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Professor Matthew Simunovic

MB BChir PhD FRANZCO

Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Science
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health
Save Sight Institute

Phone

02 9382 7111

Email

matthew.simunovic@sydney.edu.au

Details

Member of The University of Sydney Nano Institute

Websites

Personal Website

Group Webpage

Biographical details

Matthew Simunovic is Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Science at the Save Sight Institute where he leads the Retinal Disease and Rescue Group. Additionally, he is a senior consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Sydney Eye Hospital and the Sydney Children's Hospitals Netork where he subspecialises in surgery and diseases of the retina. Prof. Simunovic's research interests include emerging treatments for retinal diseases, experimental vitreoretinal surgery and visual psychophysics. He was the first Australian ophthalmologist to be awarded a Career Development Award from the Foundation Fighting Blindness USA and is supported by major grant funding from the Macular Disease Foundation Australia and the NHMRC. Prof. Simunovic is a member of the Macula Society and the American Ophthalmological Society.

Research interests

1. Laboratory research

Prof. Simunovic's laboratory research is currently focused on addressing novel treatments for inherited and other retinal diseases. One of the difficulties in developing treatments for IRD is that more than 300 genes have been implicated: this is compound by the fact the causative mutations cannot be identified in around 30% of patients. A key feature of our approach is the development of treatments which are causative-gene independent, thereby addressing a critical unmet need.

Optogenetics. The common final pathway to vision loss in IRD is the loss of photoreceptor function. The second-order and third-order neurons that normally convey information from the photoreceptors to the brain persist. The majority of optogenetic approaches seek to render these cells light-sensitive through the introduction of genetic sequences coding for Type I (microbial) or Type II (mammalian) opsins. We are investigating the rescue of vision using.novel vectors that deliver sequences for opsins designed to provide ecologically relevant light-sensitivity.
Retinal progenitor cells. We have recently identified the spontaneous production of retinal cells with progenitor characteristics from living human donor surgical explants. Ongoing work is characterising these cells, including the genetic and proteomic profile.
Retinal bioglue. Retinal detachment is the commonest reason for emergency surgery to preserve or restore sight. Despite surgical and imaging advances, the success rates and morbidity of retinal detachment repair have not drastically changed over the past several decades. We are currently investigating bioglues as a means of sealing retinal tears: these are aimed at hastening recovery and improving surgical outcomes.

2. Experimental vitreoretinal surgery

Emerging treatments for retinal disease demand novel surgical approaches. Recent work has included:

Novel techniques to quantify and compare different surgical approaches to sub-retinal drug deliveryin humans, in vivo.
Characterisation of recovery following iatrogenic detachment of the macula for retinal gene therapy (in collaboration with Robert MacLaren at the University of Oxford)
Optimising sub-retinal drug delivery through identification of the preferred surgical approach

3. Functional biomarkers in retinal disease

Commonly conducted tests (e.g. visual acuity) poorly characterise visual experience: furthermore, they may fail to capture the progression of disease and improvements following therapy. Therefore, new biomarkers for retinal disease need to be developed and validated:

Our recent work has characterised the contribution of rod and cone-mediated mechanisms to the detection of perimetric targets under scotopic, mesopic and photopic conditions. Furthermore, we have explored the effects of light-adaptation on these mechanisms.
Ongoing work is exploring structure-function correlations in retinal disease, including correlating OCT imaging with perimetric light-adaptation in retinitis pigmentosa and cone adaptation as a functional biomarker of Müller cell dysfunction in MacTel II.

4. Clinical trials & Clinical Research

Together with colleagues in the vitreoretinal and medical retinal units at Sydney Eye Hospital, Prof. Simunovic is involved in clinical research. Key findings have included the first empirical evidence for an association between intravitreal injection and Streptococcus spp. endophthalmitis. Additionally, he is involved in clinical trials of new treatments for retinal diseases, including:

