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. John Males is a Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney and Director of Ophthalmology Training at Sydney Eye Hospital. His clinical and research expertise focuses on corneal surgery, cataract surgery, and laser vision correction. He pioneered Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) in Australia and is conducting clinical trials on Collagen Cross-Linking for keratoconus. His research spans corneal transplantation techniques, refractive error management, and ocular surface regeneration. Dr. Males holds roles as a consultant at major hospitals and serves as an examiner for the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists. Research interests include corneal biomechanics, surgical innovation for keratoconus, and outcomes analysis of cross-linking therapies. He leads studies on corneal densitometry, dry eye correlations, and long-term efficacy of surgical interventions. His work bridges clinical practice with translational research in regenerative medicine and ocular surface engineering. Publications span over 20 years, emphasizing corneal transplantation advancements, keratoconus management, and surgical complication resolution. His contributions to global consensus guidelines for endothelial keratoplasty highlight leadership in standardizing surgical practices.
Chris Hammond serves as the Frost Professor of Ophthalmology at King's College London's Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, School of Life Course & Population Sciences, and has been Head of Section for Ophthalmology Research since 2011. He is also a Consultant Ophthalmologist specializing in pediatric ophthalmology and squint surgery at St Thomas' Hospital, demonstrating a strong clinical-academic integration in his career. Professor Hammond's research primarily focuses on the genetic basis of common eye diseases including glaucoma, myopia, dry eye disease, and age-related cataract. His work integrates twin research methodologies with advanced genomic approaches to understand the heritability and genetic factors underlying these conditions. He has established himself as one of the leading scientists in ophthalmic genetics through groundbreaking research showing that many age-related eye diseases have significant genetic components. His publication record reveals a strong emphasis on large-scale genetic studies, particularly utilizing the UK Biobank resource. His research spans from basic genetic discovery to clinical applications, with particular focus on dry eye disease mechanisms, myopia development pathways, and glaucoma genetics. The work consistently involves international collaborations across multiple institutions. Professor Hammond actively leads research teams focused on ophthalmic genetics, with his laboratory work centering on understanding the genetic architecture of eye diseases through twin studies and genome-wide association studies. His research has important implications for developing better prevention strategies and personalized treatment approaches for common eye conditions.
Dr. Amy Sheppard is a Senior Lecturer at Aston Optometry School within Aston University's College of Health and Life Sciences. She serves as Deputy Head (Education) and maintains UK optometry registration. Her academic appointments include roles as External Examiner for the University of Central Lancashire's MSci Optometry programme and iPRO research adviser for the College of Optometrists. She also chairs Vision Care for Homeless People. Education: 2018: Master's in Education with Distinction (Aston University) 2014: Senior Fellow of Higher Education Academy 2010: PhD in Optometry (Aston University) 2003: BSc (Hons) Optometry, First Class Honours (Aston University) Research Focus: Dr. Sheppard's work centers on anterior eye physiology with specialization in Digital Eye Strain, ocular accommodation mechanisms, and presbyopia management. Her investigations employ clinical optometry approaches to address contemporary vision challenges, particularly screen-related visual fatigue and age-related focusing disorders. Recent work explores mobile health applications for vision assessment and AI integration in ophthalmic care. Publication Trends: Her recent articles demonstrate strong focus on digital eye health epidemiology, innovative myopia control interventions, presbyopia diagnostics, and technological applications in optometry. Collaborative work frequently addresses clinical guidelines development and vision-related public health challenges across different demographics. Awards & Honors: Senior Fellow of Higher Education Academy (2014) Fellow of UK Higher Education Academy (2013) Master's in Education with Distinction (2018) Academic Leadership: She leads modules in Clinical Practice (undergraduate) and Ageing Eye (postgraduate), supervises research dissertations, and directs educational initiatives. She accepts PhD students and contributes to curriculum development across optometry programs. Affiliations: Member of Optometry & Vision Science Research Group (OVSRG) and Aston Research Centre for Health in Ageing. Maintains active collaborations with national optometry organizations and international research teams.
