OUTCOMES OF CORNEAL ALLERGENIC INTRASTROMAL RING SEGMENT (CAIRS) SURGERY
Dr David Gunn, Ophthalmologist
Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgeon, Queensland Eye Institute
& Focus Vision Clinic in Brisbane, Queensland
RESEARCHER PROFILE (Filmed in Brisbane, Queensland, Australian | June 2024)
Dr David Gunn is an ophthalmologist specialising in cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery at the Queensland Eye Institute and Focus Vision in Brisbane, Queensland. His journey into ophthalmology began during medical school, inspired by a mentor. He initially engaged in research on mouse glaucoma, exploring amacrine cells and their responses.
After completing his residency and gaining experience in eye casualty at the Royal Brisbane Hospital, David underwent four years of surgical training in the Queensland network. This was followed by a stint at the Bristol Eye Hospital in the UK, focusing on the cornea and anterior segment. Since returning to Queensland, he has concentrated on keratoconus research.
One of the pivotal moments in his career was the decision to specialise in cornea surgery, which included performing Australia’s first CAIRS procedure in May 2021. His current research examines outcomes for patients undergoing Corneal Allergenic Intrastromal Ring Segment (CAIRS) surgery.
Dr Gunn finds immense satisfaction in the immediate post-operative results he sees in patients, as visual acuity provides a tangible measure of success. He is passionate about introducing less invasive surgical techniques that lead to improvements in patients’ lives.
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Patient reported outcomes in the diagnosis and treatment of lymphoma
Dr. Elizabeth Goodall (BMedSci Hons, MBBS Hons, FRACP, FRCPA) is a PhD student and early career researcher with La Trobe University and the Olivia Newton John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI), and Haematologist at Austin Health and Monash Health, Melbourne.
Her specific interest in how patients experience their illness and treatment forms the basis for her research in improving patient outcomes. This research comes at a pivotal time in modern lymphoma management with an ever-increasing number of treatment options available and renewed focus on each patient’s journey.
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Earlier identification and early intervention for children who are deaf or hard of hearing
As Director of NextSense Institute, Professor Leigh is responsible for leading the not-for-profit organisation’s world-class research and education programs and facilities. He has held a variety of positions in the education of children who are deaf or hard of hearing before entering academia. He holds a degree in Special Education from Griffith University, a Master of Science (Speech and Hearing) from Washington University and a PhD in Special Education from Monash University. In 2001, he was made a Fellow of the Australian College of Educators and in 2014, he was invested as an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished services to the deaf and hard of hearing community.
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Therapy to prevent hepatocellular carcinoma in people with liver cirrhosis
Professor John Olynyk is a Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist with over 30 years’ experience, primarily at The Fiona Stanley & Fremantle Hospital Group. He planned the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Service for the Fiona Stanley Hospital and was Head Department from 2010 until 2020.
Professor John Olynyk was appointed as Associate Dean and Head of the Medical Discipline at Curtin University in 2023 until 2025 and is now Associate Director, Clinical Engagement, Curtin Medical Research Institute, Curtin University.
