Sydney Eye Doctors – Advanced Eye Care

Dr. Erica earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Tasmania in 2014, graduating with Clinical Distinction. She then pursued a Master of Medicine (Ophthalmic Sciences), as well as a Graduate Diploma in Cataract and Refractive Surgery at the University of Sydney. More recently, Dr. Erica has received training from the Canadian Association of Medical Aesthetics and is skilled in the aesthetic and therapeutic administration of neuromodulators and dermal fillers to the face.

As an accomplished researcher Dr. Erica’s work has been published widely in high quality medical journals, including the American Journal of Ophthalmology, the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the European Journal of Ophthalmology  and Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology. Erica has also written a book chapter and has had the opportunity to present her research at various  international and national conferences. Dr. Erica is appointed as a Clinical Lecturer in the Discipline of Ophthalmology at the University of Sydney, Save Sight Institute and regularly contributes to ongoing teaching in her area of subspeciality.

• 2023 Darian-Smith, E, Safran SG, Coroneo, MT. Zonular and capsular bag disorders: A hypothetical perspective based on recent pathophysiological insights. Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. 2023, Jan.
• 2022 Darian-Smith, E, Gouvea, L, Gendler, S, Alshaker, S, Din, N, Weill, Y, Skouras, N, Rabinovitch, T, Singal, N, Chan, CC, Rootman, DS. KAMRA presbyopic inlay refractive outcomes: A Canadian Perspective. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology. 2022, Nov.
• Darian-Smith, E, Safran SG, Coroneo, MT. Lenticular Capsular Bag Removal  – Is it worth the bother? American Journal of Ophthalmology. 2022, Jan: 1-10.
• Darian-Smith, E, Safran SG, Coroneo, MT. Reply: Is the Capsular Bag Dead or Chronically Ill: Considerations of Capsular-Lens Epithelial Cell Interactions. Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. 2022, April.
• 2021 Safran, SG, Darian-Smith, E, Coroneo, MT. Intraocular Lens Explantation Following Cataract Surgery: Indications, techniques and video demonstrations. European Journal of Ophthalmology. 2021, July: 1-7.
• McLaren, T, Darian-Smith, E, Coroneo, MT. Unlocking Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus and the Shingrex Vaccine. Medicine Today. 2021, Nov, 22(11):33-39.
• Kingston, E, Darian-Smith, E, Brothers, A, Bank A. Medication induce transient myopic shift. Australasian Medical Journal. 2021, May, 14(3):80-83.
• 2020 Darian-Smith, E, Versace, P. Visual Performance and positional stability of a capsulorhexis-fixated extended depth-of-focus intraocular lens. Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. 2020, February, 46(2):179-187.
• Book Chapter Contribution to: Macular Surgery – Current Trends and Controversies. Chang, A, Mieler, WF, Ojki, M (Editors). 2020. Springer.
• Darian-Smith, E, Safran, SG, Öhman, D, Coroneo, MT. Choice and Implications of intraocular lens in retinal surgery. Chapter 37: 533-549.
• Versace, P, Darian-Smith, E. Reply: Visual Performance and positional stability of a capsulorhexis-fixated extended depth-of-focus intraocular lens: Another Use of Capsulorhexis- Fixated IOL. Accepted April 2020.
• 2019 Versace, P, Darian-Smith, E. Femtis EDOF: Predictable Positioning, Clear Vision. Mivision. 2019, November, 151:84-86.
• 2017 Darian-Smith, E, Lim, LL, Lin, ML, McCluskey, P, Hall, T. The Incidence of Ocular Tuberculosis in Australia over the past 10 years (2006-2015). Ophthalmic Epidemiology. 2017, December, 24(6): 406-412.
• Darian-Smith, E, Kow, CY, Kwan, P, Rosenfeld, JV. Resolution of chronic headache following pineal cyst fenestration. Case Report. Journal of Neurology and Experimental Neuroscience. 2017, April, 3(1): 15-17.
• 2016 Darian-Smith, E, Howie, AR, Allen, PL, Vote, BJ . The Tasmanian macular hole study: whole population based incidence of full thickness macular hole. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology. 2016, December, 44(9): 812-816.
• Howie, AR, Darian-Smith, E, Allen, PL, Vote, BJ. Whole population incidences of patients presenting with rhegmatogenous retinal detachments within Australia. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology. 2016, March, 44(2): 144-146.
• 2015 Darian-Smith, E, Howie, AR, Abell, RG, Kerr, NM, Allen, PL, Vote, BJ, Toh, TY. Intraocular pressure during femtosecond laser pre-treatment: A Comparison of glaucomatous and non-glaucomatous eyes. Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. 2015, 41(2): 272-277.
• Abell RG, Darian-Smith E, Kan JB, Allen, PL, Ewe, SYP, Vote BJ. Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery versus standard phacoemulsification cataract surgery: Comparative cohort study of surgical outcomes and safety of over 4000 cataract cases at a single centre. Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. 2015, 41(1): 47-52.
• Oakley, CL, Allen, PL, Abell, RG, Darian-Smith, E, Kan, JB, Ewe, SY, Vote, BJ. Reply: Femtosecond versus (gold) standard phacoemulsification: Reply. Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. 2015, May, 41(5): 1124-1125.
• Oakley, CL, Vote, BJ, Abell, RG, Darian-Smith, E, Kan, JB, Ewe, S, Allen, PL. Reply: Femtosecond laser-assisted capsulorhexis: Anterior capsule tags and tears. Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. 2015, April, 41(4): 907-908.
• 2014 Darian-Smith, E, Toh, TY. Corneal decompensation following bleb needling with 0.01% mitomycin C: a case study. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology. 2014, 42(9): 901-902.
• Howie, AR, Abell, RG, Darian-Smith, E, Allen, P, McCartney, PJ, Vote, BJ.  Ophthalmology education in Australian medical schools: a survey of Australian junior medical officers. Clinical and experimental ophthalmology. 2014, 42(9): 902-904.
• 2011 As a result of research conducted for the UROP Scholarship, I contributed to the following papers: Paper 1: Jones, G, Darian-Smith, E, Kwok, M, Winzenberg, T, Effect of biologic therapy on radiological progression in rheumatoid arthritis: what does it add to methotrexate?, Biologics, 2012, 6: 155-161. Paper 2: Laslett LL, Quinn
• SJ, Darian-Smith E, Kwok M, Fedorova T, Korner H, et al. Treatment with 4Jointz reduces knee pain over 12 weeks of treatment in patients with clinical knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial. Osteoarthritis and cartilage. 2012; 20(11): 1209-16.

