OUR TEAM
Principal Investigators
Our team of researchers are making important discoveries in our area of focus. While everyone are experts in their particular field, our collaborative research unit works towards a common goal: to develop and disseminate clinically useful knowledge that will translate into improved health care and debunking controversies in refractive surgery research.
AVI WALLERSTEIN
MD, FRCSC
Research Unit Head
Dr. Wallerstein completed his medical degree at Queen’s University, and then specialized in ophthalmology at McGill University. He then completed his fellowship training in refractive surgery at Cornell. Dr. Wallerstein has more than 100 peer-reviewed published and presented scientific papers to his credit.
MATHIEU GAUVIN
B. ENG., PHD
Dir. Research and Development
Dr. Mathieu Gauvin brings a strong data science expertise to our Research Unit, including engineering, data processing, machine learning, pattern recognition, scientific processes automation, and development of software and digital tools for refractive surgery research.
MARKÂ COHEN
MD, CM, FRCSC
Co-National Medical Director
Dr. Cohen is one of the two National Medical Directors of LASIK MD. As a cornea and laser vision correction specialist, Dr. Cohen is responsible for teaching laser eye surgery to ophthalmology residents from the Université de Sherbrooke, Université de Montréal, and McGill University.
COLLABORATORS
Fellows, Residents, and Medical Student involved in our Research Projects
MICHAEL MIMOUNI
MD
Corneal Fellow
Dr. Mimouni is a Corneal, External Diseases and Refractive Clinical Fellow at the University of Toronto. He has a special interest in research and has published over 150 original studies and presented over 50 of them at various national and international conferences.
SUSAN RUYU QI
MD
Ophthalmology Resident
Dr. Qi graduated from the University of Montreal Medical School in 2018 and is currently an ophthalmology resident at Laval University, in Quebec City. Besides ophthalmology, she is passionate about technology and healthcare innovations, particularly in Artificial Intelligence and Big Data research.
ALI SALIMI
MD, MSC
Ophthalmology Resident
Dr. Salimi is an ophthalmology resident at McGill University. He obtained his medical degree at McGill while concurrently pursuing a master’s degree. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and presented his work internationally. Ali envisions becoming an Ophthalmologist-Scientist, where he can combine his passion for education, research, and innovation in Ophthalmology.
JOSEPH KAM
MD, PHD, MBA
Ophthalmology Resident
Dr Kam is an ophthalmology resident at McGill University. Before medical school, he completed a PhD at The Neuro, where he studied the effect of cell surface proteins on neurodevelopment. He is interested in advancing ophthalmology and medicine, and to create sustainable and effective methods.
HARRISON WATT
BSC
MD Student
Harrison Watt is a medical student at McGill University interested in pursuing a career in ophthalmology, with a special interest in cornea and refractive surgery. Harrison has already been a part of multiple research projects and publications, and is always interested in advancing treatment options in the field of ophthalmology.
SANGEETHA SANTHAKUMARAN
MD Student
Sangeetha Santhakumaran is a medical student at McGill University, interested in the field of ophthalmology. Prior to medical school, she completed her Master's degree in Vision Rehabilitation at the University of Montreal. Sangeetha has conducted research pertaining to several diseases that cause low vision, and aspires to optimize patient functioning using both state-of-the art treatment modalities and rehabilitation therapy.
LAUREN TABUNAR
BSc Student
Lauren Tabunar is an Honours Bachelor of Science student currently studying at the University of Toronto and is interested in research to help advance the field of medicine. Her goal is to later join the medical field as a surgeon herself where she hopes to improve the lives of others
RONALD SISON, MSC
Corneal Cross Linking Coordinator
Ron Sison is a Corneal Cross Linking Coordinator. He is an international eye care professional and educator with training in optometry, binocular vison, and research. His current fields of interests are keratoconus, corneal cross linking, and eye care education. His goal is to advance the fields of ocular and vision science.
