Dr Simin Masoudi

Dr Simin Masoudi

Adjunct Lecturer
Medicine & Health
School of Optometry and Vision Science

Simin is a Senior Research Associate at the School of Optometry and Vision Science. In 2015, she completed her PhD at the University of New South Wales. Her current post-doctoral research focuses on tear film biochemistry, which involves using advanced analytical techniques to investigate lipids in tears. Her research in the field of lipidomics aims to identify lipids in human tears, explore their antibacterial properties, examine their role in destabilising tears in dry eye disease, and investigate their effect on eye discomfort caused by contact lenses.

Simin’s current line of research is aligned with her previous work in tear proteomics and developing a novel mass-spectrometry analytical method that allowed for simultaneous ex-vivo quantification of multiple tear proteins in minute sample volumes. Application of the method was confirmed in the characterisation of tear proteomic changes in contact lens discomfort.

Education:

  • PhD in The Tear Biochemistry, School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of NSW, Australia
  • Bachelor Science Honours Degree in Chemistry, Beheshti University, Iran
  • Graduate Diploma, Medical Cytotechnology, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
  • Higher Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Research Areas:

Simin’s primary research interest is in the application of mass spectrometry to the analysis of biologically relevant molecules.

Specific areas of interest include:

  • Lipidomics
  • Proteomics
  • Contact lens-related discomfort
  • disease biomarkers
  • Ocular microbiome

Currently seeking research volunteers for the following projects:

https://www.optometry.unsw.edu.au/sites/default/files/documents/HC190521_Recruitment%20Advertisement%20contact%20lenses%20change.pdf

Awards and Grants:

  • The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Travel Grant 2014
  • Brien Holden Vision Institute Travel Award, 2014
  • Brien Holden Vision Institute Travel Award, 2013
  • UNSW Tuition Fee Remission Scholarship (TFR) 2010 to 2014
  • Faculty of Science Tuition Fee Stipend Scholarship, UNSW, 2010 to 2014
  • Postgraduate Research Support Scheme (PRSS) Award, UNSW, 2013

Professional membership:

  • Tear Film Ocular Surface Society (TFOS)
  • Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
  • American Academy of Optometry (AAO)

Books (translated/published)

  • A Guide to Contact Lens Management. Noel A. Brennan PhD, Adrian S. Bruce PhD. CIBA Vision Group of Companies, Third Edition, Persian translation 2004, CIBA Vision March 2005
  • A Guide to Contact Lens Management. Noel A. Brennan PhD, Adrian S. Bruce PhD. CIBA Vision Group of Companies 1993, translated in 1993

Invited lectures

  • Tear film in Symptomatic and asymptomatic contact lens wearers. Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting, Colorado, Denver, USA. May, 2015
  • Changes in tear proteins in contact lens discomfort, Diurnal changes of lipid inflammatory mediators in human tears with and without contact lenses, the International Conference on the Tear Film & Ocular Surface: Basic Science and Clinical Relevance (TFOS), Taormina, Italy, September 2013
  • Diurnal changes of human tear proteins with and without contact lenses and their correlation with ocular comfort, The International Society for Contact Lens Research (ISCLR), Kyoto, Japan, August 2013