Presentations

International Meetings

• 2024 Darian-Smith, E, Hannush, SB, Safran, SG, Trinh, T, Ifantides, C, Chayet, AS, Coroneo, MT. Initial Survey of Ophthalmologists’ Management of the Eye Lacking Capsular Support: The Evolution of ‘Middle Segment’ Surgery. Oral presentation at ASCRS, Boston, April, 2024.
• 2023 Darian-Smith, E, Weill, Y, Slomovic, A. “Sandwich PKP technique in a case of elevated posterior pressure and iris prolapse”, American Academy of Ophthalmology 2023, San Francisco, November 3-6, On Demand Virtual Video Presentation.
• Darian-Smith, E, Gauvin, M, Wallerstein, A, Weill, Y, Singal, N, Chan, C, Nianiaris, N, Smith, D, Rootman, D. Post LASIK enhancement epithelial ingrowth with relift of the existing flap edge versus relift of a newly created femtosecond flap side cut. Oral presentation at ASCRS, San Diego, May 6, 2023.
• Darian-Smith, E, Safran SG, Coroneo, MT. Capsular Bag Insufficiency Disorder: A perspective. Oral presentation following selection for Cataract Poster Presentations, May 7, 2023. Received 3rd place in oral poster presentation session for “Cataract Category”.
• Darian-Smith, E, Gouvea, L, Gendler, S, Alshaker, S, Din, N, Weill, Y, Skouras, N, Rabinovitch, T, Singal, N, Chan, CC, Rootman, DS. KAMRA presbyopic inlay refractive outcomes: A Canadian Perspective. Poster Presentation at ASCRS, San Diego, May 2023.
• Darian-Smith, E, Tat, LT, Coroneo, MT. Single Surgeon Refractive Outcomes of a Family of Progressive Extended Depth of Focus Intraocular Lenses – Initial Experience, Poster Presentation at ASCRS, San Diego, May 2023.
• Instructor: Ocular Surface Procedures in the Treatment Room, Oral presentations for the following talk: Temporary Tarsorrhaphy: tape, sutures, botox AND Surgical Management of conjunctival chalasis and Superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis which are part of the instructional course, at ASCRS, San Diego, May 8, 2023.
• Co-Instructor: Ocular Surface Disease: Medical Optimization and Surgical Interventions, Oral presentation for the following talk Blood Products and In-Office Therapies which is part of the instructional course at ASCRS, San Diego, May 8, 2023.
• 2017 Best of Posters (Retina) Diploma for the following research presentation: Darian-Smith, E, Howie, AR, Allen, PL, Vote, BJ. The Tasmanian macular hole study: whole population based incidence of full thickness macular hole.  Oral Presentation (Best of Posters (Retina)) at Congress of The European Society of Ophthalmology, SOE, Barcelona, Spain, 10th of June, 2017.
• Darian-Smith, E, Lim, LL, Lin, ML, McCluskey, P, Hall, AJ. The Incidence of Ocular Tuberculosis in Australia over the past 10 years (2006-2015). Oral Presentation (Late Breaking Free Paper Presentation) at Congress of The European Society of Ophthalmology, SOE, Barcelona, Spain Sunday 11th of June, 2017
• Darian-Smith, E, Howie, AR, Allen, PL, Vote, BJ. The Tasmanian macular hole study: whole population based incidence of full thickness macular hole.  E-Poster at Congress of The European Society of Ophthalmology, SOE, Barcelona, Spain, 10th-13th of June, 2017

