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Research title:ÌýInvestigating novel therapeutic interventions for angiogenesis and subretinal fibrosis in neovascular AMD

Primary supervisor:ÌýDr Daisy Y. Shu

Secondary supervisors:ÌýA/Prof Michele Madigan, Dr Peter R. Wich, A/Prof Tushar Kumeria

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Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the elderly. Its late-stage neovascular form, and subsequent progression to end-stage subretinal fibrosis, causes profound ocular damage by disrupting the retinal architecture and compromising the strict structural integrity essential for visual clarity.

Current treatments using intravitreal anti-VEGF injections preserve vision by targeting macular neovascularisation; the initial angiogenic stage of neovascular AMD. While advances in treatment have revolved around increasing the therapeutic duration to reduce the frequency of injections, approximately one-third of these patients nevertheless become refractory to treatment and proceed to develop subretinal fibrosis. At this stage, there is currently no clinically effective nor safe therapeutic intervention that can reverse the fibrotic process to preserve or restore vision. This is further complicated by an incomplete understanding of the molecular mechanisms and pathways driving AMD progression. Hence, the development of dual-acting or complementary anti-fibrotic therapies is of clinical importance.

This research project aims to investigate the anti-angiogenic and anti-fibrotic potential of novel therapeutic molecules by modulating the inflammatory, metabolic and oxidative stress-linked pathways implicated in AMD. Nanoparticles will subsequently be generated to optimise drug delivery and retention, thereby addressing the current limitations with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections.

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Biography

Yuting graduated with a Bachelor of Vision Science and Master of Clinical Optometry from the University of New South Wales. She worked as a therapeutically endorsed optometrist across areas in regional and rural New South Wales, where she developed a particular interest in ocular disease and therapeutics. She has since moved back to Sydney to undertake a PhD in optometry, focusing on research into novel treatments for late-stage neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

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Education

Doctor of Philosophy (Optometry) (2025 – ) »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ Sydney

Master of Clinical Optometry (2021 – 2022) »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ Sydney

Bachelor of Vision Science (2018 – 2020) »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ Sydney

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Awards

Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship (2025-2028)

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Memberships and Affiliations

Young Optometrists (Member 2022 – ; Executive Committee 2024 – )

Optometry Australia (2022 – ) | ARVO (2025 – )

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Conference Attendance

Rapid Fire Oral Presentation: Prince of Wales Hospital Ophthalmology Department Annual COSSOM Scientific Meeting 2022