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Research title: Using virtual reality to understand subjective visual judgments in myopia.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Juno Kim, Professor Padmaja Sankaridurg

Co-Supervisor: Dr Nayuta Yoshioka

Research abstract

Myopia, particularly in Asia, has become a significant public health issue. The associated complications of myopia, especially high myopia involving retinal detachment and an increased risk of glaucoma, profoundly impairs quality of life and burdens healthcare systems. Therefore, the prevention and control of myopia in children and young adults is of paramount importance. Current mainstream myopia prevention and control strategies include increasing outdoor activities, optical interventions (e.g., multifocal spectacles, contact lenses, and orthokeratology) and pharmacological treatments like low-dose atropine.

While extensive research has focused on the efficacy of different myopia control methods, there needs to be more understanding regarding patients' subjective responses to myopia control strategies. My research endeavours to bridge the gap between objective efficacy studies and subjective patient responses by utilising virtual reality technology. This research has the potential to generate benefits in improving myopia management by incorporating patient-centered perspectives.

Biography

Xiaona obtained a bachelor’s degree in optometry in China, and in 2022, she was awarded a Master of Optometry degree by UNSW. In 2023, she commenced her PhD studies in Optometry and Vision Science at UNSW. Previously, she worked as an optometrist in an ophthalmic hospital in China. She served as a part-time lecturer, teaching theoretical and practical courses in optometry at a local Chinese university. Her clinical, teaching, and research experiences are focused on myopia management, contact lenses, binocular vision, vision training, and virtual reality. She aims to contribute to myopia management by combining technology with optometry and vision science using multidisciplinary approaches.

Education

PhD candidate (current) – University of New South Wales, Australia

Master of Optometry (High Distinction) – University of New South Wales, Australia

Bachelor of Optometry – Tianjin Medical University, China 

Conference attendance

International Cornea & Contact Lens Congress, Australia (2022)

The 29th International Display Workshops, Japan (2022)

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University International Postgraduate Award (UIPA) at UNSW (2023)

Best paper award at the 29th International Display Workshops (2022)

High-skilled talents (optometry), awarded by Futian District, Shenzhen Municipality Government, China (2021)

Shenzhen Technical Expert Title (optometry), awarded by Human Resources and Social Security Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, China (2020)

Affiliations and memberships

Member of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)

Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)

Member of the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA)

Member of the Cornea and Contact Lens Society of Australia (CCLSA)

Member of the International Myopia Institute (IMI)

Member of the Sensory Processes Innovation Network (SPINet)

Member of the International Academy of Orthokeratology Asia (IAOA)

Member of Optometry high-skilled talents team of Guangdong Province, China

Member of Optometry Association in Guangdong Province, China