ALLISON BERNSTEIN
MD Student
Allison Bernstein is a MD student at Université de Sherbrooke, with an interest in becoming an ophthalmologist. Her current research topics are centered around refractive surgery and the cornea. Her aim is to advance current practice techniques, as well as find new solutions to ophthalmologic problems.
MICHAEL KNAFO
MD Student
Michael Knafo is a medical student studying at Université de Montréal, fascinated by the field of ophthalmology and its potential for innovation and research. With the hopes of making additions to the field’s advancement, he aims to contribute to projects that will better and facilitate the lives of many dealing with a wide range of ocular deficiencies.
DANIEL LIÂ
MD
Ophthalmology Resident
Dr. Li is an ophthalmology resident at McGill University. He completed medical school at University of Toronto, where he was a recipient of the Eye Foundation of Canada Scholarship and published several high impact studies in ophthalmology journals. He is passionate about combining advancements in technology with data science to continuously improve patient outcomes in ophthalmology.
CHELSEA RIDGWAY
BSC
MD Student
Chelsea Ridgway is a medical student at Université de Montréal with an interest in pursuing a career in ophthalmology. Before medical school, she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience at McGill University. She hopes to further her knowledge of the field of ophthalmology through research and in doing so aims to contribute to the improvement of treatment options and patient outcomes.
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ERICA DARIAN-SMITH
Corneal Fellow
Dr. Darian-Smith is a Corneal, External Disease and Refractive Clinical Fellow at the University of Toronto. She previously trained at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney, Australia. As an accomplished
researcher, Dr. Darian-Smith’s work has been featured in numerous journals. She’s also had the opportunity to present her research at various international conferences.
PETER TAI
MD Student
Peter Tai is a medical student at McGill University in Gatineau interested in the field of ophthalmology. His current research topic is centered around keratoconus. Peter aims to advance current practices and technologies to improve patient outcomes.
JASON FINK
MD Student
Jason Fink is an incoming medical student at The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He has a strong interest in ophthalmology and medical technology and innovation. With his background in engineering, he intends to work on projects related to AIÂ and machine and deep learning.
VANESSA DEBAY
MD Student
Vanessa is a medical student at McGill University with a keen interest in the field of ophthalmology. Her research interests lie in Quality Improvement, as she strongly believes that healthcare systems must aim for higher levels of performance and prioritize patient care and outcomes. She strives to deepen our understanding of the eye and its associated conditions to improve treatment, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and quality of life.
ADAMÂ WANDZURA
MD Student
Adam Wandzura is a medical student at the University of Saskatchewan fascinated by ocular surgery. He is interested in refractive surgery patient selection, complication management, and is motivated to improve patient outcomes.
LARA ABBOUD
MD Student
Lara Abboud is a medical student at the University of Montreal, with a strong interest in ophthalmology, particularly the field of refractive surgery. She is strongly motivated to improve patient care and intervention outcomes as she prioritises offering patients a better quality of life. She aims to contribute to the advancement and the development of new techniques in ophthalmology, and to be part of her patients’ happiness.
HUAN YU LILY DAI
MD Student
Huan Yu Lily Dai is a medical student at Université de Montréal who developed a special interest in cornea and refractive surgery ever since she had to start wearing glasses at a very young age. Her research interests lie in surgical innovation and post-operative care and, fascinated by the field of ophthalmology, she aims to promote ocular health and improve patient outcomes.
PENG LIN LU
Physiology Student
Peng Lin is a physiology student at McGill University. Interested in the human eye, more particularly in the cornea and in ocular surgery, she wishes to learn more about this field and contribute to the improvement of treatments by conducting research.
BRANDON BELLWARE
Research Assistant
B.Sc in Biology graduate with a strong interest in ophthalmology research, focusing on refractive surgery outcomes for optimal patient care. Aspiring physician who is also eager to pursue a Master's degree in visual sciences to deepen knowledge and contribute to cutting-edge healthcare solutions.