Kate Thomson

Dr. Kate Thomson is a Lecturer in Biomedical Science and Molecular & Biochemical Therapeutics at the University of Canberra. Her research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of myopia development and exploring pharmacological interventions to inhibit its progression. Key areas of interest include the roles of dopamine, serotonin, and cholinergic systems in ocular growth regulation. She has pioneered studies using chick models to investigate the effects of compounds like levodopa, atropine, and nicotine on myopia prevention.

Dr. Thomson leads and collaborates on projects such as 'Novel therapeutic agent: Dopamine treatment of Myopia (DTOM)' (2023–2026) and 'Refinement of a novel biomarker assay for myopia screening' (2023–2024). These projects aim to develop new therapies and diagnostic tools for myopia, emphasizing translational research with potential clinical applications.

Her work combines molecular biology, pharmacology, and ophthalmology, with a focus on epigenetic changes (e.g., DNA methylation) and gene expression patterns linked to myopia. Recent findings highlight the importance of dopaminergic pathways and serotonergic modulation in anti-myopic drug mechanisms. She has published extensively in high-impact journals such as Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science and FASEB Journal.

Dr. Thomson’s research also addresses practical applications, including the safety and efficacy of levodopa eye drops in human trials and the refinement of biomarker assays for early myopia detection. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges basic science and clinical translation, contributing to global efforts to combat myopia’s rising prevalence.