Post de Viridiana Kocaba

Honored to share our latest research paper published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. Nano-hydroxyapatite coating attenuates fibrotic and immune responses to promote keratoprosthesis biointegration in severe corneal disorders by Arun Thirunavukarasu, Fernando Morales-Wong, Nuur Shahinda Humaira H., Evelina Han, Siew Kwan Koh, Lei Zhou, Viridiana Kocaba, Subramanian Venkatraman, Jod Mehta & Andri Riau. In this study, we explored an innovative approach to improve keratoprosthesis implantation outcomes for patients with severe corneal disease. By coating the optical cylinder of the keratoprosthesis with nano-hydroxyapatite we found significant improvements in tissue adhesion and reduced complications, particularly in cases of severe eye injury. These findings could mark a significant step forward in reducing the risk of prosthesis failure and enhancing the quality of life for many patients. Check out the full paper here: (https://lnkd.in/duaWAsbs) A big thank you to my incredible co-authors and collaborators for their dedication and hard work! 👏 Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) #Research #Keratoprosthesis #CornealDisease #MedicalInnovation #NanoHydroxyapatite #Bioengineering #VisionCare #HealthcareInnovation #InternationalCollaboration

🌟 Today, I had the honor of witnessing Professor Martine Jager being recognized with the prestigious Mildred Weisenfeld Award for Excellence in Ophthalmology at Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2024 in Seattle, introduced by Professor Claus Cursiefen, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Cologne. Martine's dedication to advancing our understanding of immunology and her groundbreaking research in uveal melanoma and ocular surface diseases is truly remarkable. Her journey, from earning her PhD in immunology at Leiden University to her residency at the University of Amsterdam and clinical fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, speaks volumes about her commitment to excellence. Not only is Martine an exemplary figure in Academia, but she is also a mentor to countless medical and PhD students both in the Netherlands and abroad. Her contributions extend beyond research, serving as a board member of the INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF OCULAR ONCOLOGY (ISOO), the European Association for Vision and Eye Research (EVER), and as a past-president of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO). Martine's efforts in developing ARVO Chapters worldwide are shaping the future of eye research on a global scale. As the first non-American elected president of ARVO in 2007, Martine shattered barriers and continues to inspire as a role model and mentor. Her leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her field make her a truly deserving recipient of the Mildred Weisenfeld Award. Personally, I've had the privilege of knowing Martine for almost a decade, and her support and guidance have been invaluable to me. Congratulations, Martine, on this well-deserved recognition—it not only reflects your outstanding work but also your leadership in Ophthalmology. You've changed our world, Martine, and I have no doubt that you will continue to do so! Here's to Professor Martine Jager, an inspiration to all in the field of Ophthalmology. Let's strive for a world where every woman in Ophthalmology has a mentor like Martine.✨ Leiden University Leiden University Medical Center LUMC Women University of Cologne Harvard Medical School Schepens Eye Research Institute Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) CRC / SFB 1607 #WomenInScience #WomenOphthalmology #Ophthalmology #LUMC #Excellence #Science #Achievement #EmpoweringWomen #ForABetterWorld #Research #Vision #Education #Leadership #Mentors #Mentees

🎓 Exciting Times at Harvard University! 🌟 It was an absolute pleasure to spend time with our current Arthur Sachs fellows at Harvard University, each one representing French excellence and ambition in their respective fields: 🔹 Timothée Charmeil, Harvard Law School 🔹 Alexandre Meyer, Harvard University Kennedy School of Government 🔹 Louis C., Harvard University Kennedy School of Government 🔹 Sophia Schleicher, Harvard Graduate School of Education 🔹 Simon Garinet, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School 🔹 Margot Louali, Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University 🔹 Marine-Alexia LEFEVRE, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School 🔹 Marie-Camille Lafargue, Massachusetts General Hospital Transplant Center, Harvard Medical School 🔹 Rémy Duléry, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School 🔹 Daniel Saka Mbumba, Harvard University Kennedy School of Government As I reflect on the past decade since my own time as a Sachs Scholar within Ula V. Jurkunas' lab, where I uncovered my passion for science, I'm reminded of the incredible journey it has been. This experience opened doors to beautiful international collaborations, including with Jod Mehta at the Singapore Eye Research Institute. Grateful to be back in the lab to present our latest results on Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, which will be showcased next month during the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) in Seattle and the European Society of Cornea & Ocular Surface Disease Specialists (EuCornea) in Paris. Now, standing on the PhD mentor's side, I feel honored to guide others through this profound and intense journey. Rohan Bir Singh, outstanding scientist working in Reza Dana's lab, wishing you the best! More about the Arthur Sachs Scholarship: https://lnkd.in/ddBgTeZx For insights into the groundbreaking research happening at the Cornea Center of Excellence, Harvard Medical School, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass. Eye and Ear, check out: https://lnkd.in/d459WuM8 #ArthurSachs #HarvardFellows #PhDMentorship #ResearchExcellence #Scholarship #France #FrenchTouch #FrenchExcellence #Cornea

