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BIOGRAPHY

Nebiyat Feleke Adimassu is an Optometrist who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Optometry from the University of Gondar in 2012. He earned his Master of Science in Clinical Optometry in 2016. Prior to starting his PhD, he worked as a lecturer, researcher, clinician, and community service provider at the University of Gondar Ethiopia. He has been involved with both clinical and public health research projects in the ophthalmic area for the last 8 years.

He has a particular interest in ocular surface disorders including meibomian gland dysfunction and has experience in diagnosing and managing infectious and non-infectious ocular diseases. Furthermore, he has clinical experience in both paediatric and geriatric optometry practice. He has published many peer-reviewed articles in reputable and high impact international journals.

In 2024, he obtained a University International Postgraduate Award (UIPA) scholarship from UNSW to undertake a PhD in Optometry. His PhD project is to understand functional and anatomical changes following treatment for MGD.

Research title: Functional and anatomical changes following treatment for Meibomian gland dysfunction.

Supervisors:  Scientia Professor Fiona Stapleton and Associate Professor Jacqueline Tan-Showyin 

Research Abstract            

Meibomian glands are large sebaceous glands found in the eye which secrete meibum composed of lipids and proteins. The lipid component protects the tear from evaporating which is essential to maintain tear film and ocular surface integrity.

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a chronic, diffuse abnormality of the meibomian glands, characterized by terminal duct obstruction and/or qualitative/quantitative changes in the glandular secretion. MGD is highly prevalent worldwide and is the major cause of evaporative dry eye disease.

Alteration of human meibomian gland morphology, function and meibum composition plays a role in the pathophysiology of MGD. Once gland disruption occurs, the quality and quantity of meibum are altered, which has negative impacts on the ocular surface and quality of life. Increased tear evaporation, tear hyperosmolarity, ocular surface staining, and inflammation, as well as symptomatic irritation of the eyelid and globe, and reduced vision have been reported.

Studies have reported on the efficacy and safety of different treatments for MGD. However, little is understood about the natural history of the disease, as well as morphological and functional changes of the meibomian glands and meibum constituents after administering treatments. Understanding the natural time course of the disease and potential mechanisms of action of planned treatments will be beneficial for improving management strategies for MGD.