Rate My Professor Laura Downie

Her research spans laboratory-based science, clinical trials, and implementation science to improve outcomes in anterior eye disease, age-related macular degeneration, ocular surface disease, tear biomarkers, ocular immunology, and ophthalmic imaging. The first optometrist awarded a National Health and Medical Research Council Translating Research Into Practice Fellowship (2015-2017), she holds an NHMRC Investigator Grant (L1) and has secured over $14 million in funding as Chief Investigator since 2013, including more than $12 million as Lead Investigator. She has authored or co-authored more than 150 peer-reviewed publications and five book chapters, and delivered over 80 invited presentations at national and international conferences. Key awards include the American Academy of Ophthalmology Secretariat Award (2024), Korb-Exford Dry Eye Career Development Award from the American Optometric Foundation (2019), Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society International Young Investigator Award (2017), and Irvin M. and Beatrice Borish Award from the American Academy of Optometry (2014). Downie serves on expert panels such as the TFOS International Dry Eye Workshop II, edits seven peer-reviewed journals including Ophthalmology, and was WHO Technical Lead for Dry Eye Disease. She is a TFOS Global Ambassador for Oceania.