Clinical Associate Professor Keith Ong is affiliated with the University of Sydney’s Northern Clinical School, specifically within the Department of Clinical Ophthalmology & Eye Health. His clinical specialty is Ophthalmology, with a focus on corneal endothelial health, glaucoma surgery outcomes, and cataract surgical techniques. His research addresses critical areas such as postoperative ocular toxicity, intraocular lens calculations, and infection control in eye surgeries. Dr. Ong’s publications (2011–2023) consistently explore topics like corneal endothelial changes post-trabeculectomy, refractive error management post-cataract surgery, and antibiotic prophylaxis strategies. Recent work emphasizes optimizing surgical techniques to reduce complications, such as BAK-induced corneal toxicity and IOL power calculation accuracy in LASIK patients. His work demonstrates a focus on improving surgical safety and precision, with studies evaluating alternative antibiotic delivery methods and laser therapy impacts. No awards or grants are explicitly noted in the provided text, but his contributions to clinical practice and surgical protocols are evident through his publication record.
Dr. Anagha Vaze is a Clinical Lecturer affiliated with the University of Sydney's Faculty of Medicine and Health (FMH) and the Save Sight Institute. Her expertise lies in ophthalmology, with a focus on retinal disorders, diabetic eye diseases, and clinical research. She has contributed to studies on VEGF inhibitors, corticosteroid delivery platforms for macular edema, and the application of genomics in retinal diagnostics. Research Interests: Retinal degeneration and vascular abnormalities Management strategies for diabetic retinopathy and macular telangiectasia Clinical outcomes of anti-VEGF therapies Infectious diseases in immunocompromised patients (e.g., heart transplant recipients) Her publications (2014–2022) emphasize observational studies, drug delivery innovations, and case reports on rare infections. Key contributions include assessing treatment discontinuation protocols for neovascular AMD and exploring photobiomodulation for diabetic macular edema. While no scientific awards or grants are explicitly listed, her work reflects active engagement in clinical research and patient care. She is part of the Save Sight Institute, a prominent research center within the FMH, focusing on vision science and ophthalmic advancements.
Dr. Ling Zhu is an Associate Professor and Senior Research Fellow at the Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney. He holds dual affiliations with the Centre for Drug Discovery Innovation and the University of Sydney Nano Institute. His research focuses on retinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and macular telangiectasia type 2, combining clinical and basic research approaches. Dr. Zhu leads a lab with a postdoc, two research assistants, and one HDR student, emphasizing innovative techniques like human retinal explant culture and nanomedicine. Dr. Zhu obtained his PhD in Biochemistry from Rutgers University (USA) in 2008. His work has attracted over $2 million in research funding in the past five years and includes 93 publications (3590 citations, H-index 34). He is a major author in leading journals like eLife and Ophthalmology . Current research projects include preclinical RNA-LNP therapy for retinal degeneration, targeting retinal metabolism for macular diseases, and developing a 'Macula-on-a-Chip' drug screening platform. His expertise spans biochemistry, molecular biology, and translational nanomedicine. Key achievements include establishing human retinal explant models and advancing lipid nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. Dr. Zhu collaborates widely, with projects addressing unmet clinical needs in ophthalmology and drug discovery.
Professor Stephanie Watson OAM is a corneal surgeon and academic at the University of Sydney, leading the Corneal Research Group and serving as Head of the Corneal Unit at Sydney Eye Hospital. She holds leadership roles in Sydney Nano as co-Deputy Director for Industry, Innovation, and Commercialisation, and chairs key professional organizations including the Australian Vision Research Committee and the Asia Pacific Ophthalmic Trauma Society. Her clinical practice focuses on corneal and cataract surgery, with appointments at Sydney Eye Hospital, Sydney Children’s Hospital, and Prince of Wales Hospital. She is a RANZCO trainer and actively contributes to policy advocacy through roles in ARVO and other global bodies. Her research spans corneal therapies, keratoconus treatment via corneal cross-linking, dry eye disease management, and nanotechnology applications in ophthalmology. She leads the Save Sight Keratoconus and Dry Eye Registries, analyzing real-world patient outcomes and informing clinical guidelines. Her work bridges basic science (e.g., stem cell therapies) and clinical innovation (e.g., chitosan-based surgical adhesives), with notable contributions to antimicrobial resistance strategies in ocular infections and ocular trauma epidemiology. Professor Watson has been recognized with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM), the 2019 NSW Premier’s Prize for Science & Engineering, and global accolades including being named among the top 100 female ophthalmologists. Her research has driven advancements in corneal cross-linking techniques, dry eye quality-of-life metrics, and nanoparticle drug delivery systems. She actively engages in public education through media appearances, patient webinars (e.g., KeraClub series), and policy advocacy to address ocular health disparities. Her grants include projects on breast cancer chemotherapy’s ocular impact, AI-driven diagnosis of infectious keratitis, and high-throughput nanoparticle synthesis systems. She collaborates with industry partners like Brandon Capital and the Sydney Nano Institute, translating research into clinical solutions. Her leadership in international trauma registries (e.g., IGATES) advances global understanding of ocular injury patterns and preventive strategies.
