Anna is a research optometrist in the Downie Laboratory: Anterior Eye, Clinical Trials and Research Translation Unit at the University of Melbourne. She completed both her optometry training and a Master of Clinical Optometry at the University of Melbourne. 

Her clinical experience spans a range of optometry settings, including regional and metropolitan practices, as well as corporate and independent clinics. She joined Professor Laura Downie’s research team in 2017 and has since been closely involved in the growth of the Unit’s clinical research and trial activity. 

Since joining the team, she has contributed to a wide range of investigator-led and industry-sponsored clinical trials focused on the anterior eye, spanning early proof-of-concept studies through to pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials. She is also actively involved in training postgraduate students and new staff in specialised research techniques that are not routinely performed in standard clinical practice. These techniques include tear collection, ocular surface evaluation, and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), including Functional IVCM methods that have enabled new collaborative research opportunities for the Unit. 

Alongside her clinical research work, Anna takes a leading role in several lab initiatives, such as creating annual lab newsletters, organising team events, and developing training resources. She is passionate about research that improves our understanding of the anterior eye, and supports progress in clinical diagnostics and patient care.