Daniel Rafla

Research title: Filling-in the blanks: Perceptual filling-in as a marker of vision loss in diseases of the visual pathway

Supervisors: Associate Professor Sieu Khuu, Dr Lisa Nivison-Smith, Dr Jack Phu

Abstract

Visual perception is the complex process where retinal signals are processed in the visual cortex to generate a perceivable image. To support visually guided behaviour, the visual system is in a constantly active state of interpretation designed to adapt to changes in visual input. One such instance can be observed in the phenomenon known as perceptual filling-in, where the brain identifies regions of missing or incomplete visual information, then acts to fill in that missing information, In the context of disease which harm the visual system, patients may report various changes to their visual perception, which may potentially be influenced by the perceptual filling-in phenomenon. Currently, despite its implications on clinical diagnosis and management, the impact of perceptual filling-in on the accuracy of common visual assessments remains poorly understood. The goal of this thesis is to examine how perceptual filling-in influences our assessment of functional loss of vision in response to disease by exploring quantitative structure-function analyses and novel psychometric testing. Findings from this work may inform the development of more sensitive clinical techniques for detecting vision loss earlier.

Education

• 2014-2018 Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry
• 2020-2023 Master of Philosophy (Vision Science)
• 2024-present Doctor of Philosophy (Vision Science)

Biography

Daniel graduated from the optometry program at Deakin University in 2018 and began working in a corporate practice. In 2020, he began undertaking a Master of Philosophy in Vision Science with a focus on glaucoma which he completed in 2023. In 2024, he began his PhD candidacy with a focus on how the perceptual filling-in effect influences detection of vision loss in diseases of the visual pathway. Additionally, he is also a casual academic with the School of Vision Science and Optometry. Daniel still works as a locum clinical optometrist in various practices throughout the greater Sydney area and Wollongong region.

Awards

American Academy of Optometry Student Travel Fellowship 2023

Conference Attendance

• World Glaucoma Congress 2021
• American Academy of Optometry Annual Meeting 2021
• American Academy of Optometry Annual Meeting 2023

Memberships and Affiliations

School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.