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.
Dr. Alex Black is an Associate Professor in the School of Optometry & Vision Science at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Faculty of Health. He serves as Course Coordinator for the Master of Optometry program and leads the Vision and Everyday Function research group within QUT's Centre for Vision and Eye Research. His expertise spans vision science, ageing-related vision decline, falls prevention, and driving safety. Dr. Black holds dual qualifications: a PhD in Vision Science (QUT, 2010) and a Masters of Public Health (University of Queensland, 2012). Teaching roles: Coordinates OP85 Master of Optometry program Research focus: Vision impairment impacts on mobility, driving safety, and academic performance Awards: FAAO (Fellow of American Academy of Optometry), FHEA (Fellow of Higher Education Academy) Research highlights include AUD $3.2 million in grants, over 100 publications, and contributions to international journals like Clinical & Experimental Optometry . His work bridges clinical practice and research, addressing real-world issues through innovative studies such as night-time pedestrian safety clothing design and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) usability for older adults. Key collaborations include NHMRC-funded projects on injury prevention and Vision and Driving research laboratory studies. Dr. Black also serves editorial roles for Clinical & Experimental Optometry and peer review activities.
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.
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.
Dr. Saima Ahmad is a Senior Lecturer at RMIT University's School of Management, focusing on cultivating sustainable work environments and investigating leadership's impact on individual well-being. With a PhD in Management from Monash University, her research spans organizational behavior, workplace dynamics, and leadership ethics, addressing critical issues such as bullying, resilience, and digital disruption. She coordinates courses in the RMIT MBA program and serves on editorial boards for the European Management Journal and PLoS One . Education: PhD in Management from Monash University Her research emphasizes positive leadership styles and their influence on employee engagement and organizational sustainability. Recent work explores servant leadership in the construction industry and the role of green human resource management in fostering environmental citizenship. She has pioneered studies on workplace bullying and its mitigation through ethical leadership frameworks. Her scientific awards include the 2022 RMIT GSBL Dean’s Merit Award for HDR Leadership Excellence for her contributions as HDR Coordinator (2022-2024), where she enhanced PhD completion rates and student support systems. She actively supervises Masters and PhD research candidates, focusing on leadership and organizational behavior.
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.
Saiuj Bhat serves as a Clinical Senior Lecturer at The University of Western Australia Medical School within the Department of Surgery. Based at the university's Perth campus (M306, 35 Stirling Highway), Dr. Bhat maintains an active research profile focused on evidence-based surgical practices and ophthalmic epidemiology. Research interests center on systematic reviews and meta-analyses across multiple domains including: Surgical techniques for hand and thumb conditions Indigenous health disparities in ophthalmology Ageing surgeon performance metrics Cataract and refractive error epidemiology Recent work demonstrates strong emphasis on comparative surgical efficacy and health equity in Australian populations. Scientific contributions include: 17 total research outputs comprising 8 articles and 7 review articles h-index of 7 with 444 citations Active collaboration networks across Indigenous health research Dr. Bhat's supervisory and grant activities focus on surgical outcomes research and meta-analytical methodologies, with particular attention to vulnerable populations. Current projects involve multi-institutional studies on cataract surgical coverage and surgeon competency frameworks.
Dr. Lisa Asper is a Professor at the University of New South Wales within the Faculty of Medicine, specifically affiliated with the School of Optometry and Vision Science. Her research focuses on visual perception with particular emphasis on binocular vision disorders and their clinical implications. Dr. Asper earned her OD from Southern California College of Optometry in 1980 and completed her PhD at UNSW in 2004. Her academic journey has positioned her as a leading researcher in vision science with expertise spanning clinical optometry and neuroscience. Her primary research interests include binocular summation in amblyopia, perceptual learning, yoked prism effects, and the repeatability of binocular vision testing procedures. She has recently expanded her research focus to investigate visual perception in early dementia and the impact of digital devices on visual health. Her work bridges fundamental vision science with clinical applications, particularly examining visual perception in vulnerable populations including the elderly and those with ocular diseases. Analysis of Dr. Asper's recent publications reveals a strong focus on neuro-ophthalmic assessment, particularly examining how traumatic brain injury affects visual processing and eye movement control. Her research also addresses contemporary issues related to digital device usage and its impact on visual comfort and binocular function. The interdisciplinary nature of her work spans vision science, neuroscience, optometry, and clinical rehabilitation. Dr. Asper leads the Sensory Processes Research Laboratory and maintains active membership with Optometry Australia. Her research demonstrates a consistent commitment to understanding fundamental visual processes while addressing clinically relevant questions that impact patient care. Her laboratory group has supervised numerous PhD and Honours students on projects related to perceptual learning, vertical yoked prisms, binocular vision testing, and the relationship between digital device usage and visual discomfort. Dr. Asper's work with the Sensory Processes Research Laboratory has established important connections between basic visual science and clinical applications in optometry.