State Meetings

• 2020 Darian-Smith, E, Borovik, A. “To EDOF or not to EDOF”: Refractive Outcomes in Eyes with Pathology with a X-wave technology EDOF IOL. Oral Presentation at COSSOM, Prince of Wales, Randwick, 11 Dec 2021.
• 2015 Darian-Smith, E, Lim, LL, Lin, ML, McCluskey, P, Hall, AJ. The Incidence of Ocular Tuberculosis in Australia over the past 10 years (2006-2015). Oral Presentation at The 2017 Cossom Scientific Meeting, The Department of Ophthalmology, University of New South Wales and Prince of Wales Hospital, 2nd December, 2017.
• Darian-Smith, E, Lim, LL, Lin, ML, McCluskey, P, Hall, AJ. The Incidence of Ocular Tuberculosis in Australia over the past 10 years (2006-2015). Oral Presentation at RANZCO Victorian Branch Annual Scientific Meeting, 4th March, 2017.
• 2014 Darian-Smith, E, Howie, AR, Abell, RG, Kerr, NM, Allen, PL, Vote, BJ, Toh, TY. Intraocular pressure during femtosecond laser pre-treatment: A Comparison of glaucomatous and non-glaucomatous eyes. Oral Presentation at RANZCO Tasmanian Branch Scientific Meeting, Tasmania, 11th May 2014.