Professor Mark Gillies is a leading academic in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney , specifically within the Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health department. He holds the title of Professor and is affiliated with the Save Sight Institute . His research focuses on medical retina, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, with pioneering work in intravitreal steroids for diabetic retinopathy and internet-based outcome tracking systems like the Fight Retinal Blindness! Project . Education: Gillies earned his PhD from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, making him the first Australian ophthalmologist with this distinction. His expertise spans clinical trials, retinal metabolism, and Müller cell biology. He has been a vocal advocate for treatments like Photodynamic Therapy and public education on retinal diseases. Research Interests: His work addresses central retinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and stem cell therapies. He emphasizes translational research, bridging clinical practice with innovations like drug delivery systems and outcome registries. Advising & Grants: Supervises students like Grace CHAN (digital transformation in organ culture) and Jialing ZHANG (RNA-based drug delivery). His projects involve large-scale registries tracking real-world outcomes for retinal diseases, ensuring evidence-based practices. Labs & Teams: Leads the Macula Research Group and collaborates with global networks through the Save Sight Institute . His work integrates clinical, genetic, and metabolic data to advance retinal therapies.
Mehdi Mirzaei is an Honorary Associate Professor at Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University. His research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's and glaucoma, with emphasis on proteomics and neuroprotective mechanisms. He has been actively involved in projects such as 'Modified Serpin as a Dual Function Therapeutic Agent in Glaucoma' (2023–2027) and 'Retinoid X Receptors and Rexinoids: Harnessing Neuroprotective Effects in Glaucoma' (2020–2023). His work integrates molecular biology, protein folding studies, and translational medicine to address retinal and brain pathologies. Research Interests: Proteomics, neurodegeneration, glaucoma pathophysiology, retinal ganglion cell protection, amyloid and tau protein dynamics, and neuroinflammation. His recent studies explore therapeutic targets like RXR agonists and neuroserpin gene therapy to mitigate neurodegenerative processes. Publications: Over 180 research outputs since 2009, with recent focus on retinal Alzheimer’s biomarkers, tau modulation in glaucoma, and protein folding mechanisms in neurodegeneration. Key themes include neuroprotective signaling pathways (e.g., PI3K/Akt, BDNF), immunomodulation, and extracellular vesicle-based therapies. Grants & Projects: Leads or collaborates on 14 projects, including biomolecular discovery initiatives and clinical trials targeting glaucoma and Alzheimer’s. Active in international collaborations, such as the Biomolecular Discovery and Design Research Centre (2017–present). Labs & Teams: Engaged in interdisciplinary teams at Macquarie Medical School, focusing on translational proteomics and neurodegenerative disease modeling. Collaborates with institutions globally on retinal and brain pathology studies.
