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Research title:ÌýIntegrating Eye Care Across the Dementia Care Continuum

Supervisors:ÌýAngelica Ly, Jessie Huang-Lung, Lisa Keay

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Abstract

Dementia is one of Australia’s most pressing public health challenges, currently affecting over 433 000 people and projected to nearly double by 2054. Vision impairment is a recognised modifiable risk factor for dementia, and growing evidence supports the potential of ocular biomarkers for early detection. Despite this, eye care remains largely absent from national dementia clinical guidelines, and people living with dementia continue to experience unmet eye care needs and low services uptake. This thesis seeks to address these critical gaps by exploring how eye care can be meaningfully integrated across the dementia care continuum.

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Biography

Annita graduated from the University of New South Wales with a Bachelor of Science (Vision Science) and a Master of Clinical Optometry. She began her career in clinical practice, where she developed a special interest in myopia management and orthokeratology. She later joined the School of Optometry and Vision Science as a Research Optometrist and was subsequently appointed as an Associate Lecturer. Annita is now undertaking a PhD in Optometry and works as a casual academic, teaching across a variety of courses within the school. Her current research focuses on posterior eye imaging and eye care in dementia.

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Education

Doctor of Philosophy (Optometry), ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç â€“ Current

Certificate in Advanced Contact Lenses, ACO – 2022

Master of Clinical Optometry, ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç â€“ 2020

Bachelor of Science (Vision Science), ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç â€“ 2018

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Awards

University Postgraduate Award, ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç â€“ 2024

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Memberships and Affiliations

Optometry Australia

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