Laura Downie

Laura Downie is an Associate Professor and Dame Kate Campbell Fellow for research excellence in the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, at the University of Melbourne. She is an academic clinician scientist and practising optometrist, whose achievements span research, education, engagement and leadership. She heads the ‘Anterior Eye, Clinical Trials and Research Translation Unit’, comprising 14 staff and research higher degree students.

She is Director of the inaugural Melbourne Cochrane Centre for Evidence-Based Vision Care, one of nine such centres globally recognised for excellence in leading the translation of high-quality research evidence into eye care practice. Laura’s research has a strong translational focus, combining laboratory, clinical and implementation science as a foundation for improving outcomes for patients with eye disease. In 2018, she was recognised by Optometry Australia as the youngest of 32 “female luminaries” to have pioneered optometric research, and has received multiple national and international awards for research excellence.