Professor Padmaja Sankaridurg

Leading international myopia researcher, Professor Padmaja Sankaridurg has been appointed Head of the ‘Global Myopia Centre’ by the Brien Holden Vision Institute.

“Professor Sankaridurg is a globally recognised leader in understanding myopia, its near epidemic proportions and its treatment, especially via visual/optical means,” says CEO of Brien Holden Vision Institute, Ms Yvette Waddell. “She also brings decades of experience as an educator, researcher and clinician, particularly in the area of contact lenses, which makes her a perfect fit in this role, which we believe is critically important in equipping eye care professionals to successfully manage myopia,” she adds.

Under Prof Sankaridurg’s leadership and overarching global perspective, the Global Myopia Centre aims to bring expertise and resources in myopia research, training and global advocacy onto one platform to equip and provide resources for vision scientists and eye care professionals to manage the impending escalation in myopia.  The platform hosts several online tools for myopia management, information and resources such as global prevalence data and the popular Myopia Education Programme.

Earlier this year, Prof Sankaridurg was named one of Vision Monday's Most Influential Women in Optical in the Innovator category, recognizing women who have initiated new products, programme or ideas marking success.  

“I have been extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from visionaries in the field.  The late Professor Brien Holden taught me that excellence is an attitude that has to be projected in everything one does.  Work hard, strive for excellence, be compassionate to those around you and if the situation demands it, stand up for yourself and those around you.  Our actions, either individual or collective, will support other women in the future,” said Sankaridurg when receiving the honour.