‘Business as usual’ as Centre for Contact Lens Research broadens its scope with CORE rebrand
One of the world’s most pioneering research centres has reaffirmed its commitment to contact lenses, despite changing its name to reflect a wider range of subject areas.
The Centre for Contact Lens Research, based at the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry and Vision Science will take on a new identity from January next year, when it will be known as the Centre for Ocular Research and Education (CORE).
The name change is aimed at reflecting the wider range of research carried out by the unit and the increased scope of its capabilities.
CORE director Lyndon Jones said: “In recent months when we have been meeting with partners the issue of our identity has come up a few too many times for us not to take action. We do far more work than just contact lenses and our old brand was not accurately reflecting what we are capable of.
“CORE reflects our capacity to do so with uncompromising independence, by adopting the highest quality standards, and collaborating with world leaders in diverse research areas. It reflects what we have become without forgetting where we began.
“We continue to partner with innovators in contact lens technologies on myriad programs, including materials formulation, care products, comfort initiatives, myopia control, dry eye, drug delivery and education.
“Yet we are also working with major and emerging pharmaceutical companies, digital technology giants, and academic institutions around the world on complex and fascinating initiatives that hold incredible potential for vision correction and enhancement.”
The rebrand was unveiled at the 96th annual meeting of the American Academy of Optometry in Chicago. A new interlocking blue, green and orange logo represents biosciences, clinical research and education expertise – the key pillars of the organisation’s focus.
Los Angeles artist John Park was also commissioned to create a huge acrylic mural depicting the complexity and potential of the eye.
Mr Jones added: “It is an exciting time for optometry. I would love to be in practice now with the opportunities that new technology allows us.
“We will no doubt be working intensely in areas such as myopia control, dry eye, and presbyopia and the education of ECPs and patients will be a focus for us. There is scope for further advances in drug delivery in contact lenses and we look forward to major studies in this area.
“Our commitment to contact lenses remains absolute and the BCLA remains a key partner for us. It is very much a case of ‘business as usual’ and simply a case of reflecting our wider capabilities as we head into an exciting new era.”
Notes to editors
- For further information, or to arrange further interviews, please call Daniel Owens from Orange Juice Communications on 07909 916668 or email [email protected]