Dr. Pirro Hysi is a Reader (equivalent to Associate Professor) in Ophthalmology at King's College London, where he serves as School Academic Lead for Postgraduate Research within the School of Life Course & Population Sciences. His work bridges genetics, genomics, and ophthalmology, with a focus on understanding the genetic basis of eye diseases and related conditions. Dr. Hysi's research spans multiple areas of genetic ophthalmology and population genomics. His work primarily focuses on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify genetic variants associated with eye conditions including myopia, glaucoma, keratoconus, and age-related macular degeneration. He also investigates the intersection of genetics with metabolomics, exploring how metabolic pathways influence ocular health and disease progression. His research has expanded into machine learning applications for disease prediction and the genetic basis of systemic conditions that impact eye health. His publication record demonstrates a strong focus on large-scale genetic studies, often leveraging data from the UK Biobank and other international cohorts. Recent work has expanded into applying machine learning approaches to predict disease progression and exploring the genetic basis of conditions beyond ophthalmology, including cardiovascular health, metabolic disorders, and pregnancy-related conditions. Dr. Hysi serves as Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator on multiple research projects funded by organizations including Fight for Sight, the BrightFocus Foundation, NIH, and the Fetal Medicine Foundation. His current projects include investigating metabolic factors in age-related eye diseases, developing vision measurement technology, and identifying glaucoma therapy targets through multi-omic analysis. He is actively involved in several major research consortia, particularly the UK Biobank Eye and Vision Consortium, and has contributed to numerous large-scale genetic studies across multiple medical specialties. His work has been featured in high-impact journals including Nature Communications, JAMA Ophthalmology, and Nature Medicine.
Mujdat Cetin is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Rochester, serving as the Robin and Tim Wentworth Director of the Goergen Institute for Data Science and Director of the New York State Center of Excellence in Data Science. Previously, he held faculty positions at Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey, and MIT. He earned his BS from Bogazici University (1993), MS from the University of Salford (1995), and PhD from Boston University (2001). His research focuses on computational imaging, signal processing, and machine learning applications in biomedical imaging, radar systems, and neuroscience. Key areas include uncertainty quantification in imaging, probabilistic methods for image analysis, and brain-computer interfaces. His work bridges electrical engineering, computer science, and biomedical applications. Notable awards include the IEEE Signal Processing Society Best Paper Award and the Turkish Academy of Sciences Distinguished Young Scientist Award. He is an IEEE Fellow and has held editorial roles for journals like IEEE Transactions on Computational Imaging and SIAM Journal on Imaging Sciences. His contributions span conference leadership, including Technical Program Co-chair roles for major signal processing and fusion events. Cetin’s research group has advanced computational sensing, medical imaging algorithms, and EEG-based emotion/motor imagery classification. Ongoing work emphasizes integrating physics-based models with deep learning for robust imaging and signal analysis.
Scott A. Read is a Professor in the School of Optometry at Queensland University of Technology's Faculty of Health. He is a leading researcher in the field of myopia development and control, with extensive expertise in ocular biometry, choroidal thickness measurements, and optical coherence tomography applications. His work bridges basic vision science and clinical optometry, focusing on understanding the mechanisms of eye growth and developing strategies for myopia management. Dr. Read's research program centers on myopia development and control, with particular emphasis on choroidal thickness dynamics, ocular biometry changes during visual tasks, and the effects of light exposure on eye growth. His work reveals that the choroid plays a critical role as an optical signal transducer in eye growth regulation, with significant diurnal variations and responses to visual stimuli. He has extensively documented how myopic defocus, accommodation, and light exposure patterns influence choroidal thickness and axial elongation in children and young adults. His research has established important links between outdoor light exposure and reduced myopia progression, contributing significantly to evidence-based myopia control strategies. Analysis of Dr. Read's recent publications shows a strong focus on advanced imaging techniques, particularly optical coherence tomography and its applications in measuring choroidal thickness, vascular changes, and biomechanical properties of the eye. His work increasingly incorporates artificial intelligence methods for image analysis while maintaining a strong clinical orientation toward understanding myopia mechanisms and developing effective control strategies. His research spans from fundamental investigations of visual processing pathways to clinical trials of myopia control interventions like atropine therapy. Dr. Read has been instrumental in several major collaborative efforts, including the International Myopia Institute reports that have shaped global understanding of myopia mechanisms and control strategies. His work has been foundational in establishing the choroid's role as a key tissue in eye growth regulation and myopia development. Through his laboratory at QUT, Dr. Read mentors numerous PhD students and early-career researchers, fostering the next generation of vision scientists. His research team employs a multidisciplinary approach combining optometry, ophthalmology, biomedical engineering, and data science to address critical questions in myopia research. Current projects focus on understanding the mechanisms of atropine's myopia control effects, developing advanced imaging biomarkers for myopia progression, and investigating the impact of modern visual environments on eye development.
