Join Ayisha in celebrating the power of support and determination in achieving dreams. Her journey is filled with resilience, mentorship, and passion. Discover how she overcame challenges to excel in Optometry and research, and be inspired by the incredible mentors who guided her along the way.
Growing up in a community where women's education was often undervalued, I never imagined my journey would lead me to where I am today. However, my parents' unwavering support ensured that I pursued higher education, and I am truly blessed to be where I stand now.
From a young age, I was passionate about pursuing higher studies in medicine. When circumstances prevented me from following that path, my female physician introduced me to the field of Optometry, opening a new door of possibilities. I completed my Bachelor's degree in Optometry and aspired to pursue Binocular Vision as my area of specialization during my postgraduation. However, due to different circumstances, I had to shift my focus to Uveitis instead.
After completing my postgraduation, I began working as an Optometrist in an eye hospital. My passion for research remained strong, leading me to get involved in various projects related to eye imaging and present my work at national conferences. One of the most dedicated women I encountered in my career is Dr. Revathy Mani, who became my mentor and now serves as my co-supervisor, she was an inspiring figure who motivated me to pursue my interest in Binocular Vision and Neuro-Optometry. She allowed me to work on brain injury-related projects, which we presented at conferences. I owe much of my professional journey to her unwavering guidance and support.
Dr. Jameel Rizwana Hussaindeen provided valuable mentorship, assisting me in joining the Binocular Vision/Vision Therapy Clinic- finally fulfilling my long-held passion and completing my fellowship in Neuro-Optometry (FNO). She encouraged me to deliver lectures to undergraduate and postgraduate students and inspired me to become a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO). Beyond professional mentorship, Dr. Rizwana's teachings on yoga and mindfulness helped me navigate personal challenges, transforming me into a more optimistic and balanced individual. I am eternally grateful for her invaluable influence on my life.
Over eleven years, I gained clinical exposure in multiple departments, such as Neuro-Ophthalmology, Paediatric Ophthalmology, Cornea, Retina, Uvea, Glaucoma, and Retinal Diagnostics. I also contributed as a lecturer, and supervised master’s students conducting clinical research on non-strabismic binocular vision anomalies, strabismus, brain injury, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases. I also published peer-reviewed articles and contributed to book chapters. In addition, I served as a facilitator and speaker at various webinars and workshops. I was awarded the Best Optometrist at the eye hospital in 2015 and received the Best Scientific Poster Award at the Elite International Vision and Optometry Conference (EIVOC) in the same year.
After eleven years, I embarked on an international journey to pursue my PhD at UNSW. This decision came with significant challenges, especially leaving my four-year-old child with my family back home. Despite the emotional hurdles, my dedication to research kept me moving forward. Under the guidance of my supervisors, I gained knowledge in meta-analysis, experimented with MATLAB, and attended prestigious conferences like WCO 2023 and ARVO 2024. I also became an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA). Throughout my PhD journey, remarkable women like Dr. Revathy Mani and Associate Professor Ann Webber have been my constant sources of encouragement, while Associate Professor Sieu Khuu's humility and positivity, have been truly inspiring. At this moment, I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the men in my life—mentors, family, colleagues, and friends—whose unwavering support has been with me at every turn.
On this International Women's Day, I want to give a big shout-out to all the incredible women out there. Women play multiple roles—as daughters, sisters, wives, mothers and friends—often dedicating themselves to their families. However, it's essential for every woman to nurture her passions and recognize her potential to balance both personal and professional life. A fulfilling career can be achieved with a positive attitude, self-love, goal setting, continuous skill development, expanding professional networks, and embracing a harmonious work-life balance.
I am deeply grateful to all the women who inspired and shaped my journey. Thank you to UNSW School of Optometry & Vision Science, for this wonderful opportunity to share my story on this special occasion.
