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
Publications
Media
Grants
Awards
Research Activities
Engagement
Teaching and Supervision
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 | 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
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
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 & 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
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