Population growth and ageing will increase the number of people with vision loss. Vision loss presents unique functional, physical, emotional and social challenges for people as they age. The primary goal of our research is to investigate the mechanisms that promote or inhibit healthy ageing in people with vision loss. This understanding informs the design, implementation and evaluation of pragmatic health promotion interventions which aim to tackle the major issues faced by this population.
The major areas of research in the vision loss and healthy ageing research group are:
-
Falls, injuries and physical health
-
Mental health
-
Driver safety
-
Cost effectiveness of orientation and mobility training
We use multi-methodological approaches to achieve our research goals. This includes epidemiologic studies, in-depth qualitative inquiries, large scale data-linkage using health data, implementation science principles and co-production with community partners and end-users. Our multidisciplinary research group includes leading epidemiologists and health care practitioners in the areas of optometry, psychology, and medicine.
Our researchers have published their findings in international journals and presented at prestigious international conferences, including the Association for Research and Vision in Ophthalmology (ARVO) meeting, the World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion and the International Symposium of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA).
Current local members
Professor Lisa Keay, Role: Professor
Ms Lisa Dillon, Role: Research Associate
Dr Mei-Ying Boon, Role: Research Associate
Dr Sharon Oberstein, Role: Research Associate
Ms Helen Nguyen, Role: Research Assistant
Ms Jade Chang, Role: PhD student
Mr Ye Peng Peng, Role: PhD student
External Associates
A/Prof Bamini Gopinath, University of Sydney
Prof Maree Hackett, The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW
Dr Lil Deverell, Swinburne University
Dr Vijaya Gothwal, Visiting Professor, SOVS UNSW Sydney, LV Prasad Eye Institute, India
A/Prof Anne Tiedemann, University of Sydney
Prof Cathie Sherrington, University of Sydney
A/Prof Kris Rogers, The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW
Prof Pradeep Ramulu, Johns Hopkins University
Prof Peter McCluskey, Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney
Prof Lindy Clemson, University of Sydney
Prof Rebecca Ivers, UNSW
Prof Stephen Jan, The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW
Dr Maoyi Tian, The George Institute for Global Health, China
Prof Kathleen Clapham, Australian Health Services Research Institute, The University of Wollongong
Prof Judy Simpson, The University of Sydney