Endowed Applied Vision Research Lab Showcases Research at EVER Congress 2026 in Florence
Successful presentations by three doctoral researchers, with Bishesh Sigdel receiving the Young Investigators Award
The Endowed Applied Vision Research Lab was strongly represented at the 2026 Congress of the European Association for Vision and Eye Research (EVER) in Florence, Italy. Three doctoral researchers – Bishesh Sigdel, Anna Nikolaidou, and Marvin Bende – successfully presented their research, showcasing innovative approaches in vision science, ophthalmic diagnostics, and medical technology.
EVER is one of Europe’s leading research associations in ophthalmology and visual sciences, bringing together researchers from more than 45 countries. The annual congress provides an important platform for scientific exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the presentation of new findings across a broad range of vision research.
Award-Winning Research and Outstanding Scientific Contributions
A particular highlight of the congress was Bishesh Sigdel receiving the Young Investigators Award for his contribution, “Intraocular recording of ciliary muscle biopotential signals associated with accommodation in a nonhuman primate”. His research investigates electrical signals associated with the activity of the ciliary muscle during accommodation, contributing to the development of innovative approaches to understanding and restoring the eye’s natural focusing ability. In addition to his award-winning contribution, his work was selected for presentation in the Young Investigators Session, recognizing its scientific relevance.
Anna Nikolaidou presented two research contributions addressing different aspects of visual function and clinical diagnostics: “Axial length responses to ON and OFF stimulation using a VR headset in myopes and emmetropes” investigates how the eye responds to different visual stimuli, comparing individuals with myopia and emmetropia, "Diagnostic value of electrophysiology in pediatric ophthalmology patients in Greece” explores the role of electrophysiological testing in the assessment of children with ophthalmological conditions.
Both contributions highlight the importance of objective measurements and innovative diagnostic methods in advancing vision research and clinical care.
Marvin Bende presented “An automated slit lamp for rapid, standardized high resolution anterior segment imaging for screening, telemedicine and large-scale AI dataset generation”. His work focuses on developing an automated imaging system designed to improve the efficiency and standardization of anterior segment imaging. The approach has potential applications in screening, telemedicine, and the generation of large-scale image datasets for artificial intelligence research.
The contributions by Anna Nikolaidou and Marvin Bende were also selected for Rapid Fire Presentations, providing an opportunity to showcase their research in a concise format to the international scientific community.
Advancing Vision Research Through International Collaboration
The successful participation of all three doctoral researchers reflects the breadth of research conducted at the Endowed Applied Vision Research Lab, spanning the physiology of accommodation, visual development, electrophysiological diagnostics, and AI-supported ophthalmic imaging.
The Young Investigators Award received by Bishesh Sigdel is a particular recognition of the quality and relevance of the lab’s research. The selection of additional contributions for the Rapid Fire format further underscores the scientific interest in the team’s work.
The Endowed Applied Vision Research Lab congratulates Bishesh Sigdel, Anna Nikolaidou, and Marvin Bende on their successful presentations and is proud of their achievements at EVER Congress 2026. Their contributions demonstrate the value of early-career researchers in advancing ophthalmology and vision science and strengthening international scientific exchange.
