Dr Peter Alan Simmons

Dr Peter Alan Simmons

Adjunct Professor
Medicine & Health
School of Optometry and Vision Science

 

Peter A. Simmons, Ph.D. is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Optometry & Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine & Health at UNSW Sdyeny,  Australia. He is also an independent research consultant within the field of Ocular Surface Disease. He recently retired from Allergan (a division of Abbvie), where he held the post of Executive Director of Clinical Development within the Research and Development organization, leading research groups to develop and test new dry eye treatments. Dr. Simmons was at Allergan from 2000 to 2017, and is an inventor of multiple patents, and the author of more than 40 research articles. Prior to Allergan, he was a Professor at the Southern California College of Optometry (Fullerton, California USA), and has also been a Visiting Professor at the Glasgow Caledonian University (Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.). Dr. Simmons received his Ph.D. in Physiology from Yale University (New Haven, Connecticut) in 1980, and completed post-doctoral training at Washington University (St. Louis, Missouri, USA).

 

Phone
+61 2 9385 4639
Location
School of Optometry and Vision Science
  • Book Chapters | 2021
    Simmons PA, 2021, 'Development of Artificial Tears Products for Ocular Conditions', in Ophthalmic Product Development, Springer International Publishing, pp. 547 - 570, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-76367-1_19
    Book Chapters | 2002
    Simmons PA; Kelly W; Prather W; Vehige J, 2002, 'Clinical benefits and physical properties of addition of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose to a multi-purpose contact lens care solution.', in , pp. 981 - 985, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-0717-8_139
  • Journal articles | 2020
    Downie LE; Hom MM; Berdy GJ; El-Harazi S; Verachtert A; Tan J; Liu H; Carlisle-Wilcox C; Simmons P; Vehige J, 2020, 'An artificial tear containing flaxseed oil for treating dry eye disease: A randomized controlled trial', Ocular Surface, 18, pp. 148 - 157, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtos.2019.11.004
    Journal articles | 2019
    Aragona P; Simmons PA; Wang H; Wang T, 2019, 'Physicochemical properties of hyaluronic acid–based lubricant eye drops', Translational Vision Science and Technology, 8, http://dx.doi.org/10.1167/tvst.8.6.2
    Journal articles | 2019
    Lievens C; Berdy G; Douglass D; Montaquila S; Lin H; Simmons P; Carlisle-Wilcox C; Vehige J; Haque S, 2019, 'Evaluation of an enhanced viscosity artificial tear for moderate to severe dry eye disease: A multicenter, double-masked, randomized 30-day study.', Cont Lens Anterior Eye, 42, pp. 443 - 449, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clae.2018.12.003
    Journal articles | 2018
    Martin E; Oliver KM; Pearce EI; Tomlinson A; Simmons P; Hagan S, 2018, 'Effect of tear supplements on signs, symptoms and inflammatory markers in dry eye.', Cytokine, 105, pp. 37 - 44, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cyto.2018.02.009
    Journal articles | 2018
    Wallerstein A; Jackson WB; Chambers J; Moezzi AM; Lin H; Simmons PA, 2018, 'Management of post-LASIK dry eye: a multicenter randomized comparison of a new multi-ingredient artificial tear to carboxymethylcellulose.', Clin Ophthalmol, 12, pp. 839 - 848, http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S163744
    Journal articles | 2017
    Simmons PA; Vehige JG, 2017, 'Investigating the potential benefits of a new artificial tear formulation combining two polymers.', Clin Ophthalmol, 11, pp. 1637 - 1642, http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S135550
    Journal articles | 2016
    Nichols JJ; Lievens CW; Bloomenstein MR; Liu H; Simmons P; Vehige J, 2016, 'Dual-Polymer Drops, Contact Lens Comfort, and Lid Wiper Epitheliopathy.', Optom Vis Sci, 93, pp. 979 - 986, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/OPX.0000000000000878
    Journal articles | 2015
    She Y; Li J; Xiao B; Lu H; Liu H; Simmons PA; Vehige JG; Chen W, 2015, 'Evaluation of a Novel Artificial Tear in the Prevention and Treatment of Dry Eye in an Animal Model.', J Ocul Pharmacol Ther, 31, pp. 525 - 530, http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/jop.2015.0042
    Journal articles | 2015
    Simmons P; Liu H; Chen R; Math FLM; Carlisle C; Vehige J, 2015, 'Clinical evaluation of a dual-polymer rewetting drop: Improved patient-reported outcomes and lid wiper epitheliopathy in contact lens wearers', Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, 38, pp. e33 - e33, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clae.2014.11.050
