Marcela Strungaru, MD PhD FRCSC

About

Dr. Marcela Hermina Strungaru is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Alberta FoMD and was appointed the department's Residency Program Director in the summer of 2023. 

She is an M.D. eye physician and surgeon (ophthalmologist) specializing in cataract surgery and sees adults and children with medical and surgical diseases of the eye. Her office is Dr. H Strungaru & Associates Unit 810, 3880 Sherwood Drive Sherwood Park, Alberta, T8H 0Z8 Phone: 780-570-3920 Fax: 780-410-1055.

Dr. Strungaru is a graduate of Romania's most prestigious medical school, the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, and finished in the top 5% of her medical school class. 

Her PhD is from the Ocular Genetics Laboratory at the University of Alberta. 

Her Ophthalmology Residency was completed at the University of Toronto in 2015.

Awards:  

2015 Ron Jean Award, Canadian Ophthalmology Society conference, Best paper presentation

2015 Dr. Robert Pashby Award, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Toronto, Hospital of Sick Children. Best resident teacher

2006-2008 Foundation Fighting Blindness Canada, TD Bank, Canada

2007 Diane Wilson Cox Graduate Award, Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta

2006, 2007 CIHR National Student Research Poster Competition Travel Award, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta and University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba

2006 The Resident and Research Student Presentation Award, Research Day in Ophthalmology, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta

1999-2003 Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy Scholarship,Bucharest, Romania. For annual grade average between 95% and 99%

Charitable Works

2015 Ophthalmology mission in the Philippines, caring for financially disadvantaged patients.

2011, 2012. Project Orbis Pull for Sight

2004  Wayfinder Program.  Friends of University of Hospital 

Hobbies

Besides her work, Dr. Strungaru enjoys spending time with her family, hiking and painting. 

Research

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

2018 The Incidence of Non-Arteritic Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Following Topical Clear Corneal Cataract Surgery Survey and Meta-analysis, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta.  Participated in a survey and meta-analysis to estimate the incidence and characteristics of post-cataract surgery non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy after topical clear corneal cataract extraction in Canada.

2018 Implementing a New Diabetic Algorithm for Ophthalmology Day Surgery Patients at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Quality improvement, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta. Participated in developing and implementing a new diabetic algorithm to decrease the diabetic patient’s pre-op preparation time while improving safety.

2017-2018 Optimizing Pre-Operative Requirements for Outpatient Cataract Surgery at the Royal Alexandra Hospital Quality improvement, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta. Participated in developing and implementing a new pre-operative requirements for cataract surgery

2015-2017 Compliance with screening guidelines for diabetic retinopathy in the pediatric clinic, project together with Dr. K McReelis. Retrospective clinical study, Peterborough Regional Health Center,Peterborough, Ontario. Coordinated a retrospective clinical study to evaluate the diabetic retinopathy screening rates of pediatric patients with diabetes.

2012-2014 Clinical course and outcome of penetrating keratoplasty in children with Peters anomaly. Retrospective clinical study, Hospital of Sick Children, Toronto,

Ontario. Supervisor: Dr. Asim Ali, Dr. Kamiar Mireskandari. Coordinated a retrospective clinical study of patients with Peters anomaly to improve the understanding of Peters anomaly clinicalpresentation and to identify the factors that result in successful pediatric corneal transplantation surgery in children with Peters anomaly

2012 Mirror-hat device in administration of eye drops M Hermina Strungaru. Prospective observational clinical study, University Health Network,Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto. Supervisor: Dr. Yvonne Buys, Dr. Graham Trope. Coordinated a prospective observational clinical study to determine whether a novel mirror-hat aid helps with eye drop self administration

2011 Best Practice Recommendations for Intraocular Pressure Monitoring Post Intravitreal Steroid Systematic Literature Review and Meta-analysis, University Health Network, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto. Supervisor: Dr. Yvonne Buys, Dr. Graham Trope. Participated in a meta-analysis and systemic literature review to determine a protocol to monitor IOP post IV steroidinjection/implantation