Clinical Associate Professor Tim Roberts is a cataract and glaucoma specialist at the University of Sydney and Royal North Shore Hospital. He holds a MBBS from UNSW, MMed from Sydney, and is a Fellow of RANZCO. His academic roles include Academic Lead for Ophthalmology at SERT Institute and Academic Coordinator at the Northern Clinical School. Education: MBBS (UNSW), Master of Medicine (Sydney), specialist training at Sydney Eye Hospital. Research focuses on femtosecond lasers, IOL power formulas, MIGS, and presbyopia-correcting lenses. He has published >60 articles and serves on editorial boards for major ophthalmology journals. Recent articles emphasize IOL technology advancements and surgical efficiency improvements. Awards include Global Achievement Awards from AAO and APACOS. Leadership roles include NSW QEC Chair and National Medical Director of Vision Eye Institute. Advises on >38 students via collaborative research projects. Labs/Teams: Leads surgical training programs at SERT Institute and collaborates with international eye care initiatives like Myanmar Eye Care Program.
Alicia Brunet is a Research Fellow at the UWA Medical School , affiliated with the Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science and the Lions Eye Institute at the University of Western Australia . Her work focuses on retinal diseases and gene therapy. Current role: Research Fellow (Multi-Discipline Adjunct) Affiliation: UWA Medical School, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science Research Interests Retinal Disease : Developing therapeutic approaches using cell lines like 661W Neuroscience : Studying photoreceptor and cone cell dysfunction Nanotechnology : Designing nanoparticle-based delivery systems for retinal treatments Oxidative Stress : Exploring antioxidant therapies such as probucol Genetic Disorders : Targeting inherited retinal diseases through molecular interventions Publication Trends Recent work highlights interdisciplinary approaches combining nanoparticle engineering , gene therapy , and pharmacological strategies to address retinal degeneration, oxidative stress, and visual impairment. Labs & Collaborations Active in the Lions Eye Institute , collaborating with teams on retinal disease research and nanoparticle-based therapeutics.
Professor Martin Veidt is a distinguished academic at the University of Queensland, serving as a Professor in the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering. He is also an Affiliate of the Centre for Advanced Materials Processing and Manufacturing (AMPAM). With an extensive career in applied mechanics, Professor Veidt has established himself as a leading expert in composite materials and non-destructive evaluation techniques. Professor Veidt received his educational qualifications from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich, earning his Dipl Masch Ing ETH in 1986 and his Dr sc techn in 1991. His academic journey has led him to become a prominent researcher in materials science and engineering, with a focus on the mechanical behavior of composite structures. Professor Veidt's research interests span a wide range of topics within applied mechanics. His work primarily focuses on through-life support of materials and structures, with special emphasis on composites including fibre-reinforced laminates, sandwich structures, and hybrid metal fibre laminates. His expertise encompasses quality assurance and quantitative non-destructive evaluation using conventional, guided wave and non-linear ultrasonics; stress analysis and damage mechanics; and experimental determination of mechanical characteristics of materials and interfaces. More recently, his research has expanded into areas such as non-linear ultrasonics, ultrasonic manipulation of microbubbles for drug delivery, functional composites, hybrid composite laminates, and light weighting technologies. Analysis of Professor Veidt's recent publications (2021-2025) reveals a strong focus on advanced materials characterization and structural health monitoring. His work spans multiple disciplines including biomechanics (gait analysis, foot plantar pressure), geomechanics (rock crack stress thresholds), tribology (wear behavior of polymer composites), and biomedical engineering (ultrasound-mediated drug delivery). A notable trend is the integration of computational methods with experimental approaches, particularly in the application of finite element simulation to composite materials and the use of artificial neural networks for analyzing complex biomechanical data. His research demonstrates a consistent commitment to solving practical engineering problems through innovative application of ultrasonic and non-destructive evaluation techniques. Professor Veidt maintains an active research program with numerous collaborations across disciplines. His work bridges fundamental mechanics with practical applications in aerospace, biomedical, marine, and civil engineering contexts. Based at the University of Queensland, Professor Veidt is affiliated with the Centre for Advanced Materials Processing and Manufacturing (AMPAM), which provides state-of-the-art facilities for materials research and development. His work likely involves collaboration with researchers across multiple disciplines within the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering and beyond, contributing to the university's strong reputation in materials science and engineering.
