventions, technologies, and products, the Edwin H. Land Medal was established in 1992 to honor his unique career as a scientist, technologist, industrialist, humanist and public servant. It is jointly presented by Optica and the Society for Imaging Science and Technology (IS&T) and is funded through the support of the Polaroid Foundation, the Polaroid Retirees Association and individual contributors, including Manfred Heiting, Theodore Voss and John J. McCann.

Paul Dunman Elected Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

The professor of Microbiology and Immunology and Ophthalmology is one of 65 scientists selected for the 2023 fellowship class. Dunman uses Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii to study how bacteria cause disease, with the goal of developing new therapies to treat bacterial infections.

Goodwill Vision Enterprises, UR Medicine Team Up to Expand Eye Care

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Flaum Eye Institute opens new clinic in downtown Rochester

New eye center exterior shot Goodwill of the Finger Lakes and UR Medicine Flaum Eye Institute – two leaders in vision care for the Rochester region – are collaborating to improve access to best-in-class vision care in the City of Rochester.

Goodwill Vision Enterprises, formerly known as Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and the Flaum Eye Institute will work together to improve eye care with the expansion of low-vision care within the Sterns Center for Low Vision at 500 S. Clinton Ave., and the Feb. 13 opening of a comprehensive eye care center to serve residents of neighborhoods with limited access to this care.

“We have an obligation to ensure that we prevent blinding conditions and must do our part so all community members—including those who are uninsured—have access to routine care,” said Goodwill CEO and President Jen Lake. “This is such an important moment in time for our organization, and we are proud of our history of serving those who have low vision or are blind. This represents a new chapter for us, alongside UR Medicine Flaum Eye Institute.”

In addition to providing low-vision evaluations for individuals referred to Goodwill Vision Enterprises, Flaum will offer comprehensive eye care in the heart of downtown Rochester. There will be optometric care, screening exams for diabetes, cataracts, and glaucoma, and opportunities to obtain glasses and contact lenses.

“This is a joint effort that makes sense for both organizations. It advances our shared mission of delivering eye care to our community and working to preserve sight,” said Dr. David DiLoreto, director of the Flaum Eye Institute and chair of Ophthalmology at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

The newly renovated 5,300-square-foot suite includes six exam rooms, procedure rooms, an optical shop, and a spacious waiting area and Flaum will introduce technology upgrades, including electronic medical records, to ensure continuity of care. Four rooms will be dedicated to comprehensive eye care and two rooms will be dedicated to low-vision exams on a daily basis.

“This new site allows us to increase capacity for low-vision evaluations and minimize delays for Goodwill participants. And adding the comprehensive eye care center in the South Wedge neighborhood ensures residents have equal access to eye care,” said Dr. Christine Coward, director of the new center and chief of Flaum Eye Institute’s Comprehensive Ophthalmology & Cataract Services.

This collaborative effort allows Flaum to help reduce delays for low-vision care at the Sterns Center for Vision Care, from approximately six to two weeks and hastens referrals for low-vision rehabilitation services provided by Goodwill.