About me:

My research focuses on the contact lens and anterior ocular surface, tear film and lipid layer, ocular infection, antibiotic resistance, and novel antimicrobial agents to counter bacterial resistance. Study designs include basic laboratory experiments, animal models and human clinical trials.

Education:

• PhD in Antimicrobial Contact Lenses, School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of NSW, Australia, 2014
• Post Graduate Fellowship, Clinical Optometry, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India, 2008
• Bachelor in Optometry and Vision Science, West Bengal University of Technology, India, 2007

1. Contact lens-related adverse events, particularly infiltrative events, development of novel antimicrobial agents, antimicrobial peptides, mechanism and activity of antimicrobial peptides, aetiology of development of keratitis
2. Anterior ocular surface and tear film, tear lipid layer, effect of preservatives and surfactants on ocular comfort
3. Development of antibiotic resistance, novel antimicrobial strategies for resistant pathogen, immobilisation of peptides and development of antimicrobial biomaterials

Models include: Laboratory experiments, animal models, Randomized controlled trials (RCT)

Awards and Grants:

• Industry Research Grant (US$62,000) 
• UNSW-India seed funding Grant ($10,000) University of NSW 2018
• Research Infrastructure Grant (as CI $40,372) University of NSW 2018
• Faculty Research Grant ($7,500), University of NSW 2017
• Research Infrastructure Grant (as AI $38,080) University of NSW 2017
• Early Career Research Grant ($15,000), Science faculty, University of NSW 2016
• Brian Kirby Prize for Research Excellence in Optometry, University of NSW 2015
• Major Reseach Equipment and Infrastructure Grant (as CI $96,210), University of NSW 2015
• William C. Ezell fellow – American Academy of Optometry 2013
• Maki Shiobara Scholarship - Optometric Vision Research Foundation (OVRF), Graduate Research School, University of NSW 2012
• University International Post Graduate Award - University of NSW 2010

Professional membership:

• Ezell Club, American Optometric Foundation (AOF)
• Fellow of American Academy of Optometry (FAAO)
• Fellow of British Contact Lens Association (FBCLA)
• Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)