Zahra Tajbakhsh
University of Western Australia
Rate Professor Zahra Tajbakhsh
Makes every class a rewarding experience.
Always positive, enthusiastic, and supportive.
Fosters collaboration and teamwork.
Inspires confidence and independent thinking.
Always goes the extra mile for students.
About Zahra
Dr. Zahra Tajbakhsh is a Lecturer in the Department of Optometry, School of Allied Health, at the University of Western Australia. She earned her Bachelor of Optometry (BOptom) and Master of Science in Optometry from institutions in Iran. She completed her PhD in Optometry and Vision Science at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, awarded on 21 October 2022, with a thesis titled 'Dendritic cells in ocular allergy'. Prior to her current role, she conducted research and held positions at the UNSW School of Optometry and Vision Science, where she gained extensive experience in patient care, research, and teaching in optometry and vision science. She is actively involved as an investigator in the project 'Improving eye health literacy in Western Australian disadvantaged communities', running from 1 July 2024 to 31 December 2027.
Dr. Tajbakhsh's research specializations include ocular surface disease, myopia control, in vivo confocal microscopy, and contact lenses, with additional interests in ocular surface, contact lenses, allergy, retinal regeneration, and glaucoma. She has produced 29 research outputs, comprising 21 articles, 4 abstracts or meeting abstracts, 2 review articles, and 1 letter. Notable publications include 'Artificial intelligence techniques in inherited retinal diseases: a review' (2025, Biomedical Physics and Engineering Express, co-authored with H. Trinh et al.); 'The clinical impact of contact lens wear on neural structure and function of the cornea' (2025, Clinical and Experimental Optometry, co-authored with J.C.B. Chiang and J.S. Wolffsohn); 'Optical correction of hyperopia in school-aged children: a scoping review protocol' (2025, BMJ Open); 'Establishing normal interocular symmetry range for macular optical coherence tomography parameters in healthy children' (2025, Eye); and 'Dendritic Cell Density and Morphology Can Be Used to Differentiate Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis from Allergic Conjunctivitis' (2023, Biomolecules). She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO) and served as the inaugural PhD champion of UNSW Women in Math and Science, promoting diversity in STEM fields.
Professional Email: zahra.tajbakhsh@uwa.edu.au