Advancing Vision Through Discovery: Research at the Colvard-Kandavel Eye Center At the Colvard-Kandavel Eye Center, our mission has always extended beyond providing exceptional clinical care. From the earliest days of the practice, research and innovation have been integral to how we improve vision for our patients and 1advance the field of ophthalmology. Today, our research department is growing, and we are proud to share our current research endeavors and the extraordinary team behind it.
Recently, our research department celebrated another accepted publication. A peer-reviewed publication represents one of the highest standards of validation in medicine. It means that the research performed by our physicians and clinical research team has undergone rigorous review by experts around the world and has been recognized as a meaningful scientific contribution.
Even small degrees of misalignment in toric lenses can affect astigmatism correction and visual outcomes. This study evaluates the accuracy of toric intraocular lens alignment during cataract surgery and compares traditional manual marking techniques with modern digital marking systems used during surgery. By studying the precision of different marking methods, this research contributes to improving surgical accuracy and optimizing patient vision after cataract surgery. The publication will appear in Clinical Ophthalmology later this year and reflects the collaborative work of our surgeons and research team:
Clinical research allows our physicians to remain at the cutting edge of medicine while providing patients with opportunities to participate in the development of tomorrow’s treatments. Through carefully designed clinical trials, patients may gain access to innovative therapies years before they become widely available. This partnership between physicians, researchers, and patients is what drives progress in modern medicine.
The center’s research initiatives are led by Dr. Rom Kandavel, Dr. Justin Dredge, and Dr. Steven Yoon, whose dedication to scientific inquiry complements their daily work caring for patients. Each of these physicians believes deeply that advancing knowledge is part of their responsibility as ophthalmologists. Their leadership has allowed the practice to participate in important multicenter clinical trials while also pursuing investigator-initiated studies that address questions arising directly from patient care.
Dr Yoon is exploring the biology of chalazia, the inflammatory eyelid lesion commonly associated with “Styes”. He is conducting genetic and microscopic analysis of chalazion samples to identify specific species of Demodex mites that may contribute to eyelid inflammation. Understanding which species are present may ultimately help physicians develop more targeted and effective treatments for chronic eyelid and meibomian gland disease.
Dr Kandavel and Dr Dredge participated in studies involving minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) devices such as the iStent and iDose (Phase 3 FDA studies) which helps lower eye pressure in glaucoma patients through a micro- implants placed during cataract surgery. These advances have transformed glaucoma care at our center by allowing our surgeons to reduce eye pressure while minimizing the need for long-term medications.
Behind every successful research program is an exceptional team, and we are fortunate to have one. Our clinical research coordinators, Lida Delshad, Tamanna Alam, M.D., and Grace Jung, play an essential role in bringing these studies to life. From patient recruitment and regulatory compliance to study coordination and follow-up, their meticulous work ensures that every research protocol is conducted with the highest standards of safety and scientific integrity. Their dedication allows patients to participate in groundbreaking research in a structured and supportive environment.
Training the Next Generation of Physician-Scientists
Since 2020 and particularly as NIH research funding has declined nationally in the last two years, the Colvard-Kandavel Eye Center has developed an active partnership with UCLA to provide meaningful clinical research opportunities for premedical students interested in ophthalmology and academic medicine This collaboration allows many motivated students to gain hands-on experience in clinical research while contributing to meaningful scientific work.
Currently we havetwo UCLA interns working within our research department on alarge retrospective study comparing surgical complication rates between laser-assisted cataract surgery and traditional cataract surgery. The project analyzes thousands of surgical cases performed at the center and will provide 4valuable insight into the safety profiles of these two surgical approaches. When completed later this year, this investigation is expected to become one of the largest studies of its kind ever published, further demonstrating the center’s commitment not only to innovation but also to mentorship and education for the next generation of physicians and researchers.
The culture of research and innovation at our center is deeply rooted in the legacy of Dr. Michael Colvard, whose career helped establish a tradition of physician-scientists within the practice. Dr. Colvard believed strongly that great physicians must also be pioneers—individuals willing to explore new ideas, develop new techniques, and contribute to the advancement of medicine. That philosophy continues to guide our work today.
In keeping with that tradition, Dr. Dredge and Dr. Kandavel serve as volunteer clinical faculty at the UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute. Their involvement with UCLA to education and mentorship. Through collaboration with academic colleagues and teaching opportunities, they contribute to training the next generation of ophthalmologists.
For patients, the presence of an active research program within a clinical practice offers meaningful advantages. Clinical trials provide opportunities to access emerging therapies, contribute to scientific discovery, and receive highly structured follow-up care from dedicated research professionals. Participation is alway voluntary, and every study is conducted under strict regulatory oversight designed to protect patient safety.
For our patients, this distinction underscores something important—care at Colvard- Kandavel Eye Center is informed not only by the latest advances in ophthalmology, but often by discoveries made right here within our own practice.
We are proud of the extraordinary work being done by our physicians and research staff, and we look forward to sharing many more breakthroughs in the years ahead.
Participate in Our Dry Eye Research Study
Our research program is currently actively recruiting patients for our Tryptyr clinical trial, evaluating one of the newest FDA-approved therapies designed for moderate to severe dry eye disease.
Participation in this study is simple and designed to be convenient for patients. The study requires only three appointments over approximately one month, and participants will receive two months of the medication at no cost. The study is also designed to be minimally invasive—the only data collected is a symptom questionnaire about dry eye comfort and quality of life.
Participants will also receive an Amazon gift card as a thank-you for contributing to research that may help improve treatment for dry eye disease. To be eligible, participants must not have had previous corneal surgery or glaucoma. Patients who have had cataract surgery are still eligible.
If you are interested in participating or learning more, please call our office and ask for Lida on our research team, who can help determine whether you may qualify for the study.
Your participation helps advance the future of eye care while potentially improving your own comfort and vision.
Selected Publications and Presentations:
1. Kandavel R, Dredge J, Jackson H, Landingin J, Henderson SK, Alam T, Hall B. Intraoperative Degree Misalignment in Toric Intraocular Lens Implantation When Using Conventional Compared to Digital Marking. Clinical Ophthalmology. In Press 2026.
2. Kubba R, Kandavel GR, Scott J, Roldan C, Jackson H. Bandage contact lens for in-game corneal abrasion can allow immediate return to play. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. 2024;6:1351906. doi:10.3389/fspor.2024.1351906.
3. Kandavel R, Colvard M, Dredge J, Bayle M, Alam T, Snyder J, Hall B. Comparative Study Between Non-Diffractive Extended Depth of Focus and Monofocal Intraocular Lenses. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2023;17:1161–1168.
4. Kandavel R, Dredge J, et al. Phacodynamics and Postoperative Corneal Thickness Following Cataract Surgery Using Two Different Phacoemulsification Platforms. Paper Presentation. American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) International Meeting. March 2023.