🌟 Celebrating International Women's Day! 🌟 Today, we join hands to honor the brilliance, resilience, and achievements of women worldwide. 🌍 Let's shine a spotlight on the incredible women making waves in the fields of science and ophthalmology. 💡👩🔬👁 From groundbreaking research to innovative treatments, women in science are driving progress and shaping the future of healthcare globally. In ophthalmology, their dedication and expertise are revolutionizing vision care, bringing hope and clarity to countless lives. 👩⚕️🔬 Let's recognize and amplify the voices of these trailblazers, whose contributions pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. Together, let's empower and support women in science and ophthalmology as they continue to break barriers and inspire generations to come. 💪💫 Happy International Women's Day! 💐 #IWD2024 #WomenInScience #WomenInOphthalmology #Empowerment #Innovation #Equality

👁️✨ **Exciting Insights from Cornea Subspecialty Day at American Academy of Ophthalmology 2023 in San Francisco!** ✨👁️ I am thrilled to share the incredible experiences and knowledge shared during the Keratoplasty Alternatives session at the Cornea Subspeciality Day, which took place at the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Annual Meeting in San Francisco. This enlightening session was expertly moderated by Christopher S Sales, Christina R Prescott, and Sonal Tuli, and featured esteemed experts in the cornea field. The event kicked off with a captivating introduction by Christopher Sales, setting the stage for a day filled with innovative discussions. I had the honor of presenting on "Bowman Layer Inlay and Onlay Transplantation for the management of the most challenging cases in keratoconus". It was inspiring to share insights and engage with fellow professionals who are as passionate about ophthalmic advancements as I am. Throughout the day, we delved into groundbreaking approaches in corneal surgery. Kathryn Colby, shared her expertise on "Descemet Stripping Only: No Graft, No Problem!", showcasing a graft-free solution that opens new doors for patients and surgeons alike. Friedrich Kruse provided valuable insights into "Endothelial Cell Injection Therapy," presenting a promising avenue for corneal transplantation. Sumitra Khandelwal offered a deep dive into "Lamellar Keratectomy," providing essential perspectives on this vital procedure. Esen K. Akpek enlightened us about "What's New in Artificial Corneas," shedding light on the latest developments in artificial corneal technology. I want to express my gratitude to Christopher Sales for highlighting this enriching experience on the AAO website. For more details about the event, you can visit: [Cornea Subspeciality Day 2023 Highlights](https://lnkd.in/gPA84uT8). To continue with great news, the same day our article on "Bowman layer onlay grafting as a minimally invasive treatment for the most challenging cases in keratoconus" has been published in the prestigious American Journal of Ophthalmology. You can read the comprehensive article here: [AJO Article](https://lnkd.in/g4tSzJhR). One of the highlights of the day was the immersive DALK wetlab, where talented surgeons, honed their skills and mastered the intricacies of the technique. Witnessing the dedication and passion of my fellow professionals was truly inspiring and reaffirmed our collective commitment to advancing ophthalmic excellence. I'm immensely proud to have been a part of this event and to contribute to the ongoing progress in the field of ophthalmology. Together, we will continue pushing the boundaries of innovation and improving the lives of patients around the world. 👁️✨ #AAO2023 #CorneaSubspecialityDay #OphthalmologyInnovation #VisionaryLeadership #womeninophthalmology #corneatransplantation #keratoconus #sharingiscaring

📚 Exciting News! 🎉 Absolutely thrilled to share this milestone, the book "Modern Keratoplasty: Surgical Techniques & Indications" is out 🙌 This book is a testament to the dedication, passion, and hard work of some of the most eminent figures in the cornea field, including the likes of Harminder Dua, Jod Mehta, Marcus Ang, Amar Argarwal, Massimo Busin, Prof. Dr. Berthold Seitz, Victor L. Perez Quinones, Soosan Jacob, Bruce D. Allan, Marianne Price, Francis Price, Shigeru Kinoshita, Greg Maloney. Their contributions have not only revolutionized the field of corneal surgery but have also paved the way for innovation and excellence. It is an honor beyond words to be part of this esteemed group of authors. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Jorge L. Alió and Jorge L. Alió del Barrio for their invitation to contribute on the Bowman Layer Transplantation chapter written by Achraf Laouani, Lydia van der Star, Silke Oellerich, Korine van Dijk, Gerrit R.J. Melles and Viridiana Kocaba For those interested in exploring our chapter and the wealth of knowledge this book has to offer, you can find it here: [Modern Keratoplasty: Surgical Techniques & Indications - Chapter 17](https://lnkd.in/gkmV6FDp). 📖 I look forward to continuing our collective efforts to advance the field of cornea surgery and improve the sights and lives of patients worldwide. 🌐 Once again, thank you all for being a part of this incredible journey. To many more chapters of growth, collaboration, and innovation! #ModernKeratoplasty #CorneaSurgery #BowmanLayerTransplantation #MedicalAdvancementsFeeling #innovation #futuretherapy #keratoconus #DMEK #CAIRS #DSAEK #celltherapy

