About me:

Working with the School of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Department of Ophthalmology and Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics (UNSW), my current research is looking at the microbial community characteristics in terms of identity, complexity and biogeography, of the conjunctiva and eyelid using both traditional microbial culture and culture-independent DNA analysis (sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene) to determine what constitutes the core and transient microbiome of the eye and how microbial communities change over time. This research will help in understanding the microbe-host interactions that take place in the eye and whether this influences the aetiology of ocular conditions such as dry eye, blepharitis and corneal infections. These findings will provide directions for further study into alterations inflicted on the ocular microbial profile through prolonged prophylactic antibiotic therapy (e.g. due to cataract surgery) and preserved medications in chronic disease (e.g. glaucoma).

My current research is also investigating the impact of dry eye disease on the ocular surface microbiome and the effect of face mask wear on the microbiota on the eye and contact lens surface.

My previous research focused on investigating strategies for reducing contact lens-related inflammatory and infectious adverse events during extended wear of silicone hydrogel contact lenses. I have also been extensively involved in the clinical assessment of novel antibacterial contact lenses including lenses coated/impregnated with silver, selenium, fimbrolide and melimine.

EDUCATION

PhD (UNSW, 2015)

BOptom Hons (UNSW, 1990)

RESEARCH

• Determine what constitutes the core and transient microbiome of the eye and how microbial communites change over the eye's microhabitats
• Assess the effect of antibiotic therapy on the ocular microbiota
• Investigate differences in the microbial communities in patients with dry eye diease and meibomian gland dysfunction

TEACHING

Course Convener 

OPTM3233 Working in the Clinical Environment

Lecturer

OPTM6421 Binocular Vision, Paediatrics and Low Vision

OPTM4251 Ocular Therapeutics 4

OPTM3131 Ocular Disease 3 

Professional affiliations and service positions

Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)

International Society for Contact Lens Research (ISCLR)

International Ocular Inflammation Society (IOIS)

Optometry Australia (OA)

AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS

Academic Excellence Award, Faculty of Medicine & HealthScience, University of New South Wales , 2023

Early-Career Academic Award, Faculty of Science, University of New South Wales , 2021

National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Early Career Fellowship - Peter Doherty Australian Biomedical Fellowship, 2016- 2020

The Brian Kirby Prize for Research Excellence in Optometry, University of New South Wales, 2016

Teaching Fellowship Award, School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, 2014

Research Groups

• Ocular Surface Research (Inc. Dry Eye and Contact Lenses)

Research Topics

• Contact lens related infection: epidemiology, microbiology and microbial pathogenesis, resistance to antimicrobials
• Dry eye: contact lens wear, innervation and symptoms, sex hormones