Daily Bulletin

Optometry prof goes forensic

So police called in Graham Strong. By identifying idiosyncrasies in the spectacle frames which proved that the glasses found in the basement apartment were the same as a pair worn by the suspect in an old police line-up photo, the UW School of Optometry professor and associate director was able to help clinch the case for the prosecution.

"These eyeglasses were pivotal to proof of the case against the accused," the Crown prosecutor wrote in a letter of commendation, "and Dr. Strong's evidence in regard to them was a masterful example of conveying complicated ideas in simple terms so that the import of what he was saying was not lost on those who were less sophisticated. I am certain the jury found his evidence invaluable. I am equally certain that his work had much to do with the successful outcome of this trial."

As perhaps the only forensic optometrist in Canada, Strong has developed a reputation across the country as an expert witness. Although he entered the field by a fluke -- being in the right place at the right time when the phone rang in the UW optometry clinic nine years ago -- the experience has led to a fascinating avocation, as well as to a special topics course in forensics at the school of optometry.

While a forensic pathologist would examine the eyes of a dead person for clues about the cause or time of death, Strong deals with glasses and contact lenses.

"Some useful methodologies have emerged over the years," he explains. More than the lenses themselves, "the history of the glasses is probably the most compelling identifier." The bending, shaping and filing of frames, the wear and tear patterns, and the marks left by a struggle in a homicide all provide clues to the wearer's facial structure, occupation, and ultimately, his identity.

Similarly, a contact lens found in the eye of an unidentified woman's body may one day give her a name. In that case, Strong has been able to determine a number of unique properties of the lens, a discontinued model. The information has been circulated to eye care professionals who could have prescribed or fitted the lenses.

Strong finds his "private eye" gigs an excellent opportunty "to explore diverse and bizarre activities" and to use problem-solving skills not unrelated to his rehabilitation work as director of the Centre for Sight Enhancement. "The challenge is very similar," he says, "with both involving a methodical, highly analytical approach."

For his efforts, he's paid $15 per day. "It's the academic equivalent of jury duty," he laughs. Most of his findings have been so compelling that he has been required to testify in only two trials. "The full weight of what you're doing probably doesn't occur to you until you appear in court." But having his findings subjected to such intense scrutiny is nothing new for Strong. "As an academic, I'm used to that."

The reward: "Seeing someone who does something held accountable, someone who hasn't, let go. You don't know until the end of the day whether you're proving a suspect is innocent or guilty. You really don't know until you've put it all together."

The times are a'changing

All retail services on campus -- the Bookstore, UW Shop, Computer Store and Compuscape -- will close at 3 p.m. today for an annual staff meeting.

Although Audio Visual hours are unchanged this week, service may be slower as a new computerized catalogue and booking system is set up and staff are trained. "We ask that users be patient and staff will try to return calls, etc. as soon as time permits," says Cheryl Petrie at AV.

UW web site of the day

"A new Canadian Research Network for Environmental Risk Assessment and Management has been formed," says this web page, part of the site for UW's Institute for Risk Research.

Diana Del Bel Belluz, a senior project manager in the IRR, says the idea is to bring together expertise from various disciplines, for the sake of "more effective and efficient environmental protection practices and decision-making". She goes on: "The Network is needed because due to government downsizing in Canada, the responsibility for producing risk assessment information is being devolved from governments to industry. As a university-based network, NERAM can help industry and governments produce the independent science needed for credible risk assessment results." The new network involves people at 14 Canadian universities.

The website, she says, "is intended to be a resource of contacts and information on risk assessment and management in Canada. It is also a way of communicating with the risk assessment and management constituency about NERAM research and activities.

"Currently, the site has contact information for NERAM members and partners. Over the coming months, the site will be enhanced with information (documents, references, links to other websites) on risk assessment and management in Canada and elsewhere."

Barbara Elve
bmelve@nh4.adm.uwaterloo.ca

Editor of the Daily Bulletin: Chris Redmond
Information and Public Affairs, University of Waterloo
credmond@uwaterloo.ca | (519) 888-4567 ext. 3004
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