Clinical Vision Research Center

CVRC LEADERSHIP

L. Wayne Spencer, MS, CCRC
Mr. L. Wayne Spencer is the Director of the Clinical Vision Research Center (CVRC) at the SUNY College of Optometry where he oversees the administration and supervises the center’s research staff, and manages the relationships with faculty researchers and industry sponsors. His other functions include quality oversight, quality assurance, management, and control of all clinical research trials run through the CVRC. Mr. Spencer received his Master of Science degree from Thomas Edison State University (TESU), Bachelor’s degree from the City University of New York through the Baccalaureate For Unique And Interdisciplinary Studies program (CUNY BA), and his Associates in Applied Science in Vision Care Technology from the New York City College of Technology. He has been a member of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) for over 20 years and maintains certification as a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC). He has extensive clinical research experience in a variety of therapeutic areas in both pediatric and adult populations, with a history of over 250 clinical research studies.

RESEARCH OPTOMETRISTS

Josianne Manasse, OD
Dr. Josianne Manasse is a Clinical Research Optometrist, Adjunct Assistant Professor, and Principal Investigator in the CVRC at the SUNY College of Optometry. Dr. Manasse received her Optometric degree from the New England College of Optometry. Prior to working in the CVRC, she was an Associate optometrist at a family practice, providing comprehensive eye care to the general population. She continues to teach Contact Lens lecture and lab to aspiring students in the opticianry program at the Raritan Valley Community College in New Jersey. Her research background includes studies on contact lenses, myopia management, and imaging devices.

Daphne Ambrose, OD
Dr. Daphne Ambrose is a Clinical Research Optometrist, Adjunct Assistant Professor, and Principal Investigator in the CVRC at the SUNY College of Optometry. Dr. Ambrose obtained her Optometric degree from the New England College of Optometry. Her background is in direct patient care with a focus on dry eye management, most recently serving patients in Connecticut and New York. Her research background includes studies on dry eye, contact lenses, imaging devices, and imaging and clinical data.

Denise Pensyl, OD, MS, FAAO
Dr. Denise Pensyl is a Clinical Research Optometrist, Adjunct Clinical Professor, and Principal Investigator in the CVRC at the SUNY College of Optometry. She received her Doctor of Optometry and Master of Science degrees from The Ohio State University. Dr. Pensyl completed a residency in hospital-based optometry at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center and was a tenured faculty member at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry before returning to full-time practice as a VA optometrist. Prior to coming to SUNY, she also served as Chief of Optometry at the Crownpoint Indian Healthcare Facility and Research Coordinator at a large ophthalmology/optometry practice in New Mexico. Her research background includes studies on dry eye, keratoconus, glaucoma, ocular pharmacology, macular degeneration, diabetes and low vision. She has authored/co-authored numerous journal articles, scientific presentations and textbook chapters. Dr. Pensyl is a member of the Optometric Glaucoma Society, past chair of the American Academy of Optometry Glaucoma Section, and a current appointee to the Academy’s Scientific Program Committee.

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