Natnael Assefa 

Natnael is a PhD candidate in the Downie Laboratory: Anterior Eye, Clinical Trials and Research Translation Unit at the University of Melbourne, where his research focuses on ocular surface inflammation in soft contact lens wear. He is supervised by Professor Laura Downie and Dr Mengliang Wu, with collaborative contributions from Dr Ching Yi Wu and Mr Russell Lowe. 

Natnael earned his bachelor’s degree in optometry and Master of Science in Clinical Optometry from the University of Gondar. His research interests include contact lenses, ocular surface disease, refractive error, diagnostic instruments and translational research. Natnael was previously an Assistant Professor of Optometry at the University of Gondar, Ethiopia, where he conducted and published original research. In addition to his academic role, Natnael worked as a clinician at the University of Gondar Tertiary Eye Care and Training Centre, where he was involved in the diagnosis and management of ocular diseases and refractive errors. Natnael has contributed to research supervision, academic coordination, management and professional development activities. He has actively participated in conferences, workshops, and extracurricular activities, and has received awards in recognition of his academic and professional contributions at the University of Gondar.