Professor David Atchison is a distinguished academic at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), affiliated with the School of Optometry and Vision Science within the Faculty of Health. He holds a Professorship and has been a leading figure in visual optics research for over 35 years. His academic qualifications include a Doctor of Science (QUT), PhD (University of Melbourne), and advanced optometry degrees. Research Focus: Ophthalmic optics, myopia progression mechanisms, retinal shape analysis, and color vision. Key Contributions: Over 230 journal publications, 2 books, and significant grants from ARC and NHMRC. Awards: HB Collin Medal (2014), Glenn F. Fry Award (2011), and Fellowships from major optical societies. Teaching: Leads courses in optometry, including OPB353/453 (Ophthalmic Optics) and OPN164 (Research Methods). Research Interests: Explores the interplay between eye optics and visual performance, design of corrective lenses, and color vision deficiencies. Current projects include longitudinal studies on myopia progression in children and advanced imaging techniques for retinal morphology analysis.
Osamah J. Saeedi, MD, MS is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Adjunct Associate Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Maryland, College Park. He serves as Director of Clinical Research, Director of the Glaucoma Division, and Vice Chair for Academic Affairs in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. Education: BSE Chemical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania (2002) MD, University of Texas Southwestern (2007) Preliminary Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine (2008) Ophthalmology Residency, University of Texas Southwestern (2011) Glaucoma Fellowship, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University (2012) MS Epidemiology and Clinical Research, University of Maryland Baltimore (2018) Dr. Saeedi's research centers on glaucoma—a leading cause of blindness affecting 3+ million Americans—with focus on novel imaging biomarkers for early detection. His work investigates ocular blood flow dynamics, advanced ophthalmic imaging techniques, health services research for underserved populations, and genetic factors in glaucoma progression. This research aims to prevent vision loss through improved diagnostics, potentially saving billions in healthcare costs. Analysis of his 13 publications (2007-2016) reveals dominant glaucoma research (8 papers), particularly on imaging biomarkers and blood flow. Recent work (2015-2016) shows expansion into health services research for glaucoma patients and innovative diagnostic approaches, indicating a strategic shift toward translational applications and patient-centered outcomes in ophthalmic care. Awards: NIH Career Development Award (K23) Grants: NIH K23 Award for glaucoma biomarker development American Glaucoma Society research funding Dr. Saeedi leads the Glaucoma Division and Clinical Research program at the University of Maryland, directing multidisciplinary teams in developing imaging protocols and clinical trials to advance glaucoma diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Sevim Ayça Seyyar is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep University . She specializes in vitreoretinal surgery, choroidal imaging, and diabetic eye complications. Education: Medical specialization, Gaziantep University (2014-2018); Medical degree, Kocaeli University (2007-2013) Research Interests: Diabetic retinopathy, macular hole surgery, OCT angiography, familial mediterranean fever ocular effects, and retinal vascular density assessment Her recent publications focus on vitamin D implications in meibomian gland dysfunction, choroidal vascularity in autoimmune disorders, and novel intraocular surgical techniques . She has pioneered methods reducing postoperative positioning requirements. Scientific Contributions : Co-authored book chapter: Current Approaches to Vitreoretinal Interface Diseases (2024) Published 46 national/international articles, including in Graefe's Archive and Retina journals Participated in 22 international/national research initiatives, including the RBS-AMD-III study She has taught 51 undergraduate courses at Gaziantep University, including systemic diseases and ocular manifestations , pediatric ophthalmology , and uveitis , while advising multiple postgraduate theses.
Aaron Nagiel, MD, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California . He leads the Nagiel Laboratory at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles , focusing on retinal development and disease mechanisms using human stem cell-derived retinal organoids. His work integrates live imaging, electrophysiology, and gene editing to study synaptogenesis and evaluate therapies like gene augmentation and small-molecule Hippo inhibition. Academic Affiliation : USC Department of Ophthalmology Lab : Nagiel Laboratory at Children's Hospital LA Research Collaborations : David Cobrinik, Thomas Lee, Jennifer Aparicio, Ksenia Gnedeva Research Themes : Human retinal synaptogenesis Gene therapy for inherited retinal diseases Hippo pathway inhibition for retinal regeneration Pediatric ocular disease mechanisms Retinal organoid modeling Scientific Awards : RPB Career Development Award (2021-2023) Baxter Foundation Fellowship (2019-2020) Allergan FIRST Fellowship (2016-2019) Michels Foundation Fellowship (2016-2017) Heed Foundation Fellowship (2015-2016) Jules Stein Pepose-Saltzman Award (2014-2015) Publications demonstrate expertise in: Retinal disease genetics (RPE65, MPDZ, ALMS1) Gene editing applications Retinal imaging biomarkers Pediatric gene therapy delivery Retinal degeneration mechanisms
Dr. Katrina Schmid is an Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) , affiliated with the School of Clinical Sciences under the Faculty of Health . Her work bridges clinical optometry with cutting-edge research in refractive error development , myopia control , and ocular surface disorders , while also contributing to teaching pedagogy and authentic assessment in optometric education. PhD (Queensland University of Technology) BAppSc(Opt)(Hons) (Queensland University of Technology) Dr. Schmid’s research spans diverse areas including binocular vision , amblyopia , meibomian gland dysfunction , and the GABAergic system in eye growth control . She has coordinated units like Foundations of Optometric Practice , emphasizing professional identity and evidence-based competencies. Her scientific accolades include the Classic Paper Award (OPO, 2014) and the JLloyd Hewett Award (CXO, 2020) . Her 2021 rankings (#25 globally in refractive error research, #115 in optometric author impact) underscore her international influence. Classic Paper Award, OPO, 2014 JLloyd Hewett Award, CXO, 2020 QUT Medal recipient As an Editorial Board Member for journals like IOVS , TVST , and Nature Scientific Reports , she shapes academic discourse. Her teaching expertise includes ocular anatomy , pharmacology , and research methods , with a focus on student mentoring and examination validation.