Adjunct Associate Professor Alex Hui is a leading academic in ocular drug delivery and contact lens innovation at UNSW Sydney's School of Optometry and Vision Science. His work focuses on developing novel drug delivery systems via contact lenses for ocular diseases, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, and myopia control solutions. He holds advanced qualifications including a PhD in Vision Science from the University of Waterloo and is a Fellow of multiple professional optometry organizations. Research Interests: Dr. Hui's primary research includes drug-eluting contact lenses, antimicrobial therapies, myopia progression control, and ocular surface health. His interdisciplinary approach combines biomaterials engineering, clinical pharmacology, and vision science. His Myopia Research Group and Ocular Surface Research initiatives drive advancements in vision preservation and disease treatment. Education: PhD in Vision Science, University of Waterloo (2014) OD in Optometry, University of Waterloo (2010) GradCertOcTher, UNSW Sydney (2018) Awards and Recognition: Hui has received prestigious awards including the UNSW Vice-Chancellor's Teaching Excellence Award (2018), W.B Pearson Medal (2015), and multiple fellowships from the American Optometric Foundation. His research has been supported by grants from NSERC and the Australian Government. Labs and Teams: He leads the Ocular Therapeutics Lab and collaborates with the Myopia Research Group to advance drug delivery systems and contact lens technologies. His work bridges academia and clinical practice, emphasizing translational solutions for eye health challenges.
Central Queensland University (CQUniversity Australia)Australia
Dr. Jason Steel is a Senior Lecturer in Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology at CQUniversity's School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, where he has been employed since September 2018. His academic career includes previous positions at the University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, and the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute in the USA. He co-founded Ocugene, a startup developing molecular therapies for ocular diseases. Dr. Steel's research focuses on: Molecular gene therapy platforms including AAV vectors for ocular diseases Cancer immunology and immunotherapy approaches Tumour microenvironment and metastasis mechanisms Development of cancer vaccines and targeted therapies Ocular disease modeling and treatment innovation His recent publications (2020-2024) demonstrate strong emphasis on: AAV-mediated gene therapies for retinal and choroidal diseases Molecular mechanisms in uveal melanoma pathogenesis MicroRNA regulation in cancer metastasis Novel therapeutic approaches for hepatocellular carcinoma Ocular drug delivery challenges and solutions Honors include: NIH Fellows Award for Research Excellence (FARE) - Awarded three times 2017 University of Queensland Faculty of Medicine: Leader of the Future (Academic) Dr. Steel maintains an active research supervision portfolio with accreditation in six fields: Biochemistry/Cell Biology, Medical Biotechnology, Immunology, Oncology, Ophthalmology, and Pharmacology. He coordinates multiple courses including Applied Immunology, Molecular Targeted Therapies, and Drug Discovery & Clinical Trials.
Matt Rutar is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Science, Molecular & Biochemical Therapeutics at the University of Canberra, within the Faculty of Science and Technology. His research focuses on understanding molecular and cellular drivers of vision-threatening retinal diseases, particularly age-related macular degeneration (AMD). He holds an Honorary Senior Fellow position at the University of Melbourne's Anatomy and Neuroscience department. Education: PhD in Biomedical Science from Australian National University (2008-2011). Postdoctoral research at John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR) and the University of Melbourne, where he established an independent laboratory funded by NHMRC grants. Research interests include immunological mechanisms in retinopathies, environmental/lifestyle influences on eye disease, and developing therapeutic targets for AMD. He leads projects funded by organizations like the Ophthalmic Research Institute of Australia and NHMRC, including studies on neutrophils in choroidal neovascularization and Wnt signaling in multiple sclerosis. Advising: Open to supervising PhD/Masters/Honours students in his research themes. His work bridges basic science and clinical applications, aiming to translate immune regulation discoveries into novel therapies for retinal disorders. Current laboratory facilities at University of Canberra support advanced molecular and cellular investigations into retinal pathologies.
