Daniele Oliveira , Hospital da Luz Setúbal ophthalmologist, concluded her doctorate degree in Pharmacy (in the speciality of Social Pharmacy), at Lisbon University. Her doctoral thesis – entitled “Safety analysis of the octyl salicylate sun filter in ophthalmology” – earned the unanimous approval of the jury with praise and distinction. The octyl salicylate is an organic compound used as ingredient in sun protection and cosmetics, for absorbing ultraviolet B rays. Presently, the sun protection that we find on the market can be used on the eyelids, but is not indicated for the ocular surface. Which is why, in the case of contact with the eyes, it should be washed immediately. On the basis of the research carried out by Daniele Oliveira during the elaboration of this thesis, was, as explained by herself, “the need to develop a sun filter safe for ophthalmologic use (eyelids and eyes), given the raising number of eyelid and conjunctival skin tumours, the ultraviolet radiation being the main risk factor”. The formula was developed at the Pharmacy Faculty of Lisbon University and subsequently patented. The doctoral thesis, defended on the 18 th of January this year, had for advisors Diogo Sousa Martins, of the Pharmacy Faculty of Lisbon University (FFUL) and Helena Cabral Marques, also from FFUL. In the photo above, the new doctor and the elements of the jury: Helder da Mota Filipe (FFUL and president of the Portuguese Pharmacists Association), Helena Cabral Marques, Daniele Oliveira, Maria Alexandra Brito (FFUL), Jaime Conceição (Sciences and Technology Faculty of Algarve University) and Diogo Sousa Martins, and also Miguel Burnier (McGill University, Montreal, Canada) and André Reis (ANVISA, Brazil), who participated in the session by video conference.
