Â鶹Éçmadou

Research title: The eye as the window to the brain

Supervisors: Dr. Jessie Huang-Lung, Prof. Lisa Keay, Dr. Angelica Ly

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Abstract

Dementia is a growing global health challenge, the number of people living with dementia is expected to reach 75 million people by 2030 and 132 million by 2050 — primarily due to ageing of global populations, according to the World Health Organisation and World Alzheimer Report. Early detection is key to improving quality of life through early intervention and managing modifiable risk factors and care planning. Existing biomarkers such as those identified by positron emission tomography, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, blood tests, and magnetic resonance imaging can support the detection of dementia and Alzheimers disease. However, their routine use is limited by factors such as invasiveness, cost, and limited accessibility in clinical settings. Emerging evidence suggests that the eye has potential to provide less invasive biomarkers for dementia and Alzheimers disease. Retinal changes may reflect neurodegenerative changes due to the retina's shared embryological origin and vascular connectivity with the brain. This research aims to explore the potential of imaging of the retina and retinal vasculature for early detection of dementia.

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Biography

Hai graduated with a Bachelor of Optometry from Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine (UPNT) in Ho Chi Minh City, where he was part of Vietnam’s first cohort of formally trained optometrists. After completing his undergraduate studies, he worked in private practice, as a clinical optometrist at UPNT’s Academic Vision Centre and Lecturer at UPNT, contributing to both teaching and curriculum evaluation in optometry. He contributed innovations to the program by replacing the traditional paper-based grading system in the Clinical and Community Practice course with an online platform. The online system reduced paper waste, saved time for lecturers in compiling grades, and provided both assessors and students with easier access to detailed daily feedback, including scores and personalised comments for each clinical session. He also p. During this time, he also co-founded the UPNT Optometry Club to support student engagement and professional development.

Hai went on to complete a Master in Clinical Optometry with distinction at Cardiff University in the UK and obtained several professional certifications from the College of Optometrists (UK), including in Glaucoma, Medical Retina, and Paediatric Eye Care. He continues to actively review and update his knowledge to maintain the highest professional standards through attending international conferences, participating in professional workshops, and engaging with current research in the field.

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Education

PhD candidate (2024 - now) - University of New South Wales (Australia)

Master in Clinical Optometry (Hons) (2021 – 2022) – Cardiff University (UK)

Professional Certificates in Glaucoma, Medical Retina and Paediatric Eye Care (2021) – College of Optometrists (UK)

Bachelor of Optometry (2014 – 2018) – Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine (Vietnam)

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Awards

University International Postgraduate Award (UIPA), Â鶹Éçmadou Sydney (2024 - 2028)

Best Oral Scientific Presentation - 3rd Asia Optometric Congress (2022) (Title: Novel PI3K agonist in the treatment of neuroretinal conditions)

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Memberships and Affiliations

Member, World Glaucoma Association (WGA) (2020 – present)

Member, Asia-Pacific Glaucoma Society (APGS) (2020 – present)

Member, Optometry Vietnam (2018 – present)

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