    Journal articles | 2015
    Simmons PA; Carlisle-Wilcox C; Chen R; Liu H; Vehige JG, 2015, 'Efficacy, safety, and acceptability of a lipid-based artificial tear formulation: a randomized, controlled, multicenter clinical trial.', Clin Ther, 37, pp. 858 - 868, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clinthera.2015.01.001
    Journal articles | 2015
    Simmons PA; Carlisle-Wilcox C; Vehige JG, 2015, 'Comparison of novel lipid-based eye drops with aqueous eye drops for dry eye: a multicenter, randomized controlled trial.', Clin Ophthalmol, 9, pp. 657 - 664, http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S74849
    Journal articles | 2015
    Simmons PA; Liu H; Carlisle-Wilcox C; Vehige JG, 2015, 'Efficacy and safety of two new formulations of artificial tears in subjects with dry eye disease: a 3-month, multicenter, active-controlled, randomized trial.', Clin Ophthalmol, 9, pp. 665 - 675, http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S78184
    Journal articles | 2013
    Garrett Q; Khandekar N; Shih S; Flanagan JL; Simmons P; Vehige J; Willcox MD, 2013, 'Betaine stabilizes cell volume and protects against apoptosis in human corneal epithelial cells under hyperosmotic stress', Experimental Eye Research, 108, pp. 33 - 41, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.exer.2012.12.001
    Journal articles | 2013
    Guillon M; Maissa C; Wong S; Lane A; Simmons P; Vehige J, 2013, 'Effect of lipid-based eyedrops on silicone hydrogel contact lens wear subjective acceptance', Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, 36, pp. e43 - e43, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clae.2013.08.143
    Journal articles | 2013
    Khandekar N; Willcox MDP; Shih S; Simmons P; Vehige J; Garrett Q, 2013, 'Decrease in hyperosmotic stress-induced corneal epithelial cell apoptosis by L-carnitine', Molecular Vision, 19, pp. 1945 - 1956
    Journal articles | 2013
    Madden LC; Tomlinson A; Simmons PA, 2013, 'Effect of humidity variations in a controlled environment chamber on tear evaporation after dry eye therapy.', Eye Contact Lens, 39, pp. 169 - 174, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/ICL.0b013e318283dfc6
    Journal articles | 2013
    Tomlinson A; Madden LC; Simmons PA, 2013, 'Effectiveness of dry eye therapy under conditions of environmental stress.', Curr Eye Res, 38, pp. 229 - 236, http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/02713683.2012.757323
    Journal articles | 2010
    Flanagan JL; Simmons P; Vehige J; Willcox MD; Garrett Q, 2010, 'Role of Carnitine in Disease', Nutrition and Metabolism, 7, pp. 30 - 40, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1743-7075-7-30
    Journal articles | 2010
    Maïssa C; Guillon M; Simmons P; Vehige J, 2010, 'Effect of castor oil emulsion eyedrops on tear film composition and stability.', Cont Lens Anterior Eye, 33, pp. 76 - 82, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clae.2009.10.005
    Journal articles | 2010
    Xu S; Flanagan JL; Simmons P; Vehige J; Willcox MD; Garrett Q, 2010, 'Transport of L-carnitine in human corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells', Molecular Vision, 16, pp. 1823 - 1831
    Journal articles | 2008
    Garrett Q; Xu S; Simmons P; Vehige J; Flanagan JL; Willcox MD, 2008, 'Expression and Localization of Carnitine/Organic Cation Transporter OCTN1 and OCTN2 in Ocular Epithelium', Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 49, pp. 4844 - 4849
    Journal articles | 2008
    Garrett Q; Xu S; Simmons P; Vehige J; Xie RZ; Kumar A; Flanagan JL; Zhao Z; Willcox MD, 2008, 'Carboxymethyl cellulose stimulates rabbit corneal epithelial wound healing', Current Eye Research, 33, pp. 567 - 573
    Journal articles | 2008
    Khanal S; Simmons PA; Pearce EI; Day M; Tomlinson A, 2008, 'Effect of artificial tears on tear stress test.', Optom Vis Sci, 85, pp. 732 - 739, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/OPX.0b013e318181ae1c
    Journal articles | 2008
    Wang J; Simmons P; Aquavella J; Vehige J; Palakuru J; Chung S; Feng C, 2008, 'Dynamic distribution of artificial tears on the ocular surface.', Arch Ophthalmol, 126, pp. 619 - 625, http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archopht.126.5.619
    Journal articles | 2008
    Xu S; Garrett Q; Simmons P; Vehige J; Willcox M, 2008, 'Expression and Localization of Carnitine/Organic Cation Transporter OCTN1 and OCTN2 in Ocular Epithelium', Journal of Proteomics & Bioinformatics, S2, pp. 320 - 321, http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/jpb.s1000229
    Journal articles | 2007
