Vision Loss and Healthy Ageing Group

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 aim 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 tackle the key 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 healthcare 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 at the Association for Research and Vision in Ophthalmology (ARVO), the World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, and the International Symposium of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA). 

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