2005-2010 Genotype-phenotype correlations in Axenfeld-Rieger Malformation and glaucoma patients with identified gene mutations. Retrospective and prospective clinical study, Ocular GeneticsLaboratory, Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta Supervisor: Dr. Mike A Walter, Dr. Orden Lehman. Coordinated a retrospective and started a prospective clinical study of patients with Axenfeld-Rieger Malformation and identified gene mutations

2005-2010 Investigation of the role of PITX2 in ocular expression pathways and human disease PhD thesis, Ocular Genetics Laboratory, Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta Supervisor: Dr. Mike A Walter. Performed molecular biology laboratory work to identify genes regulated by PITX2

2006 Novel surrogate markers as predictors of radiation toxicity in early breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy Research assistant (Part-time), Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta. Supervisor: Dr. Bassam Abdulkarim. Performed molecular biology laboratory work to identify markers as predictors of radiation toxicity in early breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy

2002-2003 Risk factors for non-responding glaucoma patients to medical therapy Graduation Thesis, Lahovari Ophthalmology Hospital, Bucharest, Romania. Supervisor: Dr. Anca Tomi. Coordinated a retrospective clinical study of patients with glaucoma

2002 Role of hexose transporters in health and disease. Summer Student (Volunteer), Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Supervisor: Dr. Christopher I Cheeseman Performed molecular biology laboratory work to identify role of hexose transporters in mouse intestine

PUBLICATIONS:

"Long Term Visual Outcomes and Clinical Course of Patients With Peters Anomaly”, Elbaz U, Strungaru MH, Mireskandari K, Stephens D, Ali A, Cornea, 2020

“Early Experience: Shared-Care Tele-Eye in Canada”, Elson MJ, Giangiacomo A, Maa AY, Branson A, Maika E, Lin A, Gill K, Machuk RWA, Behn D, Kanjee R, Dotchin S, Strungaru H, Lee T, Ramstead C, Gooi P, Damji K, Gan K

“Acute angle closure following implantable collamer lens for myopia”, Strungaru MH, González Rodríguez J, Weisbrod DJ, Tayfour F, Buys YM, J Glaucoma. 2020 Jul;29(7)

“The Incidence of Non-Arteritic Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Following Topical Clear Corneal Cataract Surgery: Survey and Meta-analysis”, Ing E, Kam JW, Cheng JZ, Wong SW, Strungaru MH, Slomovic Allan, Weisbrod L, Torun N, Can J Ophthalmol. 2020 Feb;55(1):87-92

“Optimizing preoperative requirements for outpatient cataract surgery at the Royal Alexandra Hospital”, Strungaru MH, Pereira N, Salmonson H, Nguyen H, Rudnisky C, Drader K, Harris K, Damji KF, In Press in Can J Ophthalmol, October 2018

“Diabetic retinopathy screening in a Canadian community pediatric diabetes clinic”, Abdella K, McReelis KD, Strungaru MH, In Press in Can J Ophthalmol, May 2018

“Mirror-hat device as a drop delivery aid-A pilot study”, Strungaru MH, Peck J, Compeau EA, Trope GE, Buys YM, Can J Ophthalmol. 2014 Aug;49(4):333-8

“Focal limbal stem cell deficiency in Turner syndrome: report of two patients and review of the literature”, Strungaru MH, Mah D, Chan C, Cornea. 2014 Feb;33(2):207-9 “Intraocular pressure monitoring post intravitreal steroids: a systematic review”, Kiddee W , Trope GE , Sheng L , Beltran-Agullo L , Smith M , Strungaru MH , Baath J , Buys YM . Surv Ophthalmol. 2013 Jul-Aug;58(4):291-310

“ PITX2 is involved in stress response in cultured human trabecular meshwork cells through regulation of SLC13A3 ”, Strungaru MH, Footz T, Liu Y, Berry FB, Belleau P, Semina EV, Raymond V, Walter MA, Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2011 Sep 29;52(10):7625-33

“Genotype-Phenotype correlations in Axenfeld-Rieger Malformation and glaucoma patients with FOXC1 and PITX2 mutations” , Strungaru MH, Dinu IA, Walter MA, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2007; 48:228-237

PRESENTATIONS:

International presentations (USA)

