A passion for “the constantly changing nature of optometry”

What is your professional passion?

I love being involved in vision research and discovering new things. My research expertise includes causes of myopia, binocular vision, accommodation and focusing, spectacle lens design, multifocal contact lenses, and eye growth control. The ocular surface and dry eye are a relatively new focus for my research. I have published six papers on clinical treatments of MGD, the impact of vitamin D, intense pulsed light therapy and optimel honey eye drops and nasal spray.

What do you like most about your working day?

I most like in my work as an academic at QUT that every day is different, and also the really interesting interactions that I have with colleagues and students. Sometimes I will teach optometry students and other days I will work on my research projects. Optometry is constantly changing, and what I do and how I work has changed as well.

What is the one thing you couldn’t live without?

Like everyone, I couldn’t live without my mobile phone. I use it to keep in touch with everyone – the world really. I look up news and information – I even read research articles on its small screen. Luckily I’m not susceptible to near work induced myopia. I use Facetime video and Zoom for contacting family, friends and work colleagues.

Luckily I’m not susceptible to near work induced myopia

How do you manage a work/life balance?

My husband and kids make me manage!

What do you do to unwind?

I take my cute dog and kids to the park and bake (not at the same time).

You have won the OT lottery. What are the first three things you would do with the £1m jackpot?

I would host a big party, I would give a donation for eye research, and I would buy a house at the beach – and then there would be no money left.

Did you have your next holiday booked? Where were you going?

We were going camping at Somerset to a large freshwater dam not far from where we live.

About the author

Dr Katrina Schmid is Associate Professor in the School of Optometry and Vision Science, Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Her qualifications include an optometry degree with scheduled medicines endorsement and PhD in eye research. Dr Schmid has a higher education teaching qualification and is a senior fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She provides expert advice as a member of the ARVO Animal Research Committee and is deputy chair of the QUT University Animal Ethics Committee. She is an editorial board member for Scientific Reports (Nature) and Translational Vision Science and Technology.