Â鶹Éçmadou

Research title:ÌýIntegrating Vision Care Across the Alzheimer’s Disease Continuum

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

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Abstract

Dementia is characterised by progressive and irreversible neurodegeneration, leading to a decline in memory, reasoning, and cognitive function. It is one of Australia’s most pressing public health challenges, currently affecting over 433 300 people, with numbers projected to nearly double to 812 500 by 2054 without effective intervention. Notably, dementia is also the leading cause of death among Australian women and the second leading cause among men, underscoring the urgent need for more effective strategies to support prevention, early detection, and ongoing care.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, accounting for approximately 70% of cases. AD develops along a continuum that begins with a preclinical stage, where pathological changes occur decades before symptoms manifest, and progresses through mild cognitive impairment before advancing to dementia. Therefore, early detection of AD is critical, as it enables timely intervention and opportunities for risk reduction. Across this disease continuum, there are windows of opportunity to intervene with vision care, both in identifying early signs and in enhancing post-diagnostic management.

The 2024 Lancet Commission Report on Dementia identified vision loss as one of 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia in late life. This recognition highlights the importance of incorporating vision care into dementia management to prevent avoidable vision loss. Despite this, current Australian dementia clinical guidelines do not include vision care as a standard component of management, and evidence indicates that individuals living with dementia are significantly less likely to access essential eye care services.

Therefore, this PhD thesis aims to address these critical gaps by investigating how vision care can be meaningfully integrated across the AD continuum. Specifically, it seeks to explore the:
1. Potential of ocular imaging biomarkers to support the early detection of AD.
2. Research and clinical priorities of vision care in dementia by examining stakeholder perspectives to identify effective ways to integrate vision care into post-diagnostic services for dementia and at-risk patients.

By addressing both early detection and post-diagnostic care in AD, this research aims to bridge the gap between emerging evidence and current practice in Australia.

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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 vision care in dementia.

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Education

Current: Doctor of Philosophy (Optometry), Â鶹Éçmadou

2022: Certificate in Advanced Contact Lenses, ACO

2020: Master of Clinical Optometry, Â鶹Éçmadou

2018: Bachelor of Science (Vision Science), Â鶹Éçmadou

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Awards

University Postgraduate Award, Â鶹Éçmadou

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Memberships and Affiliations

Optometry Australia

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