Co-authored Presentations

• 2024 Agarwal, M, Bareket, M, Gutierrez-Guerinoni, A, Darian-Smith, E, Collazos, M, Chan, C. Clinical outcomes of a novel double layered 9mm dehydrated amniotic membrane disc in ocular surface disorders and review of the literature. Poster presentation at ASCRS, Boston, April, 2024.
• 2019 Versace, P, Darian-Smith, E. Functional performance and positional stability of a rhexis-fixated IOL. Free Paper Oral Presentation at ESCRS (European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons) 37th Congress, Paris, 15th September 2019.
• 2017 Hall, AJ, Darian-Smith, E, Lim, LL, Lin, ML, McCluskey, P. The Incidence of Ocular Tuberculosis in Australia over the past 10 years (2006-2015). Rapid Fire Oral Presentation at RANZCO (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists) 48th Annual Scientific Congress, Perth, 31st October 2017.
• 2016 Bulang, H, Musk, G, Mou, L, Ng, ZQ, De Roo, R, Tan, D, Darian-Smith, E, Lucas, M, Delriviere, L. Recovery of kidney graft function after transplant by laparoscopic technique versus open: A Pilot Study. Oral Presentation at The Transplantation Society of Australian and New Zealand 34th Annual Scientific Meeting, Sydney, April 2016.
• 2015 Kerr, NM, Darian-Smith E, Howie A, Abell RG, Vote BJ, Toh T. Intraocular pressure and Safety During Femtosecond Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery in Glaucomatous Eyes. Eposter presentation at the World Glaucoma Congress, Hong Kong, in June 2015.
• BJ Vote, Ewe, SYP, Abell RG, Darian-Smith E, Kan JB, Allen, PL. Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery versus standard phacoemulsification cataract surgery: Comparative cohort study of surgical outcomes and safety of over 4000 cataract cases at a single centre. E-Poster presentation, 30th Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress held in conjunction with the 20th Congress of the Chinese Ophthalmological Society, Guangzhou, China, April 2015.
• Howie, A, Darian-Smith, E, Allen, P, Vote, B. Whole population incidences of patients presenting with rhegmatogenous retinal detachments within Tasmania, Australia. Poster Presentation at RANZCO 47th Annual Scientific Congress, Wellington, November 2015.
• Howie, A, Darian-Smith, E, Allen, P, Vote, B.  Visual outcomes of patients presenting with rhegmatogenous retinal detachments within Tasmania, Australia.  Poster Presentation at RANZCO 47th Annual Scientific Congress, Wellington, New Zealand, November 2015.
• 2014 BJ Vote, Ewe, SYP, Abell RG, Darian-Smith E, Kan JB, Allen, PL. Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery versus standard phacoemulsification cataract surgery: Comparative cohort study of surgical outcomes and safety of over 4000 cataract cases at a single centre. Free Paper Session Presentation, XXXII Congress of the ESCRS (European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons), London, UK, September 2014.
• 2013 Howie, AR, Abell, RG, Darian-Smith, E, Allen, PL, McCartney, PJ, Vote, BJ.  Undergraduate ophthalmology education in Australia and preparation for internship. Oral Presentation, RANZCO 45th Annual Scientific Congress, Hobart, Australia, November 2013.

Dr. Erica was a recipient of the 2022 ASCRS Foundation Resident Excellence Award. In 2019, she was awarded the RANZCO Filipic Greer Medal for overall excellence in performance at the RANZCO Ophthalmic Pathology examination. Most recently, she was awarded the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) Trevalyn-Smith Travelling Scholarship to subsidize overseas study for Fellows.

• Awarded Trevalyn-Smith Travelling Scholarship (RANZCO): Prestigious scholarship for overseas fellowship study, 2022.
• Selected as an American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Foundation Resident Excellence Award Recipient, 2022.
• Winner of RANZCO Filipic Greer Medal for overall excellence in performance at the RANZCO Ophthalmic Pathology examination (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists), 2019.
• Nominee for the Schneider Prize – presented to the intern who demonstrates the greatest care and compassion in the practice of medicine (Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth), 2015.
• School of Medicine Clinical Distinction Award for academic results in the 4th and 5th years of study (UTAS, School of Medicine (SoM)), 2014.
• School of Medicine Therapeutics Guidelines Prize (Launceston Clinical School) (UTAS, SoM), 2014.
• Launceston Clinical School Award for excellence in General Surgery (Launceston Clinical School, SoM), 2014.
• Consolation Prize for Kathleen Menzies Travelling Prize (UTAS, SoM), 2014.
• Brenda White Scholarship in Medical Research (UTAS), 2013.
• AMA Elective Award (Tasmanian Branch of the Australian Medical Association), 2013.
• Study Overseas Short-term Mobility Scholarship (UTAS, SoM), 2012.
• Menzies Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program Scholarship (UROP) (Menzies Research Institute, Hobart), 2012.

Outside of ophthalmology Dr. Erica enjoys spending time with her husband, son and toy poodle ‘Moose’. To unwind she plays tennis and is currently learning golf. Dr. Erica is an avid supporter of the arts, particularly enjoying live theatre productions at the Kirribilli based ‘Ensemble’ theatre.

Dr. Erica previously volunteered at the first International Blind Tennis Tournament in Alfaz del Pi, Spain. She was selected by Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria to attend in a volunteering capacity to support visually impaired players competing. Dr. Erica had the privilege of representing the Australian team as a tournament referee, a highlight which included refereeing for the B2 and B3 category Women’s Finals. The Australian team won the ‘Fair Play’ award at the tournament conclusion.

