Bhim Rai

Dr Bhim Rai is a Research Fellow at The Australian National University (ANU), working in the Maddess Group under the Eccles Institute of Neuroscience at the John Curtin School of Medical Research. His primary focus is developing objective visual field testing technologies for diagnosing eye diseases such as AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. He holds a PhD and has over 15 years of clinical experience as an ophthalmologist, specializing in vitreoretinal surgery and public health initiatives in Bhutan. Dr Rai is also a faculty member at the Postgraduate Medical Education Centre, University Medical Sciences of Bhutan, where he teaches optometry and paramedic programs.

Education:

• MBBS, DO, DNB, VR Fellow, FHEA, PhD

Research Interests:

• Vitreoretinal diseases (AMD, diabetic retinopathy)
• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, glaucoma, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis
• Medical technology innovation, low vision management
• Public health policy for eye care in underserved regions

Dr Rai leads national programs in Bhutan, including the Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Program and Retinopathy of Prematurity Screening Program. His current projects include the FAME 1 study (Fenofibrate And Microvascular Events in Type 1 diabetes) and the OHIOH initiative (Our Health in Our Hands). His research emphasizes early detection and functional assessment of eye diseases using advanced diagnostic tools like the ObjectiveFIELD Analyser.

Scientific Contributions: His work spans over 30 peer-reviewed articles on vitreoretinal epidemiology, diagnostic innovations, and clinical outcomes. Key themes include the diagnostic power of objective perimetry in Alzheimer’s, concussion, and diabetes-related retinopathy.

Grants & Collaboration: Principal investigator on the ANU-funded project refining the ObjectiveFIELD Analyser for neuro-ophthalmic diseases. Collaborates with global teams on multi-center trials and public health initiatives.

Labs & Teams: Active in the Maddess Group, specializing in pupillographic perimetry, and contributes to the Eccles Institute’s vision research programs.