Emeritus Professor Eric Papas from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has been awarded the prestigious Bernard Gilmartin OPO Award by the College of Optometrists in the United Kingdom, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the field of optometry, optics, and vision science.

The award honours the author of a highly regarded paper published in Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO) within the past five years.

It celebrates research that demonstrates excellence, innovation, and impact in advancing our understanding of vision and eye health.

Prof Papas received the award for his paper ‘The global prevalence of dry eye disease: A Bayesian view’.1

UNSW said Prof Papas’ paper applied Bayesian statistical thinking to the problem of estimating the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED), a condition affecting millions worldwide.

His work provided a more nuanced understanding of DED prevalence globally by giving estimates for populations with differing diagnostic criteria, geographic location, sex or age. In this way, individuals can access information that is directly relevant to their own specific needs and requirements. The paper has been widely cited and has proved useful to many working in the areas of clinical practice, research and public health policy.

Reference

1. Papas EB. The global prevalence of dry eye disease: A Bayesian view. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2021 Nov;41(6):1254-1266. doi:10.1111/ opo.12888.