• https://lookforlifefoundation.com.au/dr-erica-darian-smith/
• https://www.playbytherules.net.au/resources/case-studies/blind-sport-and-recreation-victoria-blind-tennis-program
• https://mivision.com.au/2025/06/individualised-solutions-surgical-management-of-presbyopia/
• https://mivision.com.au/2024/10/epithelial-oct-mapping-a-crucial-tool-for-refractive-surgeons/
• https://mivision.com.au/2024/10/what-the-hole-when-to-refer-retinal-holes-or-tears/
• https://mivision.com.au/2025/11/from-surface-to-surgery-collaborating-to-optimise-the-tear-film-for-surgical-precision/

• Toohey TP, Corker A, Lee MB, Kidson-Gerber G. Bilateral Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Secondary to Leukostasis in the Setting of Diffuse Large-B Cell Lymphoma: Case Report. Int Med Case Rep J. 2023 May 27;16:319-322. doi: 10.2147/IMCRJ.S408404. PMID: 37265592; PMCID: PMC10231445.
• Lee MB, Dubey R. Flashes and Floaters: Signs, Symptoms, and Red Flags. Mivision. 2023 May 6, https://www.mieducation.com/pages/flashes-and-floaters-signs-symptoms-and-red-flag
• Zhang S, Lee MB. Epiretinal Membranes a Clinical Approach for Optometrists. Mivision. 2023 May 1, https://mivision.com.au/2023/05/epiretinal-membranes-a-clinical-approach-for-optometrists/.
• Spencer SKR, Shulruf B, McPherson ZE, Zhang H, Lee MB, Francis IC, Bank A, Coroneo MT, Agar A. Factors Affecting Adherence to Topical Glaucoma Therapy: A Quantitative and Qualitative Pilot Study Analysis in Sydney, Australia. Ophthalmol Glaucoma. 2019 Mar-Apr;2(2):86-93. doi: 10.1016/j.ogla.2019.01.006. Epub 2019 Jan 26. PMID: 32672609.
• Wang SSY, Lee MB, George A, Wang SB, Blackwell J, Moran S, Francis IC. Five cases of orbital extramedullary plasmacytoma: diagnosis and management of an aggressive malignancy. Orbit. 2019 Jun;38(3):218-225. doi: 10.1080/01676830.2018.1490437. Epub 2018 Jul 9. PMID: 29985709.
• Lee MB, Bobba S, Francis IC. Comparison of Recent Studies of Postoperative Endophthalmitis From the Same National Database. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2017 Feb 1;135(2):173-174. doi: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2016.5105. PMID: 28033444.
• Bobba S, Fox OJK, Lee MB, Parker R, Jain NS, Semmonds AK, Agar A, Francis IC. Contiguous Silicone Oil Migration From the Vitreous Cavity to the Optic Tract. J Neuroophthalmol. 2017 Dec;37(4):464-465. doi: 10.1097/WNO.0000000000000588. PMID: 29112681

Presentations

• Lee MB, Au C, Curcio C, Grossniklaus H, Proia A, Cherepanoff S. Special Interest Group: Reaching Consensus on Clinical and Histological Nomeclature for the Specific Lesions of Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Special Interest Group for the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), May 11, 2023
• Lee MB, Au C, Cherepanoff S, Curcio C, Killingsworth M, Pye V, Arnold J, Sarks JP. BLamD in the OCT Era – Revisiting the Sarks Histopathological Grading System for AMD. Poster presented at The International Society for Eye Research Biennial Meeting, February 20-23, 2023; Gold Coast Qld Australia
• Lee MB, Eftekhar B, Francis IC. Terson Syndrome: A spectacular example of an under-recognised subarachnoid haemorrhage complication with clinicopathologic correlation. The Neuro-ophthalmology Society of Australia 2017 Annual Meeting; September 14-15, 2017; Sydney NSW Australia.

