Nicole Ann Carnt

Associate Professor Nicole Ann Carnt is a Scientia Associate Professor and Director of Research at the School of Optometry & Vision Science, UNSW Sydney. She leads research into behavioral and host immune susceptibility to eye infections, with honorary appointments at the University of Sydney and University College London. She chairs the Australian Standards Contact Lens Committee and serves on international standards bodies. Her roles include Topical Editor for leading optometry journals, Council Member of the International Society of Contact Lens Researchers, and Global Champion for the British Contact Lens Association.

• Education: BOptom (Hons), PhD, GradCertOcTher, FAAO, FBCLA

Research focuses on corneal infections, immune responses in contact lens wearers, and limbal stem cell dysfunction. Key areas include genetic susceptibility to infections, microbiology, and patient quality of life. Current projects involve nanodiagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis, metabolomics of corneal infections, and improving contact lens compliance.

Grants span over AUD 1M in funding from bodies like UNSW, Rebecca Cooper Foundation, and Fight for Sight. Awards include UNSW Dean’s Award and British Contact Lens Association recognition. Supervises PhD students in immunology, genomics, and patient engagement.

Teaching includes convening the Masters of Clinical Optometry course and supervising honors and PhD candidates. Active in public engagement through media articles, patient awareness campaigns, and industry collaborations.