Dr. Amy Page is a Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy at the University of Western Australia's School of Allied Health and the inaugural Director of the Centre for Optimisation of Medicines. Her research focuses on deprescribing, quality use of medicines in geriatrics, and reducing polypharmacy-related harm in older adults. She has received over $13M in funding, published 160+ articles, and led influential projects like the Opti-med trial and development of the MATCH-D framework. Education & Qualifications: PhD (2017) MClinPharm (Clinical Pharmacy) GradDipBiostat (Biostatistics) GradCertDMEd (Diabetes Management Education) GradCertHProfEd (Health Professional Education) Research Interests: Dr. Page's work addresses medication optimization for older adults, with a focus on deprescribing strategies, polypharmacy reduction, and improving medication safety in aged care settings. She also develops clinical guidelines and educational programs for pharmacists. Key Achievements: Recipient of Australian Pharmacist of the Year (2024) and Young Pharmacist of the Year (2015) 2022 Vice-Chancellor’s Early Career Research Award Lead developer of national standards for pharmacist prescribing and aged care medication management Course Director for Doctor of Pharmacy Practice and Advanced Clinical Practice programs Grants & Impact: Over $13M in funding secured, leading projects such as the Centre of Research Excellence in Medicines and Ageing (CREMA) and the Safe Recovery initiative reducing hospital falls. Her work has influenced national policies like the APC accreditation standards and international frameworks like the Global Competency Framework. Teaching & Leadership: Oversees pharmacy postgraduate programs and pioneered microcredentials in clinical skills, prescribing, and diabetes education. Served as State President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and on the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
Dr. Su Ling Loo is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Newcastle's School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, specializing in viral immunology and respiratory diseases. She completed her PhD in 2018, during which she developed a coronavirus infection model using air-liquid interface cultures. Her work focuses on respiratory viruses like coronaviruses and rhinoviruses, with applications in testing antiviral products and screening immune stimulant compounds. Education: Doctor of Philosophy (2018), University of Newcastle Bachelor of Science (201X), University of Newcastle Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Honours) (201X), University of Newcastle Research Interests: Dr. Loo investigates viral infections in airway epithelial cells, antiviral immunity mechanisms, and translational research to combat respiratory diseases. Her work bridges basic science and industry collaborations, such as projects with Ena Therapeutics targeting innate immune modulation. Awards: Best Presentation in Cell, Immunology & Molecular Biology of the Lung SIG (2018) Translational Basic Science Award (2017) Lung Foundation Australia David Serisier Memorial Award (2017) Grants & Supervision: Dr. Loo co-leads grants totaling $100,261, including studies on immune modulators for respiratory viruses. She currently co-supervises a PhD student researching ocular pain drug delivery. Labs & Networks: Affiliated with the Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals. Her work is widely cited in journals like Nature Communications and has influenced clinical guidelines and industry practices.
Sepidar Sayyar is a Research Fellow and materials scientist at the Australian National Fabrication Facility-Materials Node at the University of Wollongong, where he has been actively involved in research since 2014. He works at the Innovation Campus, AIIM Facility in Wollongong, Australia, focusing on advanced materials development and characterization. Dr. Sayyar earned his PhD in Materials Engineering from the University of Wollongong between 2011 and 2015. His academic journey has been centered at this institution, where he has developed expertise in composite materials, 3D printing technologies, and nanomaterials for biomedical applications. His research interests span multiple cutting-edge areas including Materials Engineering, Nanoscale Characterisation, Composite and Hybrid Materials, Nanobiotechnology, Nanotechnology, and Functional Materials. Dr. Sayyar's work particularly emphasizes the development and characterization of composite materials for various applications, with a strong focus on biomedical implementations. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent research trajectory focused on 3D printing technologies for advanced materials, particularly in biomedical contexts. His work spans graphene applications, hydrogel development, and novel fabrication techniques for medical devices and electronics. The publications demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration across materials science, biomedical engineering, and electronics. Dr. Sayyar actively supervises research students and has successfully guided multiple PhD and Master's candidates to completion. His supervision portfolio includes projects on cellulose composites, biocompatible conductive inks, degradable stents, flexible electrodes, and graphene-based fibers for health applications. He has been involved in several research funding projects including '3D Printed Conductive Flexible Strain Sensors for Skin-Interface Electronics' (2022-2023), 'Global Challenges: Next Generation Sustainable Crafting' (2019), 'Slow Textiles' (2019), and 'Material Science, Slow Textiles, and Ecological Futures' (2017-2019), demonstrating his diverse research interests and ability to secure funding across different domains. Working within the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute environment at the University of Wollongong, Dr. Sayyar collaborates with multidisciplinary teams focused on advanced materials development, contributing to the institute's reputation for innovation in polymer science and engineering applications.