• 2015 University of Sydney Medical School Prize for First in Pathology for Critical Care
• 2014 Dean’s Prize for Research in Clinical Science – awarded to the student with the highest mark for the Honours level thesis
• 2014 Hinder Memorial Prize for highest performance and best Honours project in clinical surgery – awarded to the student with the highest Honours mark in Surgery
• 2014 Harold John Ritchie Memorial Prize for best performance in Clinical Medicine – awarded to the student with the highest mark in Clinical Medicine at the Exit examinations in final year Medicine
• 2014 Professor C.R.B. Blackburn Prize for Medicine at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital – Awarded to the student with the highest Exit examination mark at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
• 2013 University of Sydney Academic Merit Prize for 3rd year Medicine
• 2012 Renwick Prize for proficiency in the Stage 2 barrier exams for the degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery – awarded to the student with the highest mark in 2nd year Medicine
• 2011 University of Sydney Graduate Merit Scholarship for Medicine – awarded to the student with the highest Grade Point Average, GAMSAT and Interview score for entry into Medicine
• 2010 University of Sydney Dean’s list of excellence in academic performance in the Bachelor of Science

Outside of Ophthalmology Dr Mitch can often be found exploring the wilderness in the Blue Mountains area, and has spent many years camping, hiking, and photographing the region. He is a keen fencer, having started with sports fencing in High School. He now mainly practices German longsword in the Liechtenauer tradition, and also has interests in German messer fencing and the Italian longsword treatise of Phillipo di Vadi.

• https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/newcastle-mornings/choosing-to-stay-in-western-nsw-during-covid19/12391902
• https://www.asoeye.org/index.cfm?module=news&pagemode=indiv&page_id=1649787

Dr Noor Ali is extensively involved in teaching medical students and optometry students through the Australian National University and the University of Canberra respectively. Clinically, she teaches ophthalmology trainees at the public hospital and optometrists in the community.  Dr Ali regularly gives presentations at state, national and international scientific meetings. She has published a number of scientific papers and won research prizes. She is a contributor to the Australian Fight Glaucoma Blindness Registry. 

Ali NQ, Niederer RL. Severe retinal vasculitis as a manifestation of Post Streptococcal syndrome in a child. Clinl Exp Ophthalmol. 2019 Sep 6. doi: 10.1111/ceo.13635.

Vellara HR, Ali NQ, Gokul A, Turuwhenua J, Patel DV, McGhee CN. Quantitative Analysis of Corneal Energy Dissipation and Corneal and Orbital Deformation in Response to an Air-Pulse in Healthy Eyes. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2015 Oct;56(11):6941-7.

Ali NQ, Patel DV, McGhee CN.Biomechanical responses of healthy and keratoconic corneas measured using a noncontact scheimpflug-based tonometer. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2014 May 15;55(6):3651-9.

Ali NQ, Patel DV, Lockington D, McGhee CNJ. Citation Analysis of Keratoconus 1900–2013: The Most Influential Publications, Authors, Institutions, and Journals. APJO 2014 Mar-Apr;3(2):67-73.

Lockington D, Ali NQ, Al-Taie R, Patel DV, McGhee CN. Outcomes of scleral-sutured conventional and aniridia intraocular lens implantation performed in a university hospital setting. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2014 Apr;40(4):609-17.

Prime ZJ, Ali NQ.Unusual presentation of late intraocular lens dislocation. Clin Experiment Ophthalmol. 2013 Dec 12. doi: 10.1111/ceo.12288. 

Kerr NM, Patel HY, Chew SS, Ali NQ, Eady EK, Danesh-Meyer HV.Patient satisfaction with topical ocular hypotensives. Clin Experiment Ophthalmol. 2013 Jan-Feb;41(1):27-35.

Awards:

Nominee for ORIA best research paper RANZCO Congress Sydney

Australia 2019.

International Research Travel Grant Recipient, World Ophthalmology Congress,

Tokyo, 2014

Best Research Presentation RANZCO NZ Branch Meeting, Auckland,

2013

Best Research Presentation RANZCO NZ Branch Meeting, Hamilton

2012

Nominee for ORIA best research paper RANZCO Congress Sydney Australia 2019.

International Research Travel Grant Recipient, World Ophthalmology Congress, Tokyo, 2014

Best Research Presentation RANZCO NZ Branch Meeting, Auckland, 2013

Best Research Presentation RANZCO NZ Branch Meeting, Hamilton 2012

After hours, Dr Ali enjoys spending time with her husband, trail running and playing racquet sports including Tennis, Padel and more recently Pickleball. She is an avid enthusiast of Asian Fusion cuisine. Dr Ali is also actively engaged in advocacy both with Glaucoma Australia- a charitable organisation for glaucoma patients, and the Parliamentary Friends of Eye Health. She feels this work is important and impactful on a larger scope in our community. 

