Meet our team
DOPS 2026 is organized by PhD students from Radboud University Medical Center, UMC Utrecht, Erasmus UMC and Amsterdam UMC.
Yoeri van Leeuwen
Chair
I studied medicine in Rotterdam, where I first became fascinated by the intricate physiology of the human eye. This eventually led me to pursue a PhD at the department of Ophthalmology at Radboudumc in Nijmegen. My research focuses on natural history studies and clinical progression endpoints for Stargardt disease. What I love about our work as researchers is the fact that we get an opportunity to be at the forefrong of knowledge. We are learning things about the eye that nobody before us ever knew, and it is inspiring to be part of that process. This year I have the honour to serve as Chair of the DOPS conference, which allows us all to share all this knowledge and to learn together. I'm excited to see you all at DOPS 2026!
Jort Lokers
Secretary
After completing my studies in Biomedical engineering at Einhoven University of Technology, I joined the Department of Ophthalmology and Epidemiology at Erasmus Medical Center, where my research focuses on applying bioinformatics to better understand age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Having greatly enjoyed DOPS last year, I'm excited to contribute to the organization of this year's edition!
Margot van Genderen
Vice-chair
Hi my name is Margot! Last year I started my PhD in the UMC Utrecht and The Eye Hospital Rotterdam. My research is focused on multifocal choroiditis (MFC) and similar conditions. MFC is a disease that particularly affects myopic young women. My research also allows me to combine my interests in immunology and ophthalmology, which I greatly enjoy. In addition, I chose to ojoin the organization of DOPS because I really enjoyed the event last year and felt it was important to contribute and give something back!
Fabiana Lucia Bassil
Treasurer
After completing my medical degree at the Erasmus MC, I started my PhD there two years ago within the departments of Opthalmology and Clinical Genetics. My resesarch focuses on minimally invastive biomarkers in uveal melanoma, both for prognostication using blood-based biomarkers and for moitoring complications like radiation maculopathy later in the disease course. I really enjoy combinign clinical work with more fundametnal research, working at the intersection of patient care and innovative techniques. After attending DOPS for the first time last year, I really enjoyed how it brings PhD students together and creates and open and inspiring enviornment, which made me excited to get involved in the organization this year. Looking forward to seeing you all at DOPS 2026!
Katie Curro
PR Officer
I completed my double degree in Biochemistry and Arts with honours thesis in Spanish literature and language at the University of Queensland. In 2012 I moved to the Netherlands where I worked as an Ophthalmic technician and Research Coordinator at Amsterdam UMC. During this time, I established research for the detection of Acanthamoeba keratitis using one of four in vivo confocal microscopes in the Netherlands and serve as Scientific and research advisor for the Acanthamoeba keratitis foundation. I am also involved in ocular research and ophthalmic screening on Osteogenesis imperfecta and am currently finishing a PhD on retinal biomarkers for early detection in Alzheimer's disease. Clinical research is a passion of mine, and I love seeing the impact research can have in clinical practice. More recently we have extended our infectious keratitis research to create new primers and probes for rare free living amoeba that could be potential causes of corneal infection. DOPS is always a really enjoyable conference which brings PhD students together and I look forward to welcoming you all here as PR officer this year.
Contact information:
Postal address
Stichting DOPS
Route 409
Philips van Leydenlaan 15
6525 EX Nijmegen
KvK: 70224161
Email: dopsvision@gmail.com