M.H. Strungaru, K. Mireskandari, A. Ali “Clinical course and visual outcome in children with Peters' anomaly”, poster presentation, The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Chicago, Illinois, USA (2014)

M.H. Strungaru, T. Footz, E. Deilhes, P. Belleau, V. Raymond, F. Berry, M.A. Walter, “The Axenfeld-Rieger PITX2 Transcription Factor Directly Regulates The Expression of Solute Carrier Family 13 Sodium-Dependent Dicarboxylate Transporter Member 3 (SLC13A3)”, oral presentation, The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA (2009)

M.H. Strungaru, T. Footz, F. Berry, E. Deilhes, P. Belleau, V. Raymond, M.A. Walter, “The Axenfeld-Rieger PITX2 Transcription Factor Directly Regulates The Expression Of The Cellular-stress Responsive PDP2 Gene”, oral presentation, The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA (2007)

M.H. Strungaru, I.A. Dinu, M.A. Walter, “Genotype-Phenotype correlations in Axenfeld-Rieger Malformation and glaucoma patients with FOXC1 and PITX2 mutations”, poster, The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA (2006)

Canadian presentations

M.H. Strungaru, “ Humphrey Visual Field (HVF) Workshop”, oral presentation, 4 th Annual Interprofessional Eye Forum, Edmonton, Alberta (2019)

M.H. Strungaru, “ Presbyopia: What Treatments Do We Have”, oral presentation, 4 th Annual Interprofessional Eye Forum, Edmonton, Alberta (2019)

R. Al-Agha, M.H. Strungaru, H. Salmonson, K. Drader, K. Gregg, P. Mathura, K.F. Damji, “Implementing a New Diabetic Algorithm for Ophthalmology Day Surgery Patients at the Royal Alexandra Hospital”, poster presentation, Quality Summit, Calgary, Alberta (2018)

M.H. Strungaru, “ Trauma 101: The On-Call Eye Surgeon and the Injured Eye: Primary Evaluation and Management of Globe Rupture”, oral presentation, 3 rd AnnualInterprofessional Eye Forum, Edmonton, Alberta (2018)

M.H. Strungaru, N. Pereira, H. Salmonson, H. Nguyen, C. Rudnisky, K. Drader, K. Harris, K.F. Damji, “Optimizing preoperative requirements for outpatient cataract surgery at the Royal Alexandra Hospital”, oral presentation, Quality Summit, Edmonton, Alberta (2017)

K.Abdella, K.D. McReelis, M.H. Strungaru, “Diabetic retinopathy screening in a Canadian community pediatric diabetes clinic”, poster presentation, Canadian Ophthalmology Society, Montreal, Quebec (2017)

M.H. Strungaru, U. Elbez, K. Mireskandari, A. Asim, “Characterizing the phenotypic spectrum of Peters anomaly: from mild to severe disease”, oral presentation, CanadianOphthalmology Society, Victoria, British Columbia (2015)

M.H. Strungaru, E. Margolin, “Anisocoria cases”, oral presentation, Walter Wright,Toronto, Ontario (2014)

M.H. Strungaru, K. Mireskandari, A. Ali, “Clinical course and visual outcome in children with Peters' anomaly”, oral presentation, Canadian Ophthalmology Society, Halifax, Nova Scotia (2014)

M.H. Strungaru, K. Mireskandari, A. Ali, “Clinical course and visual outcome in children with Peters' anomaly”, poster presentation, Department of Ophthalmology Research Day, University of Toronto, Toronto (2014)

M.H. Strungaru, J. Peck, E.A. Compeau, G.E. Trope, Y.M. Buys, “Mirror-hat device as a drop delivery aid”, poster presentation, Canadian Ophthalmology Society, Montreal,Quebec (2013)

M.H. Strungaru, J. Peck, E.A. Compeau, G.E. Trope, Y.M. Buys, “Mirror-hat device as a drop delivery aid”, oral presentation, Department of Ophthalmology Research Day,University of Toronto, Toronto (2013)

M.H. Strungaru, T. Footz, E. Deilhes, P. Belleau, V. Raymond, F. Berry, M.A. Walter, “Involvement of PITX2 in the ocular cellular stress response through regulation ofSLC13A3”, oral presentation, Team to Prevent Blindness Seminars, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta (2010)

