ORLANDO—The American Academy of Optometry Foundation has announced the recipient of the Joe and Janet Barr Early Career Cornea and Contact Lens Research Award. Gulnoza Azieva is a second-year OD/MS student at the State University of New York College of Optometry. Her research project focuses on the development of a protocol to assess ocular surface in the marmoset and identify reliable parameters that will help with the assessment of CLIDE (contact lens induced dry eye). Gulnoza presented an impressive resume of experience in clinical research, volunteer service, and lecture presentation, according to the announcement.
The award is intended to provide an entering first- or second- year MS or PhD vision science or physiological optics student attending a school/college of optometry support of $2,000 for research project seed funding in the areas of cornea/ocular surface or contact lenses. The applicant can be in a graduate program alone or combined with professional/residency program.
Gulnoza will be honored at Academy 2021 Boston in Boston this fall.