Roxanne Canter

I manage the research department at Midwest Vision Research Foundation at Pepos Vision Institute, a private ophthalmology practice. My journey in eye care began at age 12 when my mother, an optometrist, included me in her work tasks, sparking a lifelong passion for the field. I spent 15 years working with optometrists before transitioning to ophthalmology, first in general practice and then in a university setting where I discovered my love for research. I conducted contact lens and solution trials, and it was incredibly rewarding to see everything come to fruition and watch products become approved for extended wear. I had the privilege of participating in groundbreaking surgical research, including being part of the first surgery with the first patient on the intrastromal corneal ring, which was initially developed for nearsightedness but proved effective for keratoconus patients. I also worked full-time for a transplant service, performing enucleations and sections, and preparing tissue for physicians. I prepared DSEC tissue for Dr. Kazi, allowing patients with corneal disease to receive partial transplants rather than full cornea transplants. While the eye bank work was technically fulfilling, the constant exposure to death and sadness became very challenging for me, and I became very depressed. After a brief period working for a general ophthalmologist, I realized research was my calling and returned to it. In my nearly 10 years at my current position, I've been part of incredible advances. We helped get Vabismo approved for macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema, and we also contributed to the approval of a revolutionary port delivery system that allows patients to receive treatments every 6 months instead of monthly injections. Being part of these breakthroughs makes me feel really important, excited, and very lucky.