Dr Lisa Dillon
2019, Doctor of Philosophy, Public Health, UNSW
Thesis: Implementation of an exercise-based fall prevention program in older Australians with vision impairment
2015, Master of Special Education (Sensory Disability), The University of Newcastle
2012, Bachelor of Psychology, The University of Newcastle
Lisa Dillon is a Adjunct Associate Lecturer with the School of Optometry and Vision Science and an Honorary Research Fellow at The George Institute for Global Health. Lisa's research centres on designing and implementing accessible programs, with the aim of improving the physical and mental health of older Australians with vision impairment.
Lisa's PhD research examined the implementation of an exercise-based fall prevention program for older Australians with vision impairment in a real-world setting. This research was in collaboration with a community-based organisation involved in data collection and delivery of the program, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. Previously Lisa worked as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at UNSW School of Optometry & Vision Science and prior to that as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist, teaching individuals of all ages with vision impairment to travel safely, confidently and independently in their environment. Lisa brings this background to her research, ensuring her research is meaningful to participants and grounded in the realities of service provision.
Lisa's work involves both qualitative and quantitative research methodology, with a focus on including community partners and end-user perspectives into research design, interpretation and dissemination. Using a strengths-based approach, this program of research seeks to enhance research translation through investigating novel and pragmatic solutions which enhance the physical and mental health of those with vision impairment.
- Cost-effectiveness of low vision services
- Falls risk and low vision
- Mental health and low vision
- Publications
- Media
- Grants
- Awards
- Research Activities
- Engagement
- Teaching and Supervision
Chief investigator
Dillon L, Maiya G A, Keay L, Makoulli M, Dunn H, Vaishali K, Ve R D, Hnade M, Bhat S & Jathanna J S. Epidemiology of fall risk and visual deficits among older people with peripheral neuropathy associated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus UNSW-MAHE Collaborative Research Seed Grants. 2020. $10,000
Dillon L, Gopinath B, Keay L, Liew G, Craig A & Hackett M. Co-design of evidence-based mental wellbeing programs for patients with AMD based on preferences, accessibility and feasibility. SOVS, UNSW, Macular Degeneration Research Grant from the Estate of the late Peter Anthony John Vild. 2020. $20,000
Co-investigator
Keay L, Gopinath B, Dillon L, Lar G, Cleaver D, Clarke A, Craig A. Developing a Mental Health Stepped-Care Program for Older Adults with Vision Loss and Blindness. UNSW Sydney-University of Sydney Memorandum of Understanding in Mental Health, Addiction and Neuroscience Research, Mental Health and Wellbeing Seed Funding Scheme. 2019. $19,947
Keay L, Boon M, Dillon L, Gothwal V. Preventing falls in older people with vision impairment in India. UNSW Faculty of Science – International and Engagement Seed Funding. 2019. $7,000
2020 Australia and New Zealand Falls Prevention Society Travel Fellowship Grant, $4,942
2017-2019 Research Training Program (RTP), UNSW, up to $104,000
2017 Postgraduate research Student Support (PRSS) Scheme, UNSW, $2,600
2014-2015 Masters Degree Sponsorship for Orientation and Mobility Instructors, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, $15,000
PrevenTing Falls in a high risk, vision impaired population through specialist ORientation and Mobility services (PlaTFORM)
Community and Stakeholder perspectives on what mental health programs are appropriate for Australians with vision impairment
My Research Supervision
Co-supervisor: Ashleigh Chandra