Mission
Our mission is very clear - provide best and independent research at the highest standard in vision science
As an independent institute the studies are done impartially and unprejudiced. That leads to a higher credibility of the results, which is so important for our customers.
Team
Our JENVIS Research Team is well-educated and fully qualified for the conduct of clinical trials dealing with optometric tasks and beyond.
All team members are certified according the ICH guidelines.Our team is completed by a principle investigator for all issues regarding medical research and guidelines as well as ethic committee approvals.
Our institue
JENVIS Research was founded in 2005. The name JENVIS is a fusion of JENA and VISION. As a free enterprise the institute is totally independent. Due to the cooperation with the Department of Optometry of the Ernst-Abbe-University of Applied Sciences Jena, the JENVIS Research has broad access to highly equipped laboratories.
Managing Directors
Prof. Wolfgang Sickenberger, M.S. Optom. (USA), Dipl. Ing. (FH)
Managing Director & Clinical Researcher
Wolfgang Sickenberger graduated from the University of Applied Sciences Aalen, Germany, in 1989. In 1995 he became head of Professional Services at Ciba Vision, Germany and he was also a part time educator at the Universities of Applied Sciences in Aalen and Jena. He received his Master's degree in Clinical Optometry in 1998 (USA). In 2004 Wolfgang Sickenberger moved to the University of Applied Sciences in Jena, Germany to take up the position of Full Professor of Optometry and Physiological Optics. In 2005 he founded JENVIS Research for clinical studies and research projects.
Sebastian Marx, PhD, M.Sc., Dipl.-Ing. (FH)
Managing Director, Clinical Researcher, Chief of test laboratory
Sebastian Marx is ophthalmic optician and was employed at the largest optical chain in Germany. From 2001 till 2005 he studied optometry at the University of Applied Sciences Jena with a break in 2003 when he studied at the State University of Saint Petersburg in Russia. Parallel to his study in Germany he worked in the Netherlands and in Switzerland. After his diploma thesis, which he wrote in Atlanta USA he graduated from the University of Applied Sciences Jena and works since 2005 at the JENVIS Research Institute. Parallel to his work, he is part time educator at the University of Applied Sciences Jena in the field of vision research and member of the German committee of standardisation of contact lenses. He made his PhD in Biophysics at the Faculty of Physics of the Sofia University from 2018 to 2022. Since 2008 he is a fellow of the International Association of Contact lens educators.
Scientific Team
Lukas Sempf, B.Sc.
working student
2017-2020: apprenticeship as ophthalmic optician at Fielmann in Elmshorn
2023: internship at eye clinic Rendsburg
2023: internship at Opticenter Rehm in Kiel
2024: Bachelor of Science in Optometry, University of Applied Sciences Jena
2024: Second place at the European CooperVision OptiStudent Award
2024: student - course Master of Science in Optometry, Ophthalmotechnology & Vision Science, University of Applied Sciences Jena
since 2024: working student, JenVis Research
2023: internship at eye clinic Rendsburg
2023: internship at Opticenter Rehm in Kiel
2024: Bachelor of Science in Optometry, University of Applied Sciences Jena
2024: Second place at the European CooperVision OptiStudent Award
2024: student - course Master of Science in Optometry, Ophthalmotechnology & Vision Science, University of Applied Sciences Jena
since 2024: working student, JenVis Research
Elisabeth Schütz, B.Sc.
working student
2014-2017: apprenticeship as ophthalmic optician at Fielmann in Gera
2022: Master optician, School of Optometry Cologne
2025: Bachelor of Science in Optometry, Ernst Abbe University Jena
2025: Master of Science student in Optometry, Ophthalmic technology & Vision at Ernst Abbe University Jena
since 2024: working student, JenVis Research
2022: Master optician, School of Optometry Cologne
2025: Bachelor of Science in Optometry, Ernst Abbe University Jena
2025: Master of Science student in Optometry, Ophthalmic technology & Vision at Ernst Abbe University Jena
since 2024: working student, JenVis Research
Sven Kühnruß
Clinical Research Associate
2017-2020: apprenticeship as ophthalmic optician in Köthen
2020-2023: Bachelor of Science in Optometry, Ernst Abbe University Jena
since 2023: student - course Master of Science in Optometry, Ophthalmotechnology & Vision Science
since 2025: working student, JENVIS Reseach
2020-2023: Bachelor of Science in Optometry, Ernst Abbe University Jena
since 2023: student - course Master of Science in Optometry, Ophthalmotechnology & Vision Science
since 2025: working student, JENVIS Reseach
Research Partner
Prof. Dr. habil Kathleen Kunert
Research Partner
Prof. Dr. med. habil. Kathleen S. Kunert is a specialist in ophthalmology. After her medical studies in Leipzig and Vienna, a postdoctoral fellowship at the Schepens Eye Research Institute/ Department of Ophthalmology / Harvard Medical School in Boston, USA, followed from 1997-2000. She received her specialist medical training at the Charité in Berlin and at the Helios Klinikum in Erfurt, where she worked as a senior physician for the last few years. Her research focuses on diseases of the anterior segment of the eye, especially dry eye and ocular allergy, fs laser surgery of the cornea in myopia and hyperopia and studies on accommodation and presbyopia. Numerous publications on these topics have been published. In December 2011 she completed her habilitation at the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg. In March 2018 she took over the ophthalmological department of the REGIOMED Rehabilitation Clinic in Masserberg as head physician.
