Mr Vinay Kumar Nilagiri (BLSO 2012), currently working as a Research Optometrist at LVPEI, won the “BEST OVERALL” scientific presentation and the “BEST ORAL PRESENTATION” awards at ESO’s International Vision Science and Optometry Conference (EIVOC) for his research work titled “Impact of RGP contact lenses on the stereoacuity of keratoconic eyes”. The co-authors of this study were Mr Parthasarathi Kalaiselvan and Dr Shrikant Bharadwaj from LVPEI and Dr Sangeetha Metlapally and Prof Clifton Schor from University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry. These awards were presented to him as a part of Dr. E Vaithilingam Memorial Scientific session which was conducted during 3rd EIVOC 2015. This was a three day scientific meeting organized by Elite School of Optometry, Sankara Nethralaya which was held in Mahabalipuram, Chennai from 14th to 16th August 2015. The conference involved scientists from all the areas of vision science including neuro-optometry and had 8 free paper scientific sessions.

Vinay enjoyed the conference location along the sea coast of Mahabalipuram and says that “all the sessions had a great scientific content and were conducted with high competitive spirit”. He adds by sharing his feelings-“On the day before my presentation, initially I was a bit nervous to present my work on such a huge platform of great leaders of vision science and conference delegates, but I wanted to utilize opportunity to the maximum. I was confident in my work, aspired and went on to the stage to deliver what I have done in my project. That made all the difference. It was double surprise for me to be the recipient of 2 awards in the presence of eminent personalities of Vision Science. These awards are a big motivation to me and I am thankful to all my subjects who took part in his study. This would not have been possible without the guidance and constant support of my Supervisor, Teacher and Mentor Dr Shrikant Bharadwaj”. His work really needs to be applauded as he also awarded the travel grant for attending the conference.