Assoc Prof Dr. Francisco Avila | Visual Optics Award | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Francisco Avila, University of Zaragoza, Spain

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Francisco Avila is an esteemed educator and researcher in the field of Optometry, specializing in ocular sciences. Holding a Cum Laude Ph.D. in Vision Sciences, awarded by the Faculty of Medicine, Murcia, Spain, he excels in polarization and multiphoton microscopy. With a knack for teaching, he has conducted various courses, including Optometry and Optical Technology, at the University of Zaragoza. Dr. Avila’s expertise extends to supervising numerous successful final year projects, enriching the academic landscape with his insights. Passionate about advancing eye care, he continues to inspire students and contribute to innovative research 🎓🔬.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Francisco Avila earned his doctoral degree in Vision Sciences from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Murcia, Spain. His thesis, titled “Polarización y microscopia multifotónica para el análisis de estructuras oculares,” explored cutting-edge techniques in polarization and multiphoton microscopy for ocular structure analysis. Under the guidance of esteemed mentors Juan Manuel Bueno García and Melanie C.W. Campbell, Dr. Avila’s research garnered him the distinction of Cum Laude. His exceptional work in advancing eye care earned him a special doctorate award, marking his commitment to excellence in vision science and research 🎓🔬.

Teaching Experience

Dr. Francisco Avila’s teaching journey is marked by his dedication to nurturing future optometrists and researchers. With expertise spanning courses like Optical Technology, Optometry, and Visual Optics at the University of Zaragoza, he imparts invaluable knowledge and skills to his students. His commitment extends to guiding final year projects, where he collaborates with aspiring scholars on innovative research topics. Notably, his supervision has led to outstanding achievements, such as the design of novel optical instruments and insightful studies on ocular conditions like nocturnal myopia. Dr. Avila’s passion for education and mentorship shines through, shaping the next generation of vision science professionals 📚👁️.

Research Focus

Dr. Francisco Avila’s research focus lies at the intersection of optical imaging and ocular tissue analysis, particularly utilizing advanced microscopy techniques such as second harmonic generation microscopy. His work delves into quantifying collagen organization, assessing corneal health, and exploring polarization properties in various eye conditions. By investigating collagen distribution, corneal thickness, and retinal morphology, Dr. Avila contributes significantly to our understanding of ocular pathologies and diagnostic methodologies. His dedication to advancing optical imaging in ophthalmology fosters innovative approaches for diagnosing and monitoring eye diseases, ultimately enhancing patient care and vision health worldwide 🕵️‍♂️🔬👁️.

Publication Top Notes

Analysis and quantification of collagen organization with the structure tensor in second harmonic microscopy images of ocular tissues 📄 Cited by: 58, Year: 2015
In vivo two-photon microscopy of the human eye 📄 Cited by: 39, Year: 2019
Second harmonic generation microscopy: a tool for quantitative analysis of tissues📄 Cited by: 39, Year: 2016
Quantifying external and internal collagen organization from Stokes-vector-based second harmonic generation imaging polarimetry 📄 Cited by: 29, Year: 2017
Polarization dependence of aligned collagen tissues imaged with second harmonic generation microscopy📄 Cited by: 28, Year: 2015
A study on image quality in polarization-resolved second harmonic generation microscopy 📄 Cited by: 26, Year: 2017
Quantitative Analysis of the Corneal Collagen Distribution after In Vivo Cross-Linking with Second Harmonic Microscopy 📄 Cited by: 23, Year: 2019
Quantitative discrimination of healthy and diseased corneas with second harmonic generation microscopy📄 Cited by: 21, Year: 2019
Polarization response of second-harmonic images for different collagen spatial distributions📄 Cited by: 16, Year: 2016
Polarization properties of amyloid beta in the retina of the eye as a biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease 📄 Cited by: 14, Year: 2015

Ms. Leva Inokaityte | Ophthalmology | Young Scientist Award

Ms. IevaInokaityte, Medical Faculty, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania

Ieva Inokaityte is a versatile professional with a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical and Veterinary Genetics and Life Sciences, specializing as a Biomedical Technician. 🧬 Her academic journey, enriched by international traineeships in Barcelona and local laboratories, reflects her expertise in genetics and eye diseases. 🌍 Outside the lab, she excels as a professional dancer, clinching awards and now gracing television projects and concerts. 🕺💃 Additionally, Ieva showcases her talents in the world of acting and modeling, collaborating with an actors’ agency on various platforms, including commercials and Netflix series. 📽️🌟 Diligent, creative, and communicative, she seamlessly blends her scientific acumen with artistic flair.

Education and Training :

Ieva Inokaityte’s academic journey is a testament to her passion for Medical and Veterinary Genetics. 🧬 She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, delving into diverse subjects like human and animal anatomy, genetics, and molecular pathology. Complementing her degree, she holds a qualification as a Biomedical Technician. Ieva’s hands-on experience includes impactful traineeships at the University of Barcelona’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, and local laboratories focusing on eye diseases and gene polymorphisms. Her work involves precise techniques like DNA concentration measurement and PCR amplification, contributing to advancements in understanding age-related macular degeneration. 🌐👁️

Research Focus:

Ieva Inokaityte, a dedicated researcher, has significantly contributed to the field of Ophthalmic Genetics with her work on the association of <i>TAS2R16</i> gene polymorphisms (rs860170, rs978739, rs1357949) and TAS2R16 serum levels in age-related macular degeneration patients. 🧬 Her expertise in genetic research, demonstrated through this impactful journal article published on 2024-01-26, showcases a focus on unraveling the genetic intricacies of ocular diseases. Collaborating with Greta Gedvilaite and Rasa Liutkeviciene, Ieva’s contributions extend the understanding of genetic factors influencing age-related macular degeneration. 🌐👁️

Publication:

Association of <i>TAS2R16</i> gene (rs860170, rs978739, rs1357949) polymorphisms and TAS2R16 serum levels in patients with age-related macular degeneration

Francisco Avila | Visual Optics Award | Best Researcher Award