    Garrett Q; Simmons P; Xu S; Vehige J; Zhao ZJ; Ehrmann K; Willcox MD, 2007, 'Carboxymethylcellulose binds to human corneal epithelial cells and is a modulator of corneal epithelial wound healing', Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 48, pp. 1559 - 1567
    Journal articles | 2007
    Khanal S; Tomlinson A; Pearce EI; Simmons PA, 2007, 'Effect of an oil-in-water emulsion on the tear physiology of patients with mild to moderate dry eye.', Cornea, 26, pp. 175 - 181, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/ICO.0b013e31802b492d
    Journal articles | 2007
    Paugh JR; Marsden HJ; Edrington TB; Deland PN; Simmons PA; Vehige JG, 2007, 'A pre-application drop containing carboxymethylcellulose can reduce multipurpose solution-induced corneal staining.', Optom Vis Sci, 84, pp. 65 - 71, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/01.opx.0000254044.94356.23
    Journal articles | 2007
    Simmons PA; Vehige JG, 2007, 'Clinical performance of a mid-viscosity artificial tear for dry eye treatment.', Cornea, 26, pp. 294 - 302, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/ICO.0b013e31802e1e04
    Journal articles | 2005
    Brennan NA; Coles M-LC; Simmons PA; Vehige J, 2005, 'Evidence of Tear Thickness Changes Following Instillation of Tear Lubricants', The Ocular Surface, 3, pp. S49 - S49, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s1542-0124(12)70363-4
    Journal articles | 2004
    Coles M-LC; Brennan NA; Shuley V; Woods J; Prior C; Vehige JG; Simmons PA, 2004, 'The influence of lens conditioning on signs and symptoms with new hydrogel contact lenses.', Clin Exp Optom, 87, pp. 367 - 371, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1444-0938.2004.tb03096.x
    Journal articles | 2003
    Vehige JG; Simmons PA; Anger C; Graham R; Tran L; Brady N, 2003, 'Cytoprotective properties of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) when used prior to wearing contact lenses treated with cationic disinfecting agents.', Eye Contact Lens, 29, pp. 177 - 180, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/01.ICL.0000074106.82322.17
    Journal articles | 2002
    Carlisle C; Felix C; Simmons P; Stoecker J; Vehige J, 2002, 'A NEW EMULSION-BASED DRY EYE TREATMENT: RESULTS OF A CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL.', Optometry and Vision Science, 79, pp. 306 - 306, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00006324-200212001-00568
    Journal articles | 2002
    Coles C; Brennan NA; Shuley V; Woods J; Hall M; Consultants B; Vehige J; Simmons P, 2002, 'THE INFLUENCE OF LENS CONDITIONING ON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS WITH NEW HYDROGEL LENSES.', Optometry and Vision Science, 79, pp. 138 - 138, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00006324-200212001-00263
    Journal articles | 2002
    Thai LC; Tomlinson A; Simmons PA, 2002, 'In vitro and in vivo effects of a lubricant in a contact lens solution.', Ophthalmic Physiol Opt, 22, pp. 319 - 329, http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1475-1313.2002.00042.x
    Journal articles | 2001
    Brennan N; Jaworski A; Shuley V; Coles C; Consultants B; Simmons P; Paugh J, 2001, 'STUDIES OF THE POST-LENS TEAR FILM.', Optometry and Vision Science, 78, pp. 51 - 51, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00006324-200112001-00050
    Journal articles | 2001
    Simmons PA; Donshik PC; Kelly WF; Vehige JG, 2001, 'Conditioning of hydrogel lenses by a multipurpose solution containing an ocular lubricant.', CLAO J, 27, pp. 192 - 194, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11725980
    Journal articles | 2001
    Tomlinson A; Pearce EI; Simmons PA; Blades K, 2001, 'Effect of oral contraceptives on tear physiology', Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 21, pp. 9 - 16, http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1475-1313.2001.00544.x
    Journal articles | 2001
    Tomlinson A; Pearce EI; Simmons PA; Blades K, 2001, 'Effect of oral contraceptives on tear physiology.', Ophthalmic Physiol Opt, 21, pp. 9 - 16, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11220045
    Journal articles | 2000
    Lamotte J; Bergamo N; Neunzig S; Simmons P, 2000, '(CL-168)ADHERENCE OF CYTOTOXIC PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA TO UNWORN HYDROGEL LENSES', Optometry and Vision Science, 77, pp. 177 - 177, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00006324-200012001-00292
    Journal articles | 2000
    Simmons PA; Kelly W; Prather W; Vehige J, 2000, 'CLINICAL BENEFITS AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF ADDITION OF HYDROXYPROPYL METHYLCELLULOSE (HPMC) TO A MULTI-PURPOSE CONTACT LENS CARE SOLUTION.', Cornea, 19, pp. S124 - S124, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00003226-200011002-00175
