The American Academy of Optometry Foundation has recognised two exceptional PhD students from UNSW Sydney School of Optometry & Vision Science with prestigious Ezell Fellowships. Rehana Khan and Samrat Sarkar have been honoured for their outstanding contributions to optometry research.
UNSW School of Optometry & Vision Science PhD Students Receive Prestigious Ezell Fellowships
The American Academy of Optometry Foundation has recognised two exceptional PhD students from UNSW Sydney School of Optometry & Vision Science with prestigious Ezell Fellowships. Rehana Khan Tajuddin Mohamed Akthar Khan and Samrat Sarkar have been honoured for their outstanding contributions to optometry research.
Rehana Khan Tajuddin Mohamed Akthar Khan, a dedicated researcher, has been awarded the Rod Tahran Ezell Fellowship. Her project focuses on the development of a deep-learning model for predicting systemic and ocular abnormalities from retinal images. Associate Professor Maitreyee Roy, Rehana’s supervisor, expressed her excitement about the fellowship award: “I’m immensely proud of Rehana’s achievements. Her dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm for research makes her a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.” Associate Professor Roy said “by leveraging AI-based algorithms, Rehana’s work holds immense potential for early disease detection and improved health management. This innovative approach bridges ocular features and systemic health potentially revolutionising medical diagnostics.”
Samrat Sarkar, another outstanding PhD student, received the John N. Schoen Ezell Fellowship. His research project delves into the role of near vision behaviour in childhood myopia progression. Dr Pauline Kang, Samrat’s supervisor, commended his ability to conduct high-quality research. “Samrat’s dedication to advancing knowledge in childhood myopia has been recognised by this prestigious American Academy of Optometry Ezell Fellowship,” said Dr Kang. “This award will support Samrat’s research which will directly inform clinicians on how to best manage myopic children.”
The Ezell Fellowships continue to foster excellence in optometry research, and we congratulate Rehana and Samrat on their well-deserved recognition. Their commitment to advancing optometry research is commendable, and we look forward to their continued contributions.