• https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-10/act-shock-eye-disease-glaucoma-diagnosis-testing-awareness/102953394

Harry J Clayton Memorial Prize for Excellence in Medicine and Clinical Medicine

Dr Saadiah’s academic achievements include the Neville Welsh Medal for distinguished results in the Part I fellowship examinations, the Elie Dahan Ophthalmic Surgery Prize for top resident of the year, and the registrar prize for best poster presentation by invited international peer review at the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa Congress. She also received an international travel grant to present her research at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) meeting in Denver, Colorado.

1. Carstens N, Williams S, Goolam S, et al. Novel mutation in the CHST6 gene causes macular corneal dystrophy in a black South African family. BMC Medical Genetics. 2016;17:47. doi:10.1186/s12881-016-0308-0.
2. Goolam S, Carstens N, Ross M, et al. Familial congenital cataract, coloboma, and nystagmus phenotype with variable expression caused by mutation in PAX6 in a South African family. Molecular Vision. 2018;24:407-413.
3. Goolam S, Kana H, Welsh N, et al. A 20-Year Retrospective Review of Retinoblastoma at Two Tertiary Academic Hospitals in Johannesburg, South Africa. Ocular Oncology and Pathology. 2018;4:170-175.
4. Carstens N, Goolam S, Hulley M, Brandenburg JT, Ramsay M, Williams SEI. Exome-based mutation screening in South African children with primary congenital glaucoma. Eye (Lond). 2022 Jan 29. doi: 10.1038/s41433-022-01941-7. Published ahead of print. PMID: 35094026
5. Arsiwalla T, Trinh T, Goolam S, Benito-Pascual B, Devasahayam RN, Moloney G. Medium-Term Failure of Descemet’s Stripping Only and Fuchs’ Dystrophy with Pancorneal Guttae. Cornea. Published ahead of print. DOI: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000002873
6. Kong CF, Go C, Goolam S, Yeung S. Diagnostic utility of in vivo confocal microscopy in Acanthamoeba keratitis following corneal crosslinking. BMJ Case Rep. 2024 May 21;17(5):e257279. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2023-257279. PMID: 38772872.

2025

Sydney Eye Hospital Alumni Meeting “Cornea Symposium: Cornea Transplants in 5 years will not be necessary”, 05 July 2025, Swissotel Sydney, NSW – Gene Therapy in Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy

Australian College of Optometrists (ACO) Virtual Seminar Series, 08 July 2025 – First Aid for the Cornea – Acute Management of Traumatic Corneal Conditions

Australian College of Optometrists (ACO) Ocular Therapeutics Course, 09 July 2025, Virtual Meeting – Herpetic Keratitis

2024

Optometrist Education Evening “Vision Quest”, (Interactive CPD, Therapeutic CPD, Even ID: 90005952), 30 April 2024, Nexus Eyecare Blacktown, Blacktown, NSW – IOL Selection in Cataract Surgery

2023

Optometry Interactive Small Group Tutorial, (Interactive CPD Event ID: 90005524), 22 November 2023, Concord Eye Specialists, Concord, NSW – The Red Eye

Australia New Zealand Microsurgical Skills Course, 15-17 September 2023, Discipline Ophthalmology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia – Principles of Globe Repair

Optometrist Education Evening “Cataract Surgery: A Subspeciality Perspective” hosted by Concord Eye Specialists, 05 September 2023, (CPD Activity ID: 90003560), Concord Function Centre, Concord, NSW – Cataract Surgery Considerations in Corneal and Post Laser Refractive Surgery patients.

