Mohammadreza Moniritilaki

Research Title: The relation between pupil light reflex and behavioural and structural changes in patients with glaucoma.

Supervisor: Associate Professor Sieu Khuu

Co-supervisor: Dr Lisa Nivison-Smith

Research

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a gradual loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and their axons, resulting in damage to the optic disc and a subsequent loss of visual field. It has been well understood that photoreceptors as well as a subtype of RGC contribute to pupillary light reflex (PLR). Consequently, progressive neurodegeneration in glaucoma may lead to impaired PLR. Therefore, to find a new diagnostic method in glaucoma, this study aims to assess whether there is a significant difference in PLR between glaucoma patients and a control group of the same age. In addition, we plan to evaluate which features of PLR is more associated with behavioural (visual perimetry) and structural (optical coherence tomography) impairment in glaucomatous patients.

Biography

Mohammadreza Moniritilaki, an optometrist and researcher, is currently pursuing a PhD at UNSW Sydney, investigating the intricate interplay between pupil light reflex and structural/behavioural changes in glaucoma patients. With a Master's degree from the University of Melbourne, his prior research explored the effects of intraocular pressure on magnocellular and parvocellular pathways. Driven by a passion for patient care, he has excelled in clinical roles, managing optometry wards, conducting comprehensive examinations, and dispensing eyewear. His commitment extends to education, where he has guided students in clinical and preclinical optometry practices at the University of Melbourne.

Education

2023- current: UNSW Sydney - PhD candidate

2015- 2016: University of Melbourne - Master of Optometry.

2001-2005: Zahedan University of Medical Science, Iran - BOptom.

Conference Attendance

The effect of outdoor activities on the myopia onset and progression. Mazandaran society of Optometry. Sary, Iran Oct 2018.

Optical basics of lamellar refractive surgery. Khorasan Optometry association. Mashhad, Iran May 2018.

Contact lens discomfort. Mazandaran society of Optometry. Sary, Iran Oct 2017.

The effect of flicker stimuli and acute mild intraocular elevation on the visual system. Iranianc society of Optometry. Tehran, Iran Aug 2017

The effect of acute mild intraocular pressure elevation on magnocellular and parvocellular pathways. Khorasan Optometry association. Mashhad, Iran May 2017. (Awarded "best talk")

Awards

University International Postgraduate Award (UIPA), University of New South Wales, 2023

Best talk awarded, Optometry seminar, Khorasan Optometry association, Mashahd, Iran, 2017