It depicts the ‘complexity and wonder’ of the eye.
(Press Release) In mid-October, hundreds of eyecare professionals, researchers, students and industry leaders created a mural at the American Academy of Optometry’s annual meeting in Chicago, celebrating the launch of the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE). During a packed celebration in early December, the work was unveiled and permanently installed at the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry & Vision Science.
Formerly known as the Centre for Contact Lens Research (CCLR), the new CORE name reflects the organization’s evolved focus on advanced biosciences, clinical research and education.
Titled Collected Insight, the 12-foot by 8-foot acrylic mural depicts the complexity and wonder of the eye and vision. Over the course of three days, Academy 2017 attendees donned protective lab coats and added their own artistic strokes to the massive canvas. Los Angeles-based artist John Park then transformed the cacophony of colors and shapes into the finished piece.
“Reaction to the CORE brand has been positive, as it better illustrates how we have broadened and deepened our offerings over the past 30 years, while at the same time advancing contact lens technologies and clinical knowledge,” said Dr. Lyndon Jones, CORE’s director.
CORE partners with contact lens innovators on programs that include materials formulation, care products, comfort initiatives, myopia control, dry eye, drug delivery and education for both practitioners and patients. In more recent years, it has established a reputation for working with major and emerging pharmaceutical companies, digital technology giants, and academic institutions that value uncompromising independence and adherence to the highest quality standards.
The Collected Insight mural and the celebration, attended by so many supporters and friends, shine a light on how success hinges on close partnerships. We have been fortunate to match the insights of our 50-person team with many of the world’s most brilliant scientists and clinicians, together achieving what would have once been deemed impossible,” noted Jones.
The mural hangs in the newest wing of the School of Optometry & Vision Science, just outside its main lecture theatre on the ground floor. The installation event was attended by a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, friends of CORE and members of the local community, many who have worked alongside CORE team members and/or have participated in CORE-led clinical trials.
CORE will begin using the brand on a widespread basis beginning in January 2018. For more information, visit CORE.uwaterloo.ca.
A mural called Collected Insight was unveiled and permanently installed at the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry & Vision Science.