Brian Peng

Research Title: How orthokeratology lens parameters influence corneal shape and optical defocus.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Pauline Kang, Professor Isabelle Jalbert, Professor Padmaja Sankaridurg, Dr Arne Ohlendorf

Abstract

Orthokeratology corrects blur associated with myopia by temporarily reshaping the cornea, eliminating the need for daytime visual aids such as spectacles. It has the added benefit of simultaneously introducing optical defocus required to suppress ocular signals that drive myopia progression.

Currently, orthokeratology lenses are fitted using a standard approach without consideration of individual optical defocus requirements needed to control myopia progression, likely contributing to variable treatment effects.

To address this gap, this project aims to investigate the relationship between orthokeratology lens parameters, corneal reshaping, and induced optical defocus to enable industry to enhance the efficacy and applicability of their treatment to a wider population.

Biography

Brian is a therapeutically endorsed optometrist who graduated from UNSW in 2021 with a Bachelor of Vision Science and Master of Clinical Optometry. His interest in myopia began during his final-year research project on environmental myopia, for which he was awarded the Research Project Prize in Master of Clinical Optometry.

He subsequently worked as a clinical optometrist across the NSW/ACT region and as a myopia educator at Myopia Profile, gaining experience in myopia management across clinical practice, research, and industry. In 2026, Brian returned to the School of Optometry & Vision Science to commence an Industry Linked PhD in orthokeratology, through a collaboration between UNSW and ZEISS under the Australian Government’s National Industry PhD Program.

Education

• Doctor of Philosophy—PhD (Optometry), UNSW, 2026–
• Master of Clinical Optometry, UNSW, 2021
• Bachelor of Science (Vision Science), UNSW, 2019

Awards

• National Industry PhD Program (2026)
• Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship (RTP) (2026)
• The Research Project Prize in Master of Clinical Optometry, UNSW (2021)
• IMI Early Career Researcher Award, Brien Holden Vision Institute (BHVI) (2021)

Conference Attendance

• Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting 2025
• Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting 2021

Memberships and Affiliations

• ZEISS Vision
• Myopia Profile