Empathy and a heartfelt concern for women's health are at the core of addressing the challenges in cancer prevention and care for women. It's disheartening to acknowledge that nearly half of global cancer cases strike women, and it's not just the disease but the unequal power dynamics within our society that further exacerbate their struggles on this front. Often, when we discuss cancer in the context of women, the conversation tends to be limited to 'women's cancers,' overshadowing the broader challenges they face. Moreover, our understanding of the risk factors and causes of cancer in women lags behind that of men. Astonishingly, four significant risk factors for women – tobacco and alcohol use, obesity, and infections – go under-recognized. The barriers to women's professional growth and leadership roles in the field only contribute to this imbalance in cancer prevention and care. They also tend to have fewer financial resources to handle the financial challenges that cancer brings, all while typically bearing unpaid caring responsibilities. The statistics are daunting, with 2.3 million women succumbing to cancer prematurely each year. However, the silver lining is that 1.5 million of these precious lives could be saved through primary prevention or early detection and diagnosis. An additional 800,000 lives could be preserved if we ensure that all women, irrespective of where they are, have access to optimal cancer care. To truly transform the way women interact with the healthcare system regarding cancer, a groundbreaking Lancet Commission, The Lancet, spearheaded by Ophira Ginsburg, has provided recommendations. They call for an "intersectional feminist approach," advocating for the inclusion of sex and gender considerations in all cancer-related policies and guidelines. It's high time that our cancer care system becomes attuned to the unique needs and aspirations of all women – patients, care providers, and researchers alike. Together, we can bring about a brighter, healthier future for women worldwide. 👉 see below

🌟 Reflecting on an Incredible #ESCRS2023 in Vienna 🌟 I had the privilege of attending and contributing to The European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) 2023 conference in the beautiful city of #Vienna. 🇦🇹 🌐 With more than 15,000 attendees from 128 countries, 367 sessions, and 1882 presenters, this event was nothing short of extraordinary. It's an honor to be part of such an international gathering of experts and innovators in ophthalmology. 🔬 The program was a treasure trove of knowledge, featuring main symposia, instructional courses, wetlab courses, video sessions, poster & oral presentations that not only promoted education and research but also emphasized the importance of sustainability. Here are some highlights that left a lasting impression on me: 👁️ **Cornea Day and Lamellar Surgery Update**: Mor Dickman, Prof. Dr. Mario Matthaei, Iva Krolo, LUIGI FONTANA, Nuno M., Vincent Borderie, Nir Sorkin, José Luis Güell, Claus Cursiefen, and many others shared groundbreaking insights into cornea surgery. 🌟 **Charity Gala at Hofburg Imperial Palace**: An elegant evening organised to support our Ukrainian colleagues, who are facing immense challenges, as well as ophthalmic research. 💎 **Surgical Pearls Arena**: Kendall Donaldson, José Luis Güell, Bruce Allan, Sadeer Hannush, and other surgical luminaries shared their pearls of wisdom. 🙌 **Proud of My Former Fellows**: Keamela Vasanthananthan, Achraf Laouani, Mohamed Ghaly, Romain Mouchel – Your dedication and achievements make me incredibly proud. 🚀 **Energized by Young Ophthalmologists & Scientists**: Myriam Böhm, Sophie Mädel, Nuno M., Imene Salah Mabed, Iva Krolo, and others represent the bright future of ophthalmology. Your enthusiasm and contributions are inspiring. 🔬 **Ophthalmology Future European Forum**: stimulating and insightful discussion about cell and gene therapy, as well as new technologies for cornea treatment. The future of eye care looks promising! Thank you to the organizers, sponsors, exhibitors, and everyone who made ESCRS 2023 unforgettable. Let's continue our journey of innovation and excellence in eye care! 👁️🌍💡 Oliver Findl, Filomena Ribeiro Burkhard Dick https://congress.escrs.org #ESCRS2023 #Ophthalmology #EyeCare #Innovation #ViennaConference #SurgicalPearls #CorneaSurgery #DMEK #fuchsendothelialcornealdystrophy #Future #Innovation #OphthalmicResearch #SustainabilityInMedicine #MedicalEducation #womeninscience #womeninophthalmology