A/Prof Stuti Misra, 2024 winner of the American Academy of Optometry Foundation’s Outstanding Emerging Leader Award

The University of Auckland’s Associate Professor Stuti Misra has been awarded the prestigious American Academy of Optometry Foundation’s (AAOF) Outstanding Emerging Leader Award.

Presented at the 2024 Indianapolis American Academy of Optometry meeting, the annual award honours individuals who have significantly advanced the field of optometry through research, education, leadership, or service to the profession.

A/Prof Misra said receiving the award was a “deeply humbling honour”, recognising the dedication and potential to make a meaningful impact in the field of eye research. “Professionally, this award is not just a validation of my work but a powerful motivator. It reaffirms the importance of striving for innovations that benefit patients and improve clinical practice, driving me to continue pursuing excellence in all that I do.”

Her journey spans two decades of relentless hard work and perseverance, she said. “Knowing that this recognition might inspire other young women scientists fills me with gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose. To them, I would say, stay true to your goals, keep pushing forward and don't let distractions deter you from the path you're carving. Leadership, especially in eye research and academia, often requires resilience and focus and it's worth every ounce of effort.”

A/Prof Misra’s research interests include anterior segment imaging, ocular surface diseases and corneal innervation. She has written 50 peer-reviewed publications and received over $3.49 million of grants from public organisations, such as the Health Research Council, and various philanthropic organisations.

This latest recognition adds to A/Prof Misra’s sizeable collection of prestigious awards, notably the Sir Charles Hercus Health Research Fellowship in 2022, the Fulbright New Zealand Scholar Award and the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award.