1. TFOS Ambassadors

Chile

Lorena Martinez

Lorena Martinez Riquelme is a curious ophthalmologist who loves clinical research. She studied Biochemistry before studying medicine, where she discovered the importance of searching for new answers and alternatives to solve biological problems. Dra. Martinez works as an ophthalmologist in a public hospital located in Lota, a small city in southern Chile, where she collaborates to find solutions for her patients, especially those with ocular surface diseases. In 2013, after completing a research fellowship in cornea and refractive surgery, with Dr Jorge Alio in Spain, she implemented the use of autologous blood derivatives, specifically the use of platelet rich plasma, for the treatment of severe dry eye, which yielded excellent results in her patients.  She and her research team were awarded the prize ¨Desafío Salud Gestiona¨ by the Ministry of Health of Chile, an award destined to highlight improvements and innovation in process made in public hospitals.  Her main area of interest includes the search for treatments that allow the ocular surface to regenerate. An example of this is the search of improvements in preparation technique, conservation and use of platelet rich plasma for the treatment of severe dry eye and other complex ocular surface diseases. Other area of her interest is the influence of sexual hormones in dry eye disease, specifically in women after menopause. At this moment, Dra Martinez is developing a study about the prevalence of dry aye disease in post-menopausal women treated in Lota Hospital.

 Dr. Martinez enjoys music, friends and family and lives in Concepción with her daughter and husband.