The ONL Study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03780972). I am the PI for this phase I trial of a novel neuroprotective factor for patients with macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Renexus Phase III Trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03316300). This is a phase III trial of a CNTF implant for MacTel II, which is being conducted by the Macular Research Group, with my group providing surgical expertise. We have performed the most implantations of any site worldwide to date
1-step vs 2-step sub-retinal injection trial (ACTRN12619001121156). This is an investigator-initiated randomised controlled trial comparing different approaches to sub-retinal drug delivery which has quantified drug loss in humans, in vivo and has identificed the 2-step approach as the preferred technique for subretinal delivery of therapeutics such as gene therapy

5. Registries

Registries provide a powerful means of analysing the natural history of disease processes and outcomes of treatments. Prof. Simunovic is involved in the following registries:

Chief Investigator of a new Save Sight Registry for Inherited Retinal Disease call Fight Inherited Retinal Blindness!, which has an international steering committee of investigators from Australia, New Zealand, North America, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland. A beta version is currently in testing in preparation for roll-out.
Steering committee member of the ANZSRS Surgical Registry, which is led by A/Prof. Rohan Essex at ANU.

Awards and honours

Key Awards

Admitted to the American Ophthalmological Society

Elected to the Macula Society

Foundation Fighting Blindness Career Development Award

RANZCO Eye Foundation/Novartis Fellowship

Bayer Global Ophthalmology Awards Program Fellowship

ARVO MIT Outstanding Poster Award

ARVO International Travel Grant

RANZCO/Bayer Australia Scholarship

Sydney Eye Hospital Alumni Association Travelling Fellowship

Norman Rose Travelling Scholarship, Sydney Hospitallers

The Duke-Elder Examination Prize, Royal College of Ophthalmologists

The Patrick Trevor-Roper Award, Royal College of Ophthalmologists

Foulkes Foundation Fellowship, The Foulkes Foundation

The Packer Scholarship, Cambridge Commonwealth Trust

The Wellcome Research Prize, The Wellcome Trust

Department of Surgery Prize, University of Cambridge

E. M. Burnett Prize, University of Cambridge

The Denis Dooley Prize, University of Cambridge

Themes

Neurosciences and Mental Health

Keywords

Genetic diseases, Microsurgery, Ophthalmology, Vision

(University of Tübingen) Fischer Lab/Institute for Ophthalmic Research

United Kingdom

(University of Oxford) MacLaren Lab/Clinical Ophthalmology Research Group

PhD and master's project opportunities

Structure, Function, Gene Therapy and Surgery in Retinal Dystrophies

Randomized controlled trial of epiretinal membrane surgery

Publications

By Type

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Book Chapters

Mack, H., Hassall, M., Hall, A., Simunovic, M., Fraser-Bell, S., Ayton, L. (2021). Cystoid Macular Edema. In Not known (Eds.), Comprehensive Pharmacology, (pp. 1-37). TBC. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Mack, H., Ayton, L., Hassall, M. (2021). Gene Therapy, Diet and Drug Approaches to Treating Inherited Retinal Disease. In Not known (Eds.), Comprehensive Pharmacology, (pp. 1-31). TBC. [More Information]
Hassall, M., Simunovic, M. (2020). Retinal Gene Therapy. In Andrew Chang, William F. Mieler, Masahito Ohji (Eds.), Macular Surgery - Current Practice and Trends, (pp. 487-515). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore. [More Information]
Xue, K., Edwards, T., Meenik, H., Beelen, M., Naus, G., Simunovic, M., De Smet, M., MacLaren, R. (2019). Robot-Assisted Retinal Surgery: Overcoming Human Limitations. In Masahito Ohji (Eds.), Surgical Retina, (pp. 109-114). Singapore: Springer. [More Information]

show 1 more

Journals

Robertson, E., Hetherington, K., Prain, M., Hall, J., Boyd, L., Boyd, R., Shepard, E., Feller, H., Karandrews, S., O'Hare, F., Simunovic, M., Jamieson, R., Ma, A., Gonzalez Cordero, A., et al (2025). Dismantling barriers to research and clinical care for individuals with a vision impairment. Medical Journal of Australia. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Prime, Z., Chow, R., Shao, E., Madanat, Z., Osaadon, P., Yeo, T., Oo, K., Too, L. (2025). The 1-Step Versus 2-Step Subretinal Injection Trial (1,2-Sit) - A Randomized Controlled Trial to compare Drug Reflux Following Subretinal Injection. American Journal of Ophