Meet Dr Shyam Sunder Tummanapalli, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow within the School of Optometry and Vision Science at UNSW.

His special interest has been in identifying ocular surface biomarkers relevant to the early detection of neurological disorders. His PhD research identified ocular surface neuropeptides as a non-invasive biomarker for nerve damage in people with diabetes. This work was critical as it allows early detection and may prevent the progression of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a condition that causes recurring ulcers of the feet and in severe cases require amputation.

He has been recognised with a Dean's Award for his Outstanding PhD Thesis entitled "Evaluation of corneal nerves & tear neuromediators in diabetic peripheral neuropathy". His current research aims to investigate the ocular surface changes in people with diabetes-associated dry eyes, Multiple Sclerosis and Migraines.

For more information on Shyam and the research he is undertaking, please see here: https://bit.ly/3vJVFo6