Celebrating Excellence in Vision Science: Ezell Fellowship Awards for UNSW Researchers
Published on the 06 November 2025 by Nicola Kapo
Celebrating Excellence in Vision Science: Ezell Fellowship Awards for UNSW Researchers
We are proud to congratulate Soumen Sadhu and Mukesh Kumar, PhD candidates from the UNSW School of Optometry & Vision Science, on receiving prestigious Ezell Fellowships from the American Academy of Optometry Foundation (AAOF). These awards recognise their outstanding contributions to vision science and ocular health research.
Soumen Sadhu: 2025 Rod Tahran Ezell Fellowship (EssilorLuxottica Award)
Soumen Sadhu has been awarded the 2025 Rod Tahran Ezell Fellowship (EssilorLuxottica Award) for his research titled “The ocular surface innate and adaptive immune response in dry eye disease.” His work explores the complex immune mechanisms underlying dry eye disease, aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment strategies for this widespread condition.
Soumen is supervised by Scientia Professor Fiona Stapleton AO, Professor Isabelle Jalbert, and Associate Professor Blanka Golebiowski.
From left to right: Isabelle Jalbert, Soumen Sadhu & Fiona Stapleton
“I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive the 2025 Rod Tahran Ezell Fellowship from the American Academy of Optometry Foundation. This recognition, one of the most prestigious fellowships in optometric research, holds great personal significance to me as it acknowledges my work and dedication to advancing research in ocular surface disorders and eye health. It is also a testament to the importance of translational research and continues to inspire me to contribute to this field through impactful and patient-centred science.”
Mukesh Kumar: 2025 Centennial Ezell Fellowship
Mukesh Kumar has been awarded the 2025 Centennial Ezell Fellowship, one of the most esteemed international honours in vision science. His research investigates how tear film dynamics and contact lens materials influence ocular comfort, with the goal of improving the management of contact lens-related dry eye and enhancing patient care.
Mukesh is supervised by Professor Mark Willcox, Dr Ajay Vijay, and Dr Simin Masoudi.
“Mukesh’s research bridges fundamental science and clinical care,” said Professor Willcox. “This Fellowship recognises his commitment to advancing ocular surface and contact lens science and its potential to improve patient outcomes worldwide.”
“I am truly humbled and privileged to receive the 2025 Centennial Ezell Fellowship, said Mukesh, a recognition that celebrates dedication to advancing vision science. This prestigious honour acknowledges my commitment to ocular surface and contact lens research and motivates me to continue driving innovations that enhance comfort and ocular health. I’m sincerely thankful to the American Academy of Optometry Foundation and my mentors for their constant encouragement and belief in my work.”
These achievements highlight the UNSW School of Optometry & Vision Science’s leadership in vision science and ocular surface research, reinforcing its global impact in advancing eye health and clinical innovation.