The Global Specialty Lens Symposium (GSLS) has concluded in Las Vegas having brought contact lens professionals together from around the world to discuss the latest advancements in specialty lens technology, from myopia control and irregular cornea, to presbyopia management and emerging smart lens applications.
Two Australian contact lens experts spoke at this year’s prestigious event: Scientia Professor Fiona Stapleton, from the University of Sydney, and Dr Kate Gifford, Director of Myopia Profile.
Prof Stapleton delivered a keynote lecture alongside Professor Lyndon Jones from the University of Waterloo.
Prof Stapleton spoke about the evolution of silicone hydrogel contact lenses and how they differ from conventional hydrogels in terms of deposition patterns, wettability, uptake and release of preservatives, and mechanical properties. She addressed the ongoing concerns of dryness and discomfort that lead to contact lens dissatisfaction and dropout, as well as microbial keratitis rates and inflammatory complications.
Prof Jones spoke about potential applications for contact lenses beyond vision correction. Referencing industries such as bio-sensing, pharmaceutical, defence, and entertainment, as well as the traditional eye care sector, he explored how different applications of contact lens-based technologies will change the way contacts are used, not only by those who wear them but also by those who fit them.
In a session moderated by Dr Kevin Chan (Treehouse Eyes, United States), Dr Gifford, Professor Langis Michaud (University of Montreal), and Professor David Berntsen (University of Houston) discussed the myths and reality behind emerging technologies for myopia control, including optical defocus theory, novel contrast theory, the nuances of atropine theory, and the future potential and development of personalised optics in contact lens design.
Prof Stapleton spoke about the evolution of silicone hydrogel contact lenses and how they differ from conventional hydrogels in terms of deposition patterns, wettability, uptake and release of preservatives, and mechanical properties.
Dr Gifford: GLSL Rising Star
Several awards were presented at the conference, most notably, the Rising Star award, which was presented to Dr Gifford. Established in 2023, the Rising Star award recognises an emerging leader in the field of cornea and contact lenses – one who demonstrates substantial contributions to the field, outside of what might normally be expected in this early phase of their career.
A clinician-scientist and peer educator, Dr Gifford and her husband, Associate Professor Paul Gifford, are the founding Directors of Myopia Profile, the world’s largest multi-platform digital ecosystem for education in childhood myopia management, which has forged multiple industry partnerships.
Dr Gifford owned and operated a specialty independent practice for 12 years before selling to George and Matilda Eyecare in late 2019. She has lectured extensively at conferences and Queensland University of Technology, and has held leadership positions with Optometry Australia, including being National President and Board Chair for two years until December 2016. Dr Gifford served on the Fellowships Admissions Committee (International) of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and is the current Chair and Lead Author of the International Myopia Institute’s Clinical Management Guidelines Committee. She was lead author on that Institute’s landmark report published in 2019 and digests published in 2021 and 2023.
In a social media post following the presentation of her Rising Star award, Dr Gifford said the award was “an incredible honour” that reflected her passion for childhood contact lens wear and the benefits for young patients as well as practices and the profession.
“Receiving it at a specialty contact lens meeting is fitting, as today’s effective myopia management really had its origins in orthokeratology, as did my career-long dedication and enthusiasm for contact lens practice,” Dr Gifford said.
She added that the award “boosts my motivation to continue leading and supporting my colleagues worldwide and increasing public awareness of the importance of childhood contact lens wear and myopia management”.
