- TFOS global ambassadors and international chapter affiliate
Chile
Lorena Martinez Riquelme
Lorena Martinez Riquelme is a curious ophthalmologist who loves clinical research. She studied Biochemistry before studying medicine, where there she discovered the importance of searching for new answers and alternatives to solve biological problems. Dr. 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 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 the public hospitals. Her main area of interest includes the treatment of dry eye and other complex diseases of the ocular surface and the potential use of different autologous blood derivatives in such cases. Dr. Martinez enjoys music, friends and family and lives in Concepción with her daughter and husband.