Dr. Zahra Tajbakhsh is a Lecturer at the Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia. She holds a PhD in Optometry and Vision Science (2022) from UNSW Sydney, focusing on dendritic cells in ocular allergy, and earned her BOptom and MSc from Iran. Her research spans ocular surface disease, myopia control, contact lenses, and AI in retinal diagnostics, with over 28 publications and an h-index of 8. PhD, UNSW Sydney (2022): Dendritic cells in ocular allergy MSc in Optometry, Iran BOptom, Iran Dr. Tajbakhsh’s work integrates in vivo confocal microscopy with immunological studies to investigate conditions like allergic conjunctivitis, keratoconus, and LASIK recovery. Recent projects include AI-driven inherited retinal disease analysis and improving eye health literacy in Western Australia. She actively collaborates on ocular pressure dynamics, corneal structure, and pediatric vision research. Her publications highlight applications of AI in retinal diseases, keratoconus treatment, dendritic cell profiling, and pediatric ocular norms. Awards include recognition as an inaugural PhD Champion for UNSW Women in Math and Science. Current projects involve grants from the Perth Eye Foundation (2024–2027) to address eye health disparities. Inaugural PhD Champion, UNSW Women in Math and Science Dr. Tajbakhsh contributes to clinical research, teaching, and outreach, emphasizing diversity in STEM and advancing diagnostics for ocular conditions through interdisciplinary collaborations.
Andrea Curatolo is an Adjunct Research Fellow at the School of Engineering, University of Western Australia, specializing in Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering. He holds a PhD from the same university, focusing on improving optical coherence tomography (OCT) and elastography through optical beam shaping and simulations. His research emphasizes biomedical applications, particularly in ophthalmology and cancer diagnostics, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals in health and innovation. Key areas include corneal biomechanics, retinal imaging, and telehealth technologies like smartphone-based optical palpation for skin and breast tissue analysis. Collaborations span global institutions, advancing non-invasive diagnostic methods. Education: PhD in Optical Imaging Technologies (UWA, 2017); BSc and MSc from Polytechnic of Milan. Research interests integrate OCT, elastography, and machine learning to address challenges in ophthalmic surgery, cancer margin assessment, and telemedicine. His work bridges engineering and clinical needs, with over 46 publications and 1503 citations, reflecting contributions to high-resolution imaging and biomechanical analysis. Recent articles highlight advancements in spatio-temporal OCT (STOC-T) for retinal hemodynamics, chirped flicker optoretinography, and cross-meridian air-puff OCT for keratoconus detection. Innovations in low-cost imaging systems and robotic tool tracking aim to democratize medical diagnostics. His lab develops handheld elastography probes and smartphone-integrated palpation tools, advancing point-of-care solutions. Awards: While no specific honors are listed, his high citation count and h-index (21) underscore peer recognition. Supervised work includes mentoring students on biomechanical and imaging projects.
Sayantan Biswas is a Lecturer in Optometry at Aston University within the College of Health and Life Sciences. His research focuses on myopia progression, glaucoma in myopia, and therapeutic applications of light. He holds a PhD from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and completed postdoctoral training at the Singapore Eye Research Institute. **Education**: - BSc and MPhil in Optometry (Elite School of Optometry) - PhD in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (Chinese University of Hong Kong) - Postdoctoral Fellowship (Singapore Eye Research Institute) **Research Interests**: Myopia control, myopia-glaucoma associations, ocular biometry, and light-based interventions. His work includes developing normative databases for OCT analysis and studying retinal degeneration models. **Awards**: Best Oral Presentation (2024), ARVO Foundation Travel Grants (2021–2024), and international recognition for contributions to vision science. **Advising**: Supervising five PhD students and multiple undergraduates. Active in grant reviews and editorial roles for journals like *Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science*.