    Journal articles | 2000
    Simmons PA; Prather W; Vehige J, 2000, '(CL-125)IMPROVEMENT IN WETTING PROPERTIES OF A MULTIPURPOSE CONTACT LENS SOLUTION BY ADDITION OF HYDROXYPROPYL METHYLCELLULOSE (HPMC)', Optometry and Vision Science, 77, pp. 178 - 178, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00006324-200012001-00293
    Journal articles | 2000
    Tomlinson A; Simmons PA; Seal DV; McFadyen AK, 2000, 'Salicylate inhibition of Acanthamoeba attachment to contact lenses: a model to reduce risk of infection.', Ophthalmology, 107, pp. 112 - 117, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0161-6420(99)00055-x
    Journal articles | 1998
    Simmons PA; Tomlinson A; Seal DV, 1998, 'The role of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm in the attachment of Acanthamoeba to four types of hydrogel contact lens materials.', Optom Vis Sci, 75, pp. 860 - 866, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00006324-199812000-00007
    Journal articles | 1996
    Simmons PA; Edrington TB; Lao KF; Concepcion LL, 1996, 'The efficacy of disinfection systems for in-office storage of hydrogel contact lenses', International Contact Lens Clinic, 23, pp. 94 - 98, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0892-8967(96)00029-6
    Journal articles | 1996
    Simmons PA; Edrington TB; Pfondevida CJ; Lee M; Wechsler S, 1996, 'Comparison between evening and morning surfactant cleaning of hydrogel lenses', International Contact Lens Clinic, 23, pp. 172 - 176, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0892-8967(96)00085-5
    Journal articles | 1996
    Simmons PA; Tomlinson A; Connor R; Hay J; Seal DV, 1996, 'Effect of patient wear and extent of protein deposition on adsorption of Acanthamoeba to five types of hydrogel contact lenses.', Optom Vis Sci, 73, pp. 362 - 368, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00006324-199606000-00002
    Journal articles | 1995
    Cook JN; Vehige JG; Simmons PA, 1995, 'COMPARATIVE PASSIVE CLE ANING ABILITY OF TWO MULTIPURPOSE CONTACT LENS CARE SOLUTIONS ON IN VITRO DEPOSITED AND HUMAN WORN SOFT CONTACT LENSES', Optometry and Vision Science, 72, pp. 151 - 151, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00006324-199512001-00254
    Journal articles | 1995
    Craig JP; Simmons PA; Patel S; Tomlinson A, 1995, 'Refractive index and osmolality of human tears.', Optom Vis Sci, 72, pp. 718 - 724, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00006324-199510000-00004
    Journal articles | 1995
    Hay J; Seal DV; Connor R; Simmons PA; Tomlinson A, 1995, 'Disinfection and sonication: Effect on association of Acanthamoeba cysts with an ionic, high-water content hydrogel contact lens', Journal of The British Contact Lens Association, 18, pp. 5 - 8, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0141-7037(95)80042-5
    Journal articles | 1995
    Ly VT; Simmons PA; Edrington TB; Wechsler S; DeLand PN, 1995, 'THE EFFICACY OF HAND-WASHING PROCEDURES ON MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION OF HYDROGEL CONTACT LENSES', Optometry and Vision Science, 72, pp. 174 - 174, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00006324-199512001-00273
    Journal articles | 1995
    Simmons PA; Edrington TB; Lao KF; Le LT, 1995, 'EFFICACY OF DISINFECTION SYSTEMS FOR IN-OFFICE STORAGE OF HYDROGEL', Optometry and Vision Science, 72, pp. 150 - 150, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00006324-199512001-00252
    Journal articles | 1994
    Pfondevida C; Lee M; Simmons PA; Edrington TB; Wechsler S, 1994, 'COMPARISON BETWEEN EVENING AND MORNING SURFACTANT CLEANING OF HYDROGEL CONTACT LENSES', Optometry and Vision Science, 71, pp. 97 - 97, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00006324-199412001-00189
    Journal articles | 1991
    Simmons PA; Levin AJ; Murray JR; Akamine SM; LaMotte JO, 1991, 'Effects of an experimental contact lens disinfectant on rabbit corneal epithelium cultures.', Optom Vis Sci, 68, pp. 369 - 373, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00006324-199105000-00008
    Journal articles | 1988
    Simmons PA; Clough SR; Teagle RH; Jaanus SD, 1988, 'Toxic effects of ophthalmic preservatives on cultured rabbit corneal epithelium.', Am J Optom Physiol Opt, 65, pp. 867 - 873, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00006324-198811000-00003

Key areas of expertise:

  • Dry eye disease
  • Physiology of the ocular tear film
  • Ophthalmic formulations
  • Contact lens care solutions
  • Clinical research design and analysis