Australia New Zealand Microsurgical Skills Course (Ophthalmology trainees), 04 February 2023, Discipline Ophthalmology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia – Phacoemulsification – Wound Construction

2022

Australia New Zealand Microsurgical Skills Course, Invited speaker, 03 June 2022, Discipline Ophthalmology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia – Phacoemulsification: Sculpting and nucleus removal strategies

2021

University of Toronto Corneal Rounds, Invited speaker, 28 October 2021, Virtual meeting, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada – Exploring the utility of Amniotic Membrane

2020

Cornea Grand Rounds, 03 July 2020, Sydney Eye Hospital, Sydney, Australia – The Neurotrophic Cornea

2019

University of Witwatersrand Ophthalmology Research Day, August 2019, Johannesburg, South Africa – The Cornea in Glaucomatous Eyes

2018

Ophthalmological Society of South Africa annual congress, February 2018, Johannesburg, South Africa – An overview of corneal ulcers (Oral)

2016

Ophthalmological Society of South Africa annual congress, Sun City, South Africa – Congenital Cataract and Posterior Segment Coloboma in a South African family (Poster)

Association for Research and Vision in Ophthalmology, VISTA Meeting (Cornea Society) May 2016, Seattle, USA – Varicella Zoster Keratitis (Oral)

Association for Research and Vision in Ophthalmology, Seattle, USA – Congenital Cataract and Posterior Segment Coloboma in a South African family (Poster)

School of Clinical Medicine Research Day September 2016, Wits Medical School, Johannesburg, South Africa – Congenital Cataract and Posterior Segment Coloboma in a South African family (Oral)

2015

Ophthalmological Society of South Africa annual congress, Durban – Retinoblastoma in South Africa: A 20-year retrospective study at two tertiary academic hospitals in Johannesburg (Oral, paper)

Association for Research and Vision in Ophthalmology annual congress, Denver, US – Retinoblastoma in South Africa: A 20-year retrospective study at two tertiary academic hospitals in Johannesburg (Poster, paper)

School of Clinical Medicine Research Day September 2015, Wits Medical School, Johannesburg, South Africa – Retinoblastoma in South Africa (Oral)

2014

South African Glaucoma Society annual congress, Stellenbosch – Gene identification in primary congenital glaucoma using whole genome sequencing in a South African family (Poster, paper)

Ophthalmological Society of South Africa annual congress, Drakensburg – Intravitreal anti-VEGF for retinopathy of prematurity: A case series from St John Eye Hospital (Poster, paper)

Ophthalmological Society of South Africa annual congress, Drakensburg – Gene identification in primary congenital glaucoma using whole genome sequencing in a South African family (Poster, paper)

2013

Ophthalmological Society of South Africa annual congress, Cape Town – Paediatric ocular myasthenia gravis: A case series from St John Eye Hospital (Poster, paper)

2012

Ophthalmological Society of South Africa annual congress, Johannesburg – Allergic Conjunctivitis (Oral presentation ophthalmic assistants program)

Ophthalmological Society of South Africa annual congress, Johannesburg – An unusual presentation of retinoblastoma (Poster, case presentation)

South African Glaucoma Society annual meeting, Kruger gate – Primary open angle glaucoma in a patient with a pituitary macroadenoma (Oral)

Neurosciences Department meeting, CMJAH – Third nerve palsy in herpes zoster ophthalmicus (Oral, case presentations)

2011

South African Society of Oculoplastic Surgeons annual meeting, Johannesburg – Orbital Lymphangioma (Oral, case presentation)

Dr Goolam contributes to the profession through scholarly and educational activity. She serves as a reviewer for World Ophthalmology Congress abstract submissions in cornea, cataract, and external disease, and has been invited to speak and participate on expert panels at international cornea meetings.

With a strong interest in corneal and external disease research, Dr Goolam is a research affiliate of the Save Sight Institute at the University of Sydney. She has been an investigator in multiple clinical trials evaluating emerging therapies for dry eye disease, adenoviral conjunctivitis, and Fuchs endothelial dystrophy. Through the Discipline of Ophthalmology at the University of Sydney, she teaches and examines in the Practical Ophthalmic Science Program and is a lecturer and demonstrator for the RANZCO Microsurgical Skills Course.

• University of Sydney Clinical Associate Lecturer
• University of New South Wales Conjoint Associate Lecturer
• Journal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Expert Reviewer
• Asia Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology Expert Reviewer

• Laser Refractive Eye Surgery (Minimally Invasive SMILE, LASIK, PRK, PRESBYOND)
• Multifocal Cataract Surgery
• Keyhole strabismus surgery
• Sutureless pterygium removal
• Eyelid surgery, including: Blepharoplasty, Excision of eyelid lesions and reconstruction, and Dermoid cyst removal
• Myopia management clinic