New contact lens for children with eye misalignment highlights College’s role in advancing breakthrough vision care
New York, NY — What began as a student innovation at the SUNY College of Optometry is now moving toward a clinical research study — a milestone that highlights the College’s growing reputation as a hub for real-world eye care innovation. Dr. Zi Rui “Jerry” Li, a recent graduate of SUNY Optometry, and faculty collaborator Dr. Jingyun Wang are advancing development of a novel contact lens designed to treat intermittent exotropia (IXT) strabismus, a condition that causes outward eye misalignment and can lead to double vision and worsening nearsightedness in children. Supported by SUNY research funding, mentorship and industry partnerships, the technology is now preparing for clinical testing and potential future use in patient care.
A $50,000 award from the SUNY Technology Accelerator Fund (TAF) is supporting the next phase of development. The competitive SUNY program supports applied research and technology development across the university system, with a focus on projects that demonstrate strong potential for real-world impact.
A short video interview with Dr. Li highlighting the development of the lens and the student–faculty collaboration behind it is available here.
“This project is a powerful example of SUNY Optometry’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting our students as they develop ideas that can transform patient care,” said Dr. David Troilo, President of SUNY College of Optometry. “We support their work from early-stage concept to collecting pilot data that can move the project forward. Jerry’s work reflects the strength of our academic and research environment and the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders in vision science and eye care.”
Li said the opportunity to develop the concept from a student idea into a research study has been transformative.
“This project began as an idea to help children with eye misalignment see more clearly and prevent vision from getting worse,” said Dr. Li. “With the mentorship and support I received at SUNY Optometry, and now with the backing of the SUNY Technology Accelerator Fund, we are able to move this concept closer to real-world patient care. I am incredibly grateful for the support that has helped bring this innovation to life and propel it forward.”
“This support allows us to continue advancing a concept that has the potential to improve care for patients and expand treatment options for clinicians,” said Dr. Jingyun Wang. “It also reflects the collaborative environment at SUNY Optometry, where faculty and students work together to translate research into meaningful clinical innovation.”
The contact lens design aims not only to help correct eye misalignment and improve visual comfort for children with strabismus, but also to help prevent progression of nearsightedness often associated with the condition. If successful, the technology could represent a significant advancement in treatment options for pediatric patients and clinicians.
The project builds on Li’s earlier recognition as the recipient of SUNY Optometry’s 2024 Student Innovator Award, which honored his original concept for a device to improve management of strabismus and vision outcomes. Since receiving that award, Li has continued to refine and advance the technology in collaboration with Dr. Wang and SUNY Optometry researchers.
The research team is working in partnership with the College’s Clinical Vision Research Center to advance the lens into clinical trials, where its safety and effectiveness can be evaluated. The TAF award is helping support key steps in development and testing needed to bring the technology closer to use in clinical practice.
SUNY Optometry’s Innovator Award program, supported by industry partners including EssilorLuxottica, Jobson Optical Group and The Rick Bay Foundation, recognizes and advances student-driven concepts with the potential to shape the future of optometric practice and patient care. Li’s continued progress illustrates how those early-stage ideas can develop into impactful research and innovation through sustained institutional support.
About SUNY College of Optometry
Founded in 1971 and located in New York City, the State University of New York College of Optometry is a leader in education, research and patient care, offering the Doctor of Optometry degree as well as MS and PhD degrees in vision science. The College conducts a robust program of basic, translational and clinical research and has 65 affiliated clinical training sites as well as an on-site clinic, the University Eye Center. SUNY Optometry is regionally accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools; its four-year professional degree program and residency programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association. To learn more, visit www.sunyopt.edu.