Boris Beranger is a Senior Lecturer in Statistics and Data Science at the School of Mathematics and Statistics, UNSW Sydney . He is also a member of the UNSW Data Science Hub (uDASH) and previously served as an Associate Investigator at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers (ACEMS) . His research spans theoretical and applied statistics, focusing on Extreme Value Theory (environmental, financial, and insurance applications) and Symbolic Data Analysis (complex/non-standard data structures). Education: PhD in Statistics (Université Pierre and Marie Curie & UNSW, 2016), MSc in Mathematics (Université Pierre and Marie Curie, 2011) Research Trends are evident in: High-dimensional extremal dependence modeling (ExtremalDep package) Spatial extremes and max-stable processes Symbolic/histogram/interval-valued data analysis Composite likelihood and aggregated data methods Tail density estimation via kernel methods Scientific Awards & Grants include: J.B. Douglas Award for Postgraduate Excellence (2014) Multiple ARC ACEMS Research Support Schemes Discovery Project DP220103269 ($405,000) for modeling real-world extremes Supervision covers PhD, Masters, and Honours students in areas like Symbolic Data Analysis, Spatial Extremes, and Statistical Computing. He also co-organized workshops and served as Vice-President (2025-26) of the Statistical Society of Australia's NSW Branch.
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.
Dr Jessica K. Mountford serves as an Adjunct Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia Medical School within the Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, which is affiliated with the Lions Eye Institute. She also holds an Adjunct Appointment at La Trobe University. Currently, she is the 6th Brian King Fellow at the Lions Eye Institute in Perth, a position held from February 2021 to February 2024. Dr Mountford earned her PhD in Clinical Haematology from Monash University in Melbourne in 2012, with her dissertation titled 'Defining the role of class II Phosphoinositide 3-Kinases in platelet function.' Prior to her current positions, she worked as a Research Officer at Monash University's Australian Centre for Blood Diseases (May 2012-December 2013) and as a Post-doctoral Researcher with the Neuroecology Group at the University of Western Australia (January 2013-July 2017). Her primary research focuses on investigating the genetic and environmental causes of early-onset myopia (short-sightedness), with particular attention to how COVID-19 lockdowns have influenced the growing prevalence of myopia in children. She utilizes zebrafish models to study complex gene-environment interactions responsible for myopia development. Additional research interests include evolutionary genetics, visual and non-visual opsin and light detection, and platelet biology. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a strong focus on vision science, particularly myopia genetics, opsin research, and refractive error mechanisms. Her work spans evolutionary biology, molecular genetics, and clinical ophthalmology, with significant contributions to understanding visual adaptation in diverse species from deep-sea fish to reptiles and primates. Her research demonstrates interdisciplinary connections between genetics, environmental factors, and visual system development. Western Australian Near-miss Award Brian King Fellowship (2021-2024) Telethon 7 funding Lions Save Sight Foundation W.A. support Australian Vision Research funding Perpetual Philanthropy Program support Dr Mountford serves as a Primary Honours supervisor for the UWA School of Biomedical Sciences (2022). Her research is funded by multiple sources including the Department of Health (Western Australia) for the project 'Genetic and environmental influences on the development of myopia: addressing a rising global prevalence post-pandemic' (2023-2024), and the Ophthalmic Research Institute of Australia for 'Establishing zebrafish morpholino as a model to study early-onset myopia' (2022). She has received significant media attention with her work picked up by 104 news outlets and referenced in 7 Wikipedia pages. Her research is conducted through the Lions Eye Institute in Perth, where she holds her Brian King Fellowship position. The institute provides the primary infrastructure for her work on myopia and vision research. She collaborates extensively with researchers across multiple institutions as evidenced by her co-authorship on high-impact publications in journals like Science, with one paper receiving over 150 Scopus citations and significant social media attention (2,522 shares/comments).
