ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Courses:
Advanced, Surgical and Laser Procedures (PC32005)
Clinical Ocular Imaging Topics (PC32500)
Dr. Elena Z. Biffi is currently an Associate Professor of Optometry at New England College of Optometry (NECO) and an Attending Optometrist at NECO Center for Eye Care/South Boston Community Health Center Eye Clinic. Dr. Biffi is the instructor of record for Clinical Ocular Imaging Topics and Advanced, Surgical and Laser Procedures, the courses offered in the third year of Optometry education at NECO. Dr. Biffi is the founder and the author of OCTaVIA, a novel smartphone app for Retinal Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Visual Atlas. Most recently, in 2019, Dr. Biffi was named as one of the “Most Influential Women in Optical” in Innovators category by Vision Monday.
Dr. Biffi received her Bachelor in Science from University of Massachusetts summa cum laude, and earned her Doctor of Optometry and Masters in Visual Sciences degrees from the New England College of Optometry in 2010. Shortly after completing her advanced residency training in Ocular Disease at State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry, she joined NECO as an Assistant Clinical Professor. Dr Biffi is the recipient of numerous educational awards, including NECO Merit Scholarship in 2006, Klein Family Scholarship in 2007, Dr. Foster Namias Scholarship in 2008 and the American Academy of Optometry Vistakon Student Fellowship in 2009.
Dr. Biffi’s professional interests include diagnosis and management of ocular diseases and the use of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to aid in the differential diagnosis of various ocular abnormalities. She is an invited lecturer at the Massachusetts Society of Optometrists, Rhode Island Society of Optometrists, American Academy of Optometry and American Optometric Association. Dr Biffi’s research work has generated multiple posters, oral presentations at national and international meetings, as well as peer-reviewed original articles. Dr Biffi was named the Preceptor of the Year in 2014 and 2019. She is the recipient of ASCO grant for innovative teaching in 2015 and American Optometric Foundation / Johnson & Johnson Innovation in Education grant in 2016.
Dr. Biffi is a Fellow of American Academy of Optometry (FAAO) and a member of the American Academy of Optometry, Massachusetts Society of Optometrists and American Optometric Association. Dr. Biffi’s time outside of work is mostly spent with her loving husband and children, learning about the world through their eyes.
Dr. Biffi’s research Profile: Featured Presentations/Publications
- Dr. Biffi is the founder and the author of OCTaVIA, a novel smartphone app for Retinal Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Visual Atlas.
- Biffi E, Woodbury M. Interactive Multimedia Learning vs. Traditional Learning in Optometry: a Randomized Trial, B-scan Example. J Optom Ed. 2019;44(3):1-7
- DiMartino R, Biffi E, Zheng F. A novel FORUM® Combined Progression Report. 2017; World Glaucoma Congress, Helsinki, Finland
- Biffi E. Interactive Multi-media E-learning vs. Traditional learning in Optometry: A Randomized Trial, B-scan example; presented in “Papers: Teaching with Technology” (2017) American Academy of Optometry, Chicago, IL
- Biffi E. The use of SD-OCT in diagnosis of adult-onset multifocal vitelliform dystrophy. 2015; American Academy of Optometry, New Orleans, LA
- Zaharova E, Sherman J. The use of SD-OCT in the differential diagnosis of dots, spots and other white retinal lesions. Eye and Brain. 2011;3:69-80
- Zaharova E. SD-OCT used to sort pathologies: High resolution allows insights into morphology of drusen subtypes and their functional consequences. Optometry Times. 2011;3 (10):1,31
- Sherman J, Zaharova E. Proliferative Sickle Cell Retinopathy. Review of Optometry: Retina Revealed online.2010; December: Case#29
- Zaharova E, Bass S, Sherman J. The Use of Ultra-Wide-Field Fluorescein Angiography in Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Proliferative Sickle Cell Retinopathy. 2010; American Academy of Optometry, San Francisco, CA
- Zaharova E, Moore B, Mayer L, Deng L. Validity and Repeatability of Computerized Visual Acuity Devices, EVA and Smart System II PC, in Young Healthy Adults Under Habitual-Corrected and Myopic-Blur Conditions. 2009; American Academy of Optometry, Orlando, FL
- Zaharova E, Moore B, Mayer L, Deng L. An Evaluation of EVA, the Smart System II and the Stimuli Acuity System for Visual Acuity Measurements using crowded HOTV Test in Young Healthy Adults. 2009; ARVO, Ft. Lauderdale, FL