Abstracts/presentations at conferences

  • Simin Masoudi, Todd Mitchell, Mark Willcox, In vitro lipid deposition and extraction from two silicone hydrogel contact lenses; Accepted for presentation. Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting, Seattle, Washington, USA. May 1-5, 2016
  • Mark DP Willcox, Jennifer T Saville, Athira Rohit, Simin Masoudi, Todd W Mitchell, Stephen J Blanksby, The Effect of Contact Lens Wear on Concentration of Phospholipids in the Tear Film; British Contact Lens Association Conference. Liverpool, England. 29-31 May 2015
  • Mark Willcox, Simin Masoudi, Athira Rohit, Simon Brown, Todd Mitchell. The effect of tear collection and processing on the tear film lipidome. Academy, Denver, USA.  November 2014
  • Simin Masoudi, Mark Willcox, Tear Proteins and Contact Lens Discomfort. Ocular Surface Science and Dry-Eye Conference, Sydney, Australia. 25-27 July 2014
  • Simin Masoudi, Fiona Stapleton, Todd Mitchell, Mark Willcox. Diurnal variations of human tear lipids. ARVO Annual Meeting, Orlando, Florida, USA. May 4-8, 2014
  • Simin Masoudi, Fiona Stapleton, Mark Willcox. Diurnal changes of lipid inflammatory mediators in human tears with and without contact lenses. The International Conference on the Tear Film & Ocular Surface: Basic Science and Clinical Relevance (TFOS), Taormina Italy, September 2013
  • Simin Masoudi, Jennie Diec, Fiona Stapleton, Thomas Naduvilath, Mark Willcox. Diurnal changes of human tear proteins with and without contact lenses and their correlation with ocular comfort. International Society for Contact lens, Kyoto Japan, August 2013
  • Simin Masoudi, Ling Zhong, Mark Raftery, Mark Willcox, Method development for analysis of tear proteins using Multiple Reaction Monitoring. Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting, Seattle, Washington, USA. May 5-9, 2013
  • Mark DP Willcox, Negar Babei Omali, Simin Masoudi, Use of Multiple Reaction Monitoring Mass Spectrometry to Identify and Quantify Proteins in the Tear Film and in Contact Lens Deposits. 16th Symposium on the Material Science and Chemistry of Contact lenses. New Orleans, Louisiana, 14-16 November 2012
  • Simin Masoudi, Zhenjun Zhao, Amali Ariyavidana, Jennie Diec, Pauline Xu, Mark Willcox, Contact lens wear-induced ocular discomfort and changes to inflammatory mediators in human tears. British Contact Lens Association (BCLA), 2012.
  • Hua Zhu, Ajay K. Vijay, Jerome Ozkan, Duojia Wu, Simin Masoudi, Roya N. Borazjani, Mark D. Willcox. The Influence of Lens Wear on Bacterial Adhesion to Silicone Hydrogel Lenses. Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. May 1 - 5, 2011.
  • H. Zhu, R. Bandara, S. Masoudi, D. Wu, M.D.P. Willcox. Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of A Multipurpose Solution against Clinical Microbial Isolates. Poster. British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) Annual meeting, Birmingham, UK. May 27-30, 2010.
  • Mahesh Bandara, Simin Masoudi, Hua Zhu, Mark DP Willcox. (2009) Disinfection efficacy of protamine against ocular pathogens. Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. May 3 -7, 2009.
  • Zhu, H., Bandara, M., Kumar, A., Masoudi, S., Wu, D., Willcox, M.D.P. (2008) Contribution of regimen steps to efficacy of multipurpose solutions used to disinfect silicone hydrogel contact lenses. 18th International Congress of Eye Research (ICER), Beijing. 24-29 September, 2008.
  • Hume, E., Masoudi, S., Zhu, H., Cole, N., Willcox, M.D.P. (2007) Is the current ISO for Contact Lens Disinfection Sufficient? International Society for Contact Lens Research, 14th Scientific Meeting, Whistler, Canada. 12-17 August, 2007

 

