Montreal optometry school names Casanova as incoming director
October 21, 2011Christian Casanova, Ph.D., was announced to succeeded the outgoing Jacques Gresset in the directorship of the School of Optometry at the University of Montreal (U of M). The term of office is for four years.
Dr. Casanova is a professor at the School of Optometry and an associate professor in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Sherbrooke.
Since 2004, he has headed the Research Group in Vision Science at U of M and served as associate director for Research and Graduate Studies at the School of Optometry. He played a decisive role, in cooperation with the Department of Ophthalmology, in creating the first Ph.D. program in Vision Science in the francophone world.
As deputy director (advertising, communication and promotion) of the FRSQ (Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec) Vision Research Network, Dr. Casanova is also a member of several international research associations, including the Vision Sciences Society, the American Academy of Optometry, and the Society for Neuroscience.
Dr. Casanova combines solid research experience and proven skills in academic management, said Rector Guy Breton.
“An excellent communicator and team player, he combines good listening skills with the ability to take action. I am confident that with all of our faculty members at the school, he will be able to adapt our programs to the new realities of optometry in North America, ensuring the development of the clinic, the advancement of the school along the lines of basic and applied research, and the promotion, beyond our walls, of a profession that is currently evolving in Quebec,” he said.
Breton also expressed his appreciation to the outgoing director, Jacques Gresset. “The academic optometry community in Quebec, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, was privileged to have the informed, dynamic contribution of Jacques Gresset. During his two terms, Jacques has done much to develop programs in rehabilitation and visual impairment and was able to provide the school with the impetus that pushed it forward in the research domain and
allowed it to gain international recognition. I thank him very sincerely on behalf of the university community,” he said.