Prof. Lyndon Jones, PhD, FCOptom, FAAO
Research Partner
Lyndon Jones is a Professor at the School of Optometry and Vision Science, University Research Chair and Director of the Centre for Contact Lens Research at the University of Waterloo. He graduated in Optometry from the University of Wales in 1985 and gained his PhD in Chemical Engineering from the Biomaterials Research Unit at Aston University, Birmingham, UK in 1998. His research interests primarily focus on the interaction of novel and existing contact lens materials with the ocular environment, dry eye and ocular drug delivery. He has authored over 350 refereed and professional manuscripts, one text-book, given over 900 invited scientific and continuing education lectures at conferences worldwide, in over 30 countries and has been awarded over 30 national and international awards.
Dr. med. Hakan Kaymak
Research Partner
Dr. Kaymak is a board-certified ophthalmologist & eye surgeon. Since 2017 he is head of the Macula and Retina Department of Breyer, Kaymak & Klabe in Düsseldorf, where he started in 2010 as partner and senior consultant ophthalmologist.
Asides to his expertise in retinal diseases such as nAMD, he is also one of the leading experts for eye therapies including laser treatment, minimally invasive surgeries, and innovative therapies. His personal interest lies in the field of myopia therapy.
Jae-Myoung Seo, PhD
Research Partner
Jae-Myoung Seo graduated from the Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena in 2009. He received his PhD degree at Chonnam National University, Korea in 2014.
Since 2014 he is professor and lectures in the optometric field and is conducting research on myopia interventions, contrast sensitivity, low vision and computer vision at the Masan University, Korea. He recently joined a group of specialists such as Ophthalmologists, engineers and computer programmers to design specific RGP contact lenses for the postoperative myopic regression and scleral lens as well.
Oliver Kolbe, M.Eng.
Research Partner
2007: apprenticeship as optician
2011: Bachelor of Science in Optometry, University of Applied Sciences Jena
2015: Master of Engineering in Laser- and Optic Development, University of Applied Sciences Jena
since 2011: Clinical Research Associate & Lecturer, University of Applied Sciences Jena
since 2015: PhD Student, University of Applied Sciences Jena
2016 - 2018: Clinical Research Associate, JenVis Research GbR
since 2018: Lead Optometrist Rehab Hospital Masserberg, Germany
2011: Bachelor of Science in Optometry, University of Applied Sciences Jena
2015: Master of Engineering in Laser- and Optic Development, University of Applied Sciences Jena
since 2011: Clinical Research Associate & Lecturer, University of Applied Sciences Jena
since 2015: PhD Student, University of Applied Sciences Jena
2016 - 2018: Clinical Research Associate, JenVis Research GbR
since 2018: Lead Optometrist Rehab Hospital Masserberg, Germany
Philipp Hessler, M.Sc.
Research Partner
2010: apprenticeship as optician
2014: Bachelor of Science in Optometry, University of Applied Sciences Jena
2016: Master of Science in Optometry, University of Applied Sciences Jena
since 2014: Lecturer, University of Applied Sciences Jena
since 2016: PhD Student, University of Applied Sciences Jena
since 2016: Optometrist, Optik Hessler Klingenberg a. Main
since 2018: Research Partner, JenVis Research GbR
2014: Bachelor of Science in Optometry, University of Applied Sciences Jena
2016: Master of Science in Optometry, University of Applied Sciences Jena
since 2014: Lecturer, University of Applied Sciences Jena
since 2016: PhD Student, University of Applied Sciences Jena
since 2016: Optometrist, Optik Hessler Klingenberg a. Main
since 2018: Research Partner, JenVis Research GbR
Bo Lauenborg
Research Partner
Bo Lauenborg is co-owner and manager of Danish Contact Lens Institute in Aarhus since 1993, a reputable company in close cooperation with opthalmologists, as well as test clinic for several multinational manufacturers.