Dr. Maria Markoulli is an Associate Professor and Optometrist at the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). She serves as Director of Learning and Teaching and previously held the position of Postgraduate Coordinator from 2017-2022. Dr. Markoulli is also the Academic Lead for the UNSW Dry Eye Clinic and serves as Deputy Editor for Clinical and Experimental Optometry. Dr. Markoulli's research program focuses on the tear film and cornea as accessible windows to better characterize, diagnose, and monitor ocular and systemic diseases. Her primary research interests include tear film biochemistry, ocular surface disease, dry eye disease, meibomian gland dysfunction, and the impact of systemic diseases such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and chemotherapy on corneal nerves and tear film composition. She also investigates contact lens-related adverse events and nutritional influences on ocular health. Analysis of Dr. Markoulli's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the intersection of systemic diseases and ocular surface health, with particular emphasis on diabetes and neuropathy. Her research employs advanced techniques including in-vivo corneal confocal microscopy to examine nerve morphology and tear film biomarkers. There is a clear progression toward more translational research, with increasing focus on therapeutic interventions including pharmacological approaches (SGLT2 inhibitors, metformin), nutraceuticals, and microbiome-based treatments for dry eye disease. Australian Council of Graduate Research Excellence in Graduate Research Leadership: Special Commendation (2022) UNSW Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Higher Degree Research Leadership (2021) UNSW ARC Postgraduate Supervisor Award (2019) UNSW Women in Maths and Science Champion (2019) UNSW Vice-Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence (2017) Dr. Markoulli has demonstrated exceptional leadership in research supervision, receiving multiple awards for her mentorship of graduate students. She has served on numerous committees including the TFOS Young Investigator committee, TFOS International Workshop on Contact Lens Discomfort Subcommittee, and TFOS Dry Eye Workshop II Subcommittee. Her research has been supported by various grants including the UNSW Early Career Researchers grant and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation travel grant. She actively contributes to the academic community as a board member of The Optical Foundation and through editorial work as Deputy Editor of Clinical and Experimental Optometry. Dr. Markoulli leads the Ocular Surface Research group at UNSW, which focuses on dry eye disease, contact lenses, corneal innervation, and symptoms. Her team collaborates with researchers across disciplines to investigate biomarkers of ocular surface disease related to diabetes, obesity, nutrition, multiple sclerosis, migraines, and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The research group maintains strong connections with international organizations including the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) and professional associations worldwide.
Chris Hodge is a Senior Research Fellow and clinical senior lecturer at the University of Sydney's School of Medical Sciences, affiliated with the Save Sight Institute. He holds roles as lecturer and tutor in the Cataract & Refractive Surgery Diploma and supervises medical students at other universities. His research focuses on corneal diseases, cataract surgery, IOL technology, laser refractive surgery, and concussion-related visual disturbances. He has published over 120 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, with notable contributions to keratoconus research and corneal bioengineering. Education: PhD in keratoconus epidemiology (Australian population). Research Interests: Cataract surgery innovations, intraocular lens power calculations, laser refractive techniques, corneal disease mechanisms (keratoconus, bioengineering), and concussion's visual impacts. Active in translational research, including biomaterial development for corneal injuries and contamination reduction in tissue banking. Grants & Projects: 2022: Future Vision Foundation grant for using discarded surgical tissue in transparent endothelium fabrication. 2019: NHMRC Ideas Grant for a collagen-based ocular healing material. Labs & Teams: Collaborates with the Save Sight Institute and Vision Eye Institute as clinical research coordinator. Engages in multidisciplinary projects combining surgical innovation and biomaterial science.
