Dr Lisa Nivison-Smith | UNSW Research

My Expertise

Optometry, Ophthalmology, Vision Science, Eye disease, Retina, Macular Degeneration

Keywords

Fields of Research (FoR)

Optometry and Ophthalmology, Sensory Systems, Neurosciences, Cell Neurochemistry

SEO tags

Expanding Knowledge in the Medical and Health Sciences

Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences

Hearing, Vision, Speech and Their Disorders

Biography

PHD PROJECTS ON OFFER (Project 1) _{(Sep 2023)}

HONOURS / MASTERS PROJECTS ON OFFER (Project 1, Project 2, Project 3, Project 4) _{(Sep 2023)}

PHD PROJECTS ON OFFER (Project 1) _{(Sep 2023)}

HONOURS / MASTERS PROJECTS ON OFFER (Project 1, Project 2, Project 3, Project 4) _{(Sep 2023)}

My research interests lie in improving early detection, diagnosis and understanding of retinal disease, particularly macular degeneration. I am interested in studying retinal remodeling - a process where the tissue remaining in the diseased retina changes its shape, connections & location. I am trying to detect remodelling with advanced eye imaging devices currently used in clinical practice by optometrists and ophthalmologists as this may help predict which individuals are at most risk of vision loss from macular degeneration. This can lead to better diagnosis and tailored management.

I also work to understand related photoreceptor degenerations such as Retinitis Pigmentosa as well as collaborate with bionic eye engineers at UNSW to design devices that account for remodelling and make them more effective at restoring sight advanced eye imaging technologies.

My current research projects are listed below in My Research Activities. You can also find more information on my research at the Centre For Eye Health Research Group and the Retinal Networks Laboratory

You can also follow my research on Twitter and Facebook

My Grants

2023: Future Vision Foundation: “Follow the unbeaten track – quantifying outer retinal curvature to predict progression to late AMD” Value: $5K
2022: Future Vision Foundation: “OCTA Signal Quality Augmentation using the Isometric Hand-Grip Test to maximize detection of macular neovascularisation in AMD: a double-blind randomized crossover trial. [SQUEEZE trial]” Value: $15K
2022: UNSW RIS Grant: "Spectrals Imaging Platform” Value: $165K
2021: Macular Degeneration Research Grant from the Estate of the late Peter Anthony John Vild: “Get ‘’Outer” Here - Using a novel retinal vasculature analysis to confirm inner retina involvement in age-related macular degeneration” Value: $19K
2020: NHMRC Investigator Grant: "Understanding inner retinal remodelling to improve clinical outcomes for individuals with macular degeneration" Value: $640K
2019: Rebecca L Cooper Foundation: "Novel techniques to improve classification of individuals with macular degeneration" Value: $100K
2019: UNSW RIS Grant: "OCT High Magnification Module" Value: $12K
2018: UNSW RIS Grant: "COMPASS Microperimeter" Value: $55K
2017: UNSW RIS Grant: "Spectralis OCTA" Value: $99K
2016: UNSW Early Career Research Grant: “Late-stage remodelling in retinal degeneration” Value: $8.5K
2015: UNSW Early Career Research Grant: “The metabolic actions of vinpocetine in the treatment of ocular ischaemia” Value: $11K
2015: UNSW MREII Grant: "Tissue Culture Facility" Value: $96K
2014: UNSW Early Career Research Grant: “Transneuronal degradation in the visual cortex of rodents with retinal damage” Value: $10K
2013: UNSW Faculty Research Grant: “Glutamate receptor functionality of bipolar cells in ocular disease” Value: $21K

My Qualifications

FAAO; Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (American Academy of Optometry, 2016)
PhD in Cell Biology/Tissue Engineering (University of Sydney, 2011)
BSc Hons in Molecular Biology and Genetics (University of Sydney, 2006)

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND SERVICE POSITIONS

2021 - Current: Member, ARVO Publications Committee
2018 - 2022: Editor-in-Chief, Vision Re/Habilitation International (formerly the International Journal of Orientation and Mobility)
2017 - Current: Associate Editor, Clinical and Experimental Optometry
2016 - Current: Member, International Society of Eye Research
2016 - Current: Member, American Academy of Optometry
2014 - Current: Member, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthamology
2011- 2016: Member, Australasian Neuroscience Society
2011 - Current: Expert reviewer for Optometry journals (please see Publons for details)

My Awards

2023: UNSW Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Higher Degree Research Supervision - Emerging Supervisor
2021: UNSW Faculty of Medicine Diversity Award
2020: School of Optometry and Vision Science ECR award
2019: UNSW Dean of Science Impact Communication Award
2019: UNSW Presidents Award for Embraces Diversity (as part of the UNSW Women's Science Champions)
2016: Ian Potter travel award, American Academy of Optometry, Anaheim, USA
2015: CASS travel award, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthamology, Seattle, USA
2010: Travel Award, Australian Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Conference, QLD, AUSTRALIA
2010: Poster Prize, Elastin and Elastic Fibers Gordon Research Conference, Biddeford, MA
2008: Poster Prize, Bosch Scientific Meeting, University of Sydney, NSW, AUSTRALIA
2008: Travel Award, Lorne Proteins Conference, VIC, AUSTRALIA
2007: Australian Postgraduate Award
2006: University Medal, University of Sydney, NSW, AUSTRALIA
2006: Roslyn Flora Galston Prize for Biochemistry, University of Sydney, NSW, AUSTRALIA
2006: Honours Scholarship, University of Sydney, NSW, AUSTRALIA

My Research Activities

CURRENT AVAILABLE RESEARCH PROJECTS

1. Determining if the choroid contributes to macular degeneration using a novel measurement parameter

2. Using high density image analysis tools to predict macular degeneration

3. Using the inner retina for detection and diagnosis of macular degeneration

4. Using health psychology techniques to improve compliance of Amsler grid use in individuals with macular degeneration

5. The SQUEEZE project: can a simple hand grip exercise improve imaging of retinal blood vessels?

My Research Supervision

Supervision keywords

Areas of supervision

PhD
Masters
Honours

Currently supervising

Post doc: Dr Matt Trinh
PhD: Ms Rene Cheung
PhD: Ms Meenakshi Kumar
PhD: Ms Natalie Eshow
PhD: Ms Judy Nam
Honours: Mr James Nguyen

My Engagement

Current - Academic Twitter
2020 - Scientists in Libraries Presentation (as part of National Science Week)
2019 - Scientists in Libraries Presentation (as part of National Science Week)
2019 - Editor: UNSW Women Science Champions Blog
2018 - Champion for Sensory Science Exhibition
2018 - Guest blogger for LifeApps
2018 - Scientists in Libraries Presentation (as part of National Science Week)

My Teaching

VISN2111 (Ocular Anatomy and Physiology) Lecturer and Tutor for retinal anatomy and physiology
OPTM3205 (Disease Processes of the Eye 2) Lecturer for diabetes pathophysiology and ocular inflammation
OPTM5171/OPTM5271 (Research Project 5A/B) Research supervisor

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