The Danish Contact Lens Institute performed clinical tests for the study ”Validation of confocal microscopy through focusing for corneal sublayer pachymetry” by ophthalmologist Torben Møller Petersen, publiceret af Acta Ophtalmologica og Cornea, Journal of Cornea and External Disease, 2002.
Bo Lauenborg is a member of the Board of Education in Danish Optometry Assocation and a lecturer for Vision Care Institute in Prague.
As the founder of Danish Contact Lens Academy Bo Lauenborg teaches and instructs other eye care professionals in special areas of optometry, such as fitting for presbyopia and dry eye syndrome, drawing optometrists from all over Denmark to his courses.
He is currently lecturing in all of Scandinavia, as well as the UK, on the same subjects.
Stefan Schwarz, Dipl. Ing. (FH), FAAO
Research Partner
1989: Dipl.Ing.(FH) AO, Aalen University of Applied Sciences - College of Optometry
1990: Founder: Optometrie Stefan Schwarz, Hildesheim/Germany
2000: Fellowship American Academy of Optometry (FAAO)
2001: Membership College of Optometrists (MCOptom)
2008: AAO Diplomate in Cornea, Contact Lenses and Refractive Technologies
1990: Founder: Optometrie Stefan Schwarz, Hildesheim/Germany
2000: Fellowship American Academy of Optometry (FAAO)
2001: Membership College of Optometrists (MCOptom)
2008: AAO Diplomate in Cornea, Contact Lenses and Refractive Technologies
Michael Baertschi, PhD, M.Sc.Optom., M.M.E.,
Research Partner
Michael Baertschi graduated as dispensing optician in 1991. He got a Master of Science in Clinical Optometry (M.Sc.Optom.) degree in 1997 from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Philadelphia, a Master in Medical Education (M.M.E.) degree in 2001 from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Bern, Switzerland and in 2015 a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biomedicine degree (summa cum laude) from Salus University in Philadelphia, USA. He published more than 50 scientific and clinical papers worldwide. He worked in several private practices and a private medical laser clinic in Switzerland and was responsible for the contact lens unit of the University Hospital in Basel, Switzerland as senior optometrist. He gave >130 lectures on six continents of the world (except Antarctica). Michael Baertschi served as board member or president for several swiss and international boards and is actually a board member of the Swiss Academy of Ophthalmology (SAoO). Since 2003 he and his wife are proprietors of Eyeness AG in Switzerland.
Cooperations and Facilities
The Jena University of Applied Sciences (EAH Jena) offers a wide variety of study courses in nine departments covering engineering sciences, business administration and social sciences.
At present, 4,611 students are enrolled at the EAH Jena, the number includes 746 foreign students. The teaching staff comprises 123 professors, three assistant professors and 15 teachers for special tasks. The EAH's total staff of 445 further includes 116 people engaged in various projects, 186 in administration and services, and two apprentices.
On over 26,000 m² of floor space, the EAH Jena boasts more than 124 extremely well equipped specialized laboratories and rooms for practical courses, seven modern lecture halls and 52 seminar rooms. The teaching rooms, labs and offices are accommodated in five campus buildings of considerable architectural interest.
At present, 4,611 students are enrolled at the EAH Jena, the number includes 746 foreign students. The teaching staff comprises 123 professors, three assistant professors and 15 teachers for special tasks. The EAH's total staff of 445 further includes 116 people engaged in various projects, 186 in administration and services, and two apprentices.
On over 26,000 m² of floor space, the EAH Jena boasts more than 124 extremely well equipped specialized laboratories and rooms for practical courses, seven modern lecture halls and 52 seminar rooms. The teaching rooms, labs and offices are accommodated in five campus buildings of considerable architectural interest.
Regarding clinical projects we are working with
- Several Eye Clinics in Germany
- Vocational Rehabilitation Centers for the Blind and Visually Impaired
- German Institute for Medical Documentation and Information (DIMDI)
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO) & Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN)
- Ethic Committee of Jena
- Several other institutions