
Research title: Using virtual reality to understand subjective visual judgments in myopia.
Supervisors: Associate Professor Juno Kim, Professor Padmaja Sankaridurg
Co-Supervisor: Dr Yoshioka Nayuta
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. I seek to gain valuable objective insights into patients' experiences and preferences by utilising immersive and interactive virtual reality environments. This research has the potential to generate benefits in improving myopia management by incorporating patient-centered perspectives.
Biography
Xiaona Ping 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 student (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)
Awards
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 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
Xiaona Ping, David Pye. (2023). A proposed methodology for conducting a remote rigid gas permeable contact lens consultation. Contact Lens & Anterior Eye.
Leyla Haghzare, Xiaona Ping, Matthew Arnison, David Monaghan, Vanessa Honson, Juno Kim. (2023). Digital fabrics for online shopping and fashion design. Frontiers in Virtual Reality.
Conferences
Xiaona Ping, David Pye. Tools for Conducting a Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lens Examination Remotely. International Cornea & Contact Lens Congress. Abstract & Poster, Oct 2022.
Kim J, Wagner P, Ranjan R, Cai YY, Ping XN, Iwasaki S, Palmisano S. Using Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation (GVS) to Enhance User Experiences in HMD-Based Virtual Reality. The 29th International Display Workshops. Conference paper, Dec 2022.