Arturo Vicente Jaen is a predoctoral researcher at the University of Murcia, affiliated with the Department of Physics under the Faculty of Chemistry. He is a member of the Optics Laboratory research group, focusing on optical instrumentation, vision science, and computational methods in biomedical imaging. His research spans interdisciplinary areas combining Optics and laser scanning Machine learning for visual correction systems Biomedical optics and volumetric data reconstruction His recent work demonstrates expertise in GPU optimization, neural networks for gaze estimation, and development of OCT data processing tools. The research aligns with applications in ophthalmology and adaptive optical systems.
Dr. Jan Roelof Polling serves as an Ophthalmology Researcher at Erasmus University Medical Center, with dual affiliations in Ophthalmology and Epidemiology departments. His research primarily focuses on myopia epidemiology, refractive error analysis, and innovative diagnostic approaches for vision care. His research interests span myopia progression mechanisms , gender-specific visual impairment patterns , and digital health solutions for pediatric eye care . Current work emphasizes peripheral refraction mapping through MRI technology, web-based self-assessment tools, and international standardization of myopia management protocols. Key thematic areas include high myopia risk stratification, generational shifts in vision disorders, and dose-dependent pharmacological interventions. Polling's recent publications demonstrate strong engagement with international collaborations, particularly through the European Society of Ophthalmology and International Myopia Institute. His work frequently addresses public health implications of vision disorders, with emphasis on Dutch population studies and global care pathway development. Notable contributions include novel MRI-based progression prediction models and gender-focused epidemiological analyses.
Dr. Willem Tideman is a Researcher in the Ophthalmology department at Erasmus MC . His work focuses on refractive errors, myopia progression, and biomedical imaging applications. Institution: Erasmus MC, Department of Ophthalmology Academic Role: Researcher Research Interests: Tideman investigates the interplay between genetic and environmental factors (e.g., outdoor time, education) in myopia progression, utilizing advanced techniques like MRI for ocular biometry and Mendelian randomization for causal inference. His work addresses visual impairment in youth and gender-specific trends. Publications highlight his expertise in medical imaging , genetic epidemiology , and clinical guidelines for myopia management. Collaborations span European and international institutions, including the International Myopia Institute .
Alexandra Benavente-Perez serves as Research Professor at the State University of New York College of Optometry and Principal Investigator of a federally and industry-funded research laboratory. Her work focuses on elucidating mechanisms underlying myopia progression and associated blinding conditions through experimental models and multi-center clinical trials at the Clinical Vision Research Center since 2013. Education: Optometry and Optics, College of Science and Medicine, Valladolid, Spain MS in Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Manchester, UK PhD in Vision Science, Aston University, Birmingham, UK Her research program integrates molecular biology, clinical trials, and optical engineering to investigate myopia-glaucoma linkages, emmetropization mechanisms, and novel interventions including low-dose atropine and specialized contact lenses. Current work emphasizes mechanotransduction pathways in the ganglion cell complex and single-cell resolution analysis of refractive development. Scientific Awards: Josh Wallman Memorial Award/Zeiss Young Scientist Award in Myopia Research (International Myopia Conference) American Academy of Optometry Professional Career Development Award Dr. Benavente mentors early-career researchers including Fulbright Fellow Dr. Dimitra Makrynioti (dry eye syndrome in high myopia) and Jill and George Mertz Fellow Dr. Pauline Kang (foveal-peripheral optics). Her $5.2M+ research portfolio includes leadership of NIH R01 EY034086 (2023-2027) on myopia-glaucoma connections and industry partnerships with Johnson & Johnson Vision. She directs a collaborative research ecosystem spanning the Clinical Vision Research Center, with active projects at Paracelsus Medical University (Austria) and Singapore Eye Research Institute, focusing on translational applications for myopia prevention and management.
Professor Keziah Latham is a Professor of Optometry at Anglia Ruskin University, where she serves as Director of the Vision & Hearing Sciences Research Centre within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. She is a practicing optometrist specializing in visual assessment of people with impaired vision and runs the Low Vision Clinic in the University Eye Clinic. Her academic career spans over two decades with continuous appointments since 1997 at various institutions including Anglia Ruskin University (since 2006), Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Bradford. Professor Latham holds a BSc in Ophthalmic Optics and a PhD in 'Psychophysical investigations of human peripheral vision' from Aston University, along with a Professional Certificate in Low Vision and a PGCert(HE). She is a Fellow of the College of Optometrists (FCOptom) and a member of the General Optical Council, the Association of Optometrists, and the Higher Education Academy. Her primary research interests focus on the assessment of function and optimization of rehabilitation for people with visual impairment, particularly in low vision. This includes clinical visual function assessment, objective assessment of activities of daily living, patient reported outcome measures, and visual function in specific populations including those with autism spectrum conditions, drivers, and peripheral vision limitations. Her work has significant implications for clinical practice and rehabilitation strategies. Professor Latham has received notable recognition for her work, including the 2017 Neil Charman medal for excellence in optometric research from the College of Optometrists. Her research has evolved toward understanding the practical applications of low vision aids, reading assessment parameters, and the development of patient-centered rehabilitation approaches, with recent work focusing on wearable electronic vision enhancement systems for age-related macular degeneration. Neil Charman medal for excellence in optometric research from the College of Optometrists (2017) George Giles Prize for excellence in optometric postgraduate research (awarded to Dr Daryl Tabrett under her supervision) Professor Latham has supervised numerous PhD and Master's students including Rukaiya Anwar, Andrew Miller, Georgia Dunn, Jane Macnaughton, Ahoora Baranian, Hikmat Subhi, Maria Foteini Katsou, and Daryl Tabrett. Her research has been supported by funding from the College of Optometrists, Macular Society, and other organizations. She is actively involved in clinical practice through the Low Vision Clinic and contributes to professional development through editorial work for 'Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics' and representation on the Optometry Schools Council. She leads the Vision and Hearing Sciences Research Group at ARU, which focuses on interdisciplinary research addressing vision and hearing challenges across diverse populations and contexts. The research center bridges clinical practice with academic inquiry to develop evidence-based approaches to visual rehabilitation.
Dr. Marwan Suheimat is a Research Fellow at Queensland University of Technology's Faculty of Health, School of Clinical Sciences, specializing in advanced vision science research. His work focuses on ocular biometry, refractive error mechanisms, and myopia control interventions, collaborating extensively with leading researchers including Professor David Atchison. His primary research interests include Myopia Control , Accommodation Mechanisms , Peripheral Refraction Analysis , and Ocular Biomechanics . His investigations into choroidal thickness dynamics during accommodation and ciliary muscle dimension changes have provided critical insights into refractive error development. His methodological innovations in autorefractor technology and peripheral vision measurement have advanced clinical assessment protocols. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on quantitative measurement techniques for studying ocular structures, with particular focus on myopia progression mechanisms and optical correction efficacy . His work bridges fundamental optical principles with clinical applications, particularly in developing improved diagnostic tools for vision science. Dr. Suheimat's research program demonstrates consistent productivity with high-impact publications in premier vision science journals including Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics , Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science , and Biomedical Optics Express , reflecting his significant contributions to understanding the optical and biomechanical properties of the human eye.