M.H. Strungaru, M. Acharya, “Investigating the role of PITX2 in ocular expression pathways” oral presentation, Team to Prevent Blindness Seminars, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta (2009)

M.H. Strungaru, “Investigation of the role of PITX2 in ocular expression pathways and human disease” MedGen Seminar, oral presentation, Department of Medical Genetics Seminar, Senior Seminar, University of Alberta (2009)

M.H. Strungaru, T. Footz, E. Deilhes, P. Belleau, V. Raymond, F. Berry, M.A. Walter, “The Axenfeld-Rieger PITX2 Transcription Factor Directly Regulates The Expression Of The Cellular-stress Responsive PDP2 Gene”, poster, CIHR National Student Research Poster Competition, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba (2007)

M.H. Strungaru, I.A. Dinu, M.A. Walter, “Genotype-Phenotype correlations in Axenfeld-Rieger Malformation and glaucoma patients with FOXC1 and PITX2 mutations”, oral presentation, Department of Ophthalmology Research Day, Royal Alexander Hospital (2006)

M.H. Strungaru, “Genotype-Phenotype correlations in Axenfeld-Rieger Malformation and glaucoma patients with FOXC1 and PITX2 mutations”, oral presentation,Department of Medical Genetics Seminar, University of Alberta (2006)

M.H. Strungaru, I.A. Dinu, M.A. Walter, “Genotype-Phenotype correlations in Axenfeld-Rieger Malformation and glaucoma patients with FOXC1 and PITX2mutations”, poster, CIHR National Student Research Poster Competition, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba (2006)

M.H. Strungaru, F. Berry, T. Footz, M.A. Walter, “Discovery of genes directly regulated by PITX2 in adult eye tissues using a novel hormone-inducible transcriptionfactor expression system”, oral presentation and poster, Canadian Genetic Disease Network, Orford, Quebec (2005)

M.H. Strungaru, F. Berry, T. Footz, M.A. Walter, “Discovery of genes directly regulated by PITX2 in adult eye tissues using a novel hormone-inducible transcriptionfactor expression system”, oral presentation, Department of Ophthalmology Research Day, Royal Alexander Hospital (2005)

M.H. Strungaru , “Investigation of the role of PITX2 in ocular expression pathways and human disease” MedGen Seminar, oral presentation, Department of MedicalGenetics Seminar, University of Alberta (2005)

Teaching

2020-Present Wellness Doctors Committee Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta

2017-Present Academic Half Day Teaching Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta

2020 5 th Annual Interprofessional Eye Forum Organizer and moderator Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta

2019 4 th Annual Interprofessional Eye Forum Organizer and moderator Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton,Alberta

2018 3rd Annual Interprofessional Eye Forum Organizer and moderator M Hermina Strungaru. Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton,Alberta

2015-2017 Journal Club organizer Department of Ophthalmology, Peterborough Regional Health Center, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada 2014 National Assessment Collaboration examiner CEHPEA, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Participated as a physician examiner in the clinical examination across the country in the evaluation of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) for entry into residency2014 

Resident Retreat organizer Department of Ophthalmology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Organized annual resident retreat involving talks, team building activities and accommodation

2013 Site Senior for SickKids Hospital, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital Department of Ophthalmology, University of Toronto, Toronto,Ontario, Canada. Organized on call schedules, vertical schedules, representing the resident team

2013-2014 Residency Program Committee Meeting representative Department of Ophthalmology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

2013 Journal Club organizer Department of Ophthalmology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

2012 CaRMS Resident Selection Committee member Department of Ophthalmology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

2012 Research Ethics Board external reviewer Department of Ophthalmology, University of Toronto, Toronto,Ontario, Canada

2004-2010 Article Reviewer in collaboration with Dr. MA Walter, Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta

Nature (1 article), Molecular Cell Biology (2 articles), Journal of

Biological Chemistry (1 article), Molecular Vision (1 article),

Archives of Ophthalmology (1 article)

2007 Conference Moderator, The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.  "Ocular and Retinal Development" session