Vicki Evans, Ph.D, B.Optom (Hons)

Vicki Evans is an Australian optometrist who graduated from the University of New South Wales in 1994. Following work in contact lens based clinical practice in Sydney, she joined the team of clinical research optometrists at the CCLRU, conducting clinical trials of silicone hydrogel lenses. Vicki subsequently undertook PhD research in tear film and dry eye disease. During this time she supervised and tutored final year optometry students in clinical contact lens practice, and participated in optometric aid work in Southern India. In 2001 Vicki moved to the UK to work with Professor Anthony Bron on dry eye at the Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology in Oxford. Joining CIBA Vision as Professional Affairs Manager in July 2002, Vicki provides clinical, technical and professional support to contact lens practitioners in UK and Ireland. Vicki has published and presented internationally on contact lenses, dry eye and continuous wear.

Abstract:- Therapeutic application of silicone hydrogels

Silicone hydrogel lenses offer superior oxygen permeability compared to ordinary disposable hydrogel lenses. Since being made available in plano power, silicone hydrogels have been used in the treatment of acute and chronic ocular pathologies such as dry eye, bullous keratopathy, corneal erosion, entropion, corneal oedema, corneal dystrophies. They have also been used for wound healing after cataract surgery and corneal grafts. Their success as therapeutic bandage lenses for reducing pain and corneal healing will be reviewed.