Research Groups

Research Topics

  • Dry eye: contact lens wear, innervation and symptoms, sex hormones

Tear film biochemistry, ocular homeostasis and pathology

Phone
+61 2 9385 9227
Location
School of Optometry and Vision Science Level 3, Room 3.060 North Wing, Rupert Myers Building
  • Journal articles | 2024
    Iqbal F; Stapleton F; Masoudi S; Papas EB; Tan J, 2024, 'Meibomian Gland Shortening Is Associated With Altered Meibum Composition', Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 65, http://dx.doi.org/10.1167/iovs.65.8.49
    Journal articles | 2024
    Maulvi FA; Desai DT; Kalaiselvan P; Dumpati S; Kuppusamy R; Masoudi S; Shah DO; Willcox MDP, 2024, 'Lipid-based eye drop formulations for the management of evaporative dry eyes', Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, 47, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clae.2024.102154
    Journal articles | 2024
    Maulvi FA; Parmar MB; Shetty KH; Patel AR; Desai BV; Vyas BA; Desai DT; Kalaiselvan P; Masoudi S; Shah DO; Willcox MDP, 2024, 'Role of micelle dynamics in enhancing cyclosporine uptake in hyaluronic acid-contact lenses for improved critical lens properties in dry eye management', Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 688, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2024.133550
    Journal articles | 2022
    Masoudi S; Willcox M, 2022, 'Development of an enzymatic method for the evaluation of protein deposition on contact lenses', Biofouling, 38, pp. 84 - 99, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08927014.2021.2019225
    Journal articles | 2022
    Masoudi S, 2022, 'Biochemistry of human tear film: A review', Experimental Eye Research, 220, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.exer.2022.109101
    Journal articles | 2021
    Masoudi S; Mitchell TW; Willcox MD, 2021, 'Profiling of non-polar lipids in tears of contact lens wearers during the day', Experimental Eye Research, 207, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.exer.2021.108567
    Journal articles | 2021
    Masoudi S; Willcox M, 2021, 'A method for studying lipid adsorption to silicone hydrogel contact lenses', Biofouling, 37, pp. 862 - 878, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08927014.2021.1978433
    Journal articles | 2021
    Willcox M; Keir N; Maseedupally V; Masoudi S; McDermott A; Mobeen R; Purslow C; Santodomingo-Rubido J; Tavazzi S; Zeri F; Jones L, 2021, 'CLEAR - Contact lens wettability, cleaning, disinfection and interactions with tears', Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, 44, pp. 157 - 191, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clae.2021.02.004
    Journal articles | 2018
    Masoudi S; Stapleton F; Willcox M, 2018, 'Erratum: Differences in tear film biochemistry of symptomatic and asymptomatic lens wearers (Optometry and Vision Science (2017) 94 (914-918) DOI: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000001110)', Optometry and Vision Science, 95, pp. 1168, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/OPX.0000000000001314
    Journal articles | 2017
    Masoudi S; Stapleton FJ; Willcox MDP, 2017, 'Differences in Tear Film Biochemistry of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Lens Wearers', Optometry and Vision Science, 94, pp. 914 - 918, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/OPX.0000000000001110
    Journal articles | 2017
    Masoudi S; Zhao Z; Stapleton F; Willcox M, 2017, 'Contact lens-induced discomfort and inflammatory mediator changes in tears', Eye and Contact Lens, 43, pp. 40 - 45, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/ICL.0000000000000237
    Journal articles | 2017
    Masoudi S; Zhao Z; Willcox M, 2017, 'Relation between Ocular Comfort, Arachidonic Acid Mediators, and Histamine', Current Eye Research, 42, pp. 822 - 826, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02713683.2016.1255338
    Journal articles | 2016
    Bandara MK; Masoudi S; Zhu H; Bandara R; Willcox MDP, 2016, 'Evaluation of Protamine as a Disinfectant for Contact Lenses', Optometry and Vision Science, 93, pp. 1349 - 1355, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/OPX.0000000000000964
    Journal articles | 2016
    Masoudi S; Stapleton FJ; Willcox MDP, 2016, 'Contact lens-induced discomfort and protein changes in tears', Optometry and Vision Science, 93, pp. 955 - 962, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/OPX.0000000000000888
    Journal articles | 2014
    Masoudi S; Zhong L; Raftery MJ; Stapleton FJ; Willcox MD, 2014, 'Method development for quantification of five tear proteins using selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mass spectrometry', Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 55, pp. 767 - 775, http://dx.doi.org/10.1167/iovs.13-12777
    Journal articles | 2012
