Translational Vision Research in the Department of Ophthalmology

The Ocular Surface Laboratory (OSL) comprises a team of clinician scientists and research students lead by Professor Jennifer Craig. We are united by the overarching aim of improving patient outcomes through developing a better understanding of ocular surface and dry eye disease. We seek to answer clinical questions by establishing the evidence needed to effect changes in clinical practice.

Our approach is highly interdisciplinary and collaborative, and includes strong partnerships within The University of Auckland, research institutions in Australia, Canada, China and the UK, as well as with global industry partners. We maintain a strong presence at clinical and scientific conferences across the world and publish in a range of international peer-reviewed journals.

Our research focuses on ocular surface disease, and dry eye disease in particular.  The translational research we undertake ranges from scientific explorations of fundamental theories in the basic science laboratory through to clinical research, including randomised controlled clinical trials. Our interests span four main areas:

• Epidemiology
• Pathophysiology
• Diagnostics
• Therapeutics
  

We support research at Honours, Masters and Doctoral level, for developing clinician scientists with a particular interest in dry eye and corneal disease. Since 2008, the OSL has hosted over 60 local and international optometry and medical students.

• OSL has provided support for the launch and ongoing assistance with running the School of Optometry and Vision Science's Dry Eye Clinic.
  
• Professor Jennifer Craig served as vice-chair for the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society’s Dry Eye Workshop II (TFOS DEWS II) global consensus-building effort, and is currently serving as chair of the latest TFOS International Workshop - A Lifestyle Epidemic: Ocular Surface Disease.
• In 2019, Professor Jennifer Craig was awarded a fellowship of the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) in Dry Eye, for helping design and establish a modular based dry eye course for clinical optometrists to offer dedicated dry eye services within their practices and set up specialist dry eye centres.
• In 2018, Professor Jennifer Craig received the Life Fellowship, the UK College of Optometrists’ highest award, for her contribution to the development of the profession through teaching and education, especially in the area of ocular surface disease.