Renowned ophthalmic researcher Michael J.A. Girard, PhD has accepted an offer to join the Emory Department of Ophthalmology Research Division in July of 2024. Announcement of Girard’s appointment was made by vice chair and director of research, Machelle T. Pardue, an ardent proponent of translational research.
“Dr. Girard is going to be a great addition to the department. He brings a wealth of expertise in AI that can be applied to multiple ocular diseases,” said Pardue. “We are looking forward to him bringing together faculty from the clinical and basic research sides of our discipline to address blinding eye diseases like glaucoma, optic neuropathy, and diabetic retinopathy. His work literally defines the word ‘translational’.”
Girard’s faculty appointment will be shared with the Emory Department of Biomedical Engineering – a collaboration that Pardue predicts will maximize the potential for developing innovative treatments and interventions for ocular disease.
Currently the head of the Ophthalmic Engineering & Innovation Laboratory (OEIL) at the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), Girard is well-regarded for his work in ophthalmic engineering/artificial intelligence, biomedical imaging, ocular biomechanics, and ophthalmic devices.
Girard's research has delved deeply into optic neuropathies (including glaucoma), but also myopia, corneal disorders, and cataract. A strong proponent of translational research, Girard founded Abyss Processing Pte Ltd, a start-up that provides 3D AI solutions to simplify and improve glaucoma diagnosis and prognosis. Girard has authored 100+ papers in top ophthalmology and engineering journals, has received 30+ research grants, and has given 50+ invited talks.
-Kathleen E. Moore