    Vijay AK; Zhu H; Ozkan J; Wu D; Masoudi S; Bandara R; Borazjani R; Willcox MD, 2012, 'Bacterial adhesion to unworn and worn silicone hydrogel lenses', Optometry and Vision Science, 89, pp. 1095 - 1106, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/OPX.0b013e318264f4dc
    Journal articles | 2011
    Zhu H; Bandara M; Vijay A; Masoudi S; Wu DL; Willcox MD, 2011, 'Importance of rub and rinse in use of multipurpose contact lens solution', Optometry and Vision Science, 88, pp. 967 - 972, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/OPX.0b013e31821bf976
    Journal articles | 2009
    Hume EB; Flanagan JL; Masoudi S; Zhu H; Cole NA; Willcox MD, 2009, 'Soft contact lens disinfection solution efficacy: Clinical Fusarium isolates vs. ATCC 36031', Optometry and Vision Science, 86, pp. 415 - 419
  • Conference Papers | 2019
    Masoudi S; Willcox M, 2019, 'Protein deposition on contact lenses: surface versus bulk', Vancouver, Canada, presented at Simin Masoudi, Vancouver, Canada, 27 April 2019 - 02 May 2019
    Conference Posters | 2017
    Masoudi S; Mitchell T; Willcox M, 2017, 'Variation of human tear lipid profile with and without contact lenses during the day', presented at ARVO-Asia Annual Meeting, 05 February 2017 - 08 February 2017
    Conference Papers | 2017
    Masoudi S; Mitchell T; Willcox M, 2017, 'variation of human tear lipid profile with and without contact lenses during the day', in Arvo Connect, Brisbane, presented at ARVO-Asia Annual Meeting, Brisbane, 05 February 2017 - 08 February 2017
    Conference Posters | 2017
    willcox M; Masoudi S, 2017, 'In vitro lipid deposition and extraction from two silicone hydrogels contact lenses', presented at American Academy of Optometry conference, 11 October 2017 - 14 October 2017
    Conference Posters | 2016
    Masoudi S; Mitchell T; Willcox M, 2016, 'In vitro lipid deposition and extraction from two silicone hydrogel contact lenses', presented at Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, 01 May 2016 - 05 May 2016
    Conference Abstracts | 2016
    Masoudi S; Mitchell T; Willcox MDP, 2016, 'In vitro lipid deposition and extraction from two silicone hydrogel contact lenses', in INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE, ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, WA, Seattle, Vol. 57, presented at Annual Meeting of the Association-for-Research-in-Vision-and-Ophthalmology (ARVO), WA, Seattle, 01 May 2016 - 05 May 2016, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000394174003304&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Abstracts | 2015
    Masoudi S; Stapleton F; Willcox MDP, 2015, 'Tear film in symptomatic and asymptomatic lens wearers', in INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE, ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, CO, Denver, Vol. 56, presented at Annual Meeting of the Association-for-Research-in-Vision-and-Ophthalmology (ARVO), CO, Denver, 03 May 2015 - 07 May 2015, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000362891100041&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Posters | 2015
    Willcox M; Saville JT; Rohit A; Masoudi S; Mitchell T; Blanksby SJ, 2015, 'The Effect of Contact Lens Wear on Concentration of Phospholipids in the Tear Film', presented at British Contact Lens Association Conference, 29 May 2015 - 31 May 2015
    Conference Posters | 2014
    Willcox M; Masoudi S; Rohit A; Brown S; Mitchell T, 2014, 'The effect of tear collection and processing on the tear film lipidome', presented at American Academy of Optometry conference, 12 November 2014 - 15 November 2014
    Conference Posters | 2013
    MAsoudi S; Zhong L; Raftery M; willcox M, 2013, 'Method development for analysis of tear proteins using Multiple Reaction Monitoring', presented at Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, 05 May 2013 - 09 May 2013
    Conference Posters | 2012
    Masoudi S; Zhao Z; Ariyavidana A; willcox M, 2012, 'Contact lens wear-induced ocular discomfort and changes to inflammatory mediators in human tears.', presented at British Contact Lens Association, 25 May 2012 - 27 May 2012
    Conference Papers | 2011
    Zhu H; Vijay A; Ozkan J; Wu D; Masoudi S; Borazjani R; Willcox M, 2011, 'The influence of lens wear on bacterial adhesion to Silicone Hydrogel Lenses', Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, presented at Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, 01 May 2011 - 05 May 2011
    Conference Papers | 2010
    Willcox M; Zhu H; Vijay A; Ozkan J; Wu D; Masoudi S; Borazjani R, 2010, 'Bacterial adhesion to silicone hydrogel lenses', Birmingham, England, presented at British Contact Lens Association, Birmingham, England, 27 May 2010 - 30 May 2010
    Conference Papers | 2010
    Zhu H; Kumar A; Ozkan J; Wu D; Masoudi S; Bandara R; Willcox M; Borazjani RN, 2010, 'Bacterial Adhesion to Silicone Hydrogel Lenses', in INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE, ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000442393600134&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1