Lotfi Merabet

Dr. Merabet is a clinician scientist and a member of the Vision Rehabilitation Service at Massachusetts Eye and Ear. His research focuses on understanding how the brain adapts to the loss of sight. In the past, he has investigated the role of compensatory visual pathways using electrophysiological recording techniques in animal models. Currently, he uses advanced neuroimaging and noninvasive brain stimulation techniques to investigate the neuroplasticity of the visual system and mechanisms associated with sensory processing in individuals living with blindness and visual impairment. His recent work has concentrated on developing virtual environments and video game-based learning strategies for improving navigation and other cognitive skills in blind adolescents.

Education

• PhD, Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Canada (1999)
• OD, New England College of Optometry (2001)
• MSc, Clinical Investigation, Harvard-MIT Health Sciences Technology (2003)
• MPH, Clinical Effectiveness, Harvard School of Public Health (2011)

Postgraduate Training

• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (2001-2003)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Neuroimaging, Boston University and Mass General Hospital, Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging (2003-2004)

Honors

• 2018: A. Clifford Barger Excellence in Mentoring Award, Harvard Medical School
• 2018: Distinguished Service Award, Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind, North Eastern Chapter
• 2016: Low Vision Research Award, Research to Prevent Blindness
• 2015: Award of Distinguished Speaker, Principles and Practice of Clinical Research, Harvard Medical School2014: Editor's Pick, TEDx Lecture Series
• 2011: Nominee, Young Mentor Award, Harvard Medical School
• 2002: Fellow, American Academy of Optometry
• 2001: Feinbloom Award for Excellence in Low Vision, New England College of Optometry
• 2001: Postdoctoral Fellowship Award, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

Companies

• Optometrist, Brain Injury and Visual Rehabilitation Clinic Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital (2015)
• Associate Professor of Ophthalmology Harvard Medical School (2013)
• Director, The Laboratory for Visual Neuroplasticity Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (2011)
• Adjunct Professor Université de Montréal (2007)
• Visiting Professor Università di Pavia (2016 — 2020)
• Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology Harvard Medical School (2010 — 2013)
• Assistant Professor of Neurology Harvard Medical School (2006 — 2010)
• Instructor in Neurology Harvard Medical School (2004 — 2006)