Waterloo Professor Wins Award for Optics Research

The Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP) and the National Optics Institute have awarded Melanie Campbell the 2014 Medal for Outstanding Achievement in Applied Photonics.

The award recognizes Campbell’s numerous contributions to the field of visual optics and imaging.

A professor in the physics and astronomy department at the University of Waterloo who was cross-appointed to its School of Optometry and Vision Science, Campbell has been researching optical imperfections in human and animal eyes to develop early detection methods and treatment for diseases.

In particular, her fundamental study of crystalline lens optics has examined the loss of near vision (presbyopia) that happens with age. This has led to new treatments that could improve vision in elderly patients.

Campbell’s work has led to the patenting of several methods, such as imaging a protein marker in living eyes, which could lead to development of a noninvasive test for Alzheimer’s disease.

The medal will be presented at the 2014 CAP Congress this month.

For more information, visit www.uwaterloo.ca.