2025 Wins to 2026 Impact in DOVS
As we start 2026, the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences (DOVS) is proud to highlight several awards and grants received by colleagues in late 2025. These achievements are already shaping research, clinical practice, and professional education this year, reflecting our commitment to innovation and impact in vision science.
Future Vision Foundation Grant – Professor Lauren Ayton
Uncovering the significance and impact of Charles Bonnet syndrome in Australia.
Prof Lauren Ayton has recently been awarded a Future Vision Foundation grant as Chief Investigator to support a collaborative project between Australia and the UK, titled “Uncovering the significance and impact of Charles Bonnet syndrome in Australia”.
The project is jointly supported by the University of Melbourne and Vision Eye Institute. Charles Bonnet syndrome involves visual hallucinations following vision loss, and while previous international studies have suggested prevalence could be as high as 50% among some populations with low vision, no Australian data has been collected to date. This research will provide critical evidence on the prevalence and clinical impact of the condition in Australia, raise awareness, inform advocacy efforts, and guide best-practice management for clinicians.
The project team includes world-leading Charles Bonnet syndrome expert A/Prof Jasleen Jolly (Honorary at UOM) from UK (previously Oxford University and Anglia Ruskin University), Dr Jonathan Goh, Dr Thomas Edwards, Dr Bao Nguyen, and Dr Vincent Liu.
MSHS EMCR Seed Grant – Dr Jeremy Chiang
Investigating the dance of corneal immune cells under coloured light to advance dry eye therapy.
Dry eye disease affects millions worldwide, yet much about its underlying mechanisms remains a mystery. Dr Jeremy Chiang is bringing a fresh perspective with his project Choreographing the dance of corneal immune cells to coloured light, supported by the MSHS EMCR Seed Grant. The research will explore how exposure to different coloured lights, an emerging therapy for dry eye disease, modifies the behaviour of immune cells in the cornea. By studying these dynamics in vivo, the project aims to fill a critical knowledge gap in the management of chronic ocular inflammation.
Dr Chiang says: “I feel incredibly grateful for receiving this grant opportunity and to be able to work with Professor Laura Downie and the whole research team on an often-overlooked condition and area of the eye. This grant will have a substantial impact on my development as an early career researcher and help strengthen the industry links I have established for this project. It will also build my leadership and provide valuable pilot data.”
VOTE Trust Grant – Ms Angela Hall
Enhancing optometrists’ confidence and skills in diabetes eye care.
With diabetes eye disease on the rise, optometrists need practical tools to keep up with best practice. Supported by the Victorian Optometrists Training and Education (VOTE) Trust, Ms Angela Hall’s project aims to advance optometrists’ confidence and scope of practice in diabetes eye care. Delivered in collaboration with the Diabetes Eye Screening Investigation Clinic (DESIC) Governance Committee and Melbourne Eyecare Clinic, the project will co-develop an evidence-based clinical protocol alongside targeted professional education.
Ms Hall reflected: “I’m incredibly grateful to the VOTE Trust for supporting this work. Diabetes eye care is a rapidly evolving area, and this grant provides an important opportunity to translate contemporary evidence into practical, confidence-building education for optometrists.”
VOTE Trust Grant – Dr Bao Nguyen
Developing educational resources to upskill optometrists in visual snow syndrome.
Dr Bao Nguyen is tackling a lesser-known neurological condition with big implications for eye health. She received an $8,000 VOTE Trust grant for a collaborative project with the University of Western Australia and Lions Eye Institute, titled “Development of educational resources for optometrists to upskill in visual snow syndrome”.
The project addresses gaps in awareness and understanding of this underrecognised neurological condition among optometrists, developing targeted online resources to support assessment, information, and patient care.
The project team includes Dr Cassie Brooks and Professor Allison McKendrick.
MDHS Innovation Seed Grant – Associate Professor Christine Nguyen
Supporting early detection of Parkinson’s disease through advances in retinal imaging.
A/Prof Christine Nguyen received an MDHS Innovation Seed Grant to support an interdisciplinary project focused on the early detection of Parkinson’s disease through advances in retinal imaging. The project brings together Optometry and Engineering at the University of Melbourne with Neurology at the University of Tasmania.
A/Prof Nguyen said: “It will support some key interdisciplinary work between Optometry and Engineering at the University of Melbourne and Neurology at the University of Tasmania to further our goal to prevent and change the trajectory of Parkinson’s disease.”
The team includes chief investigators Professor David Finkelstein, A/Prof Kris Ehringer, Dr Pei Ying Lee, and Prof Jane Alty.
Melbourne Disability Institute Seed Grant – Dr Bao Nguyen
Addressing the technology needs of people living with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.
Dr Bao Nguyen and her interdisciplinary team across optometry and biomedical engineering (Dr Lachlan Knight and A/Prof Sam John) have been awarded Melbourne Disability Institute seed funding to address the needs of people with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak with custom-technology development, in consultation with consumers with lived experience.
The team hopes that this funding will lead to: “positive impact on the CSF leak community by addressing their specific needs and concerns around self-advocacy and “evidence” gathering to support their healthcare and daily planning.”
GCI EMCR Outstanding Contribution and Impact Award – Dr Bao Nguyen
Dr Nguyen was also recognised with the GCI EMCR Outstanding Contribution and Impact Award, celebrating significant research, education, and translational impact.