Rate Professor Laura Downie

Professional Summary: Professor Laura Downie

Professor Laura Downie is a distinguished academic and clinician-scientist at the University of Melbourne, Australia, with a globally recognized expertise in optometry and vision science. Her work primarily focuses on ocular surface disease, dry eye disease, and evidence-based practice in eye care, contributing significantly to both clinical and research domains.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Downie holds the following qualifications, reflecting her extensive training in optometry and research:

• Bachelor of Optometry (BOptom), University of Melbourne
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Melbourne
• Postgraduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics, University of Melbourne

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Laura Downie’s research is centered on improving the diagnosis and management of ocular conditions, with particular emphasis on:

• Dry eye disease and ocular surface disorders
• Evidence-based clinical practice in optometry
• Development of diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for eye health

Her interdisciplinary approach bridges clinical practice with innovative research, aiming to translate scientific findings into tangible patient outcomes.

Career History and Appointments

Professor Downie has held several key positions at the University of Melbourne, demonstrating her leadership in academia and clinical practice:

• Associate Professor, Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne (current)
• Director of the Downie Laboratory: Anterior Eye, Clinical Trials and Research Translation Unit, University of Melbourne
• Clinical Leader, University of Melbourne Eyecare Clinic

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Laura Downie has been recognized for her contributions to optometry and vision science through numerous prestigious awards:

• 2019: Victorian Young Tall Poppy Science Award, Australian Institute of Policy and Science
• 2018: Ian Potter Foundation Travel Grant
• 2016: American Academy of Optometry Foundation Glenn A. Fry Award
• 2014: University of Melbourne Early Career Researcher Award

Key Publications

Professor Downie has authored numerous high-impact publications in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to the global understanding of ocular health. A selection of her notable works includes:

• Downie, L. E., et al. (2019). 'TFOS DEWS II Diagnostic Methodology Report.' The Ocular Surface.
• Downie, L. E., & Keller, P. R. (2015). 'A pragmatic approach to dry eye diagnosis: Evidence into practice.' Optometry and Vision Science.
• Downie, L. E., et al. (2017). 'An artificial tear containing flaxseed oil for treating dry eye disease: A randomized controlled trial.' The Ocular Surface.

Her contributions to the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) Dry Eye Workshop (DEWS) II reports are particularly noteworthy, shaping international guidelines for dry eye management.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Downie’s research has had a profound impact on the field of optometry, particularly in the area of dry eye disease. Her work on diagnostic methodologies and evidence-based treatments has informed clinical guidelines worldwide, including her pivotal role in the TFOS DEWS II initiative. She is also dedicated to mentoring early-career researchers and clinicians, fostering the next generation of vision scientists at the University of Melbourne.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Laura Downie is an active contributor to the academic and professional community through various roles:

• Member of the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS), contributing to international consensus reports
• Editorial Board Member for several peer-reviewed journals in optometry and vision science
• Invited speaker at international conferences, including the American Academy of Optometry and TFOS meetings

Her public lectures and workshops often focus on translating research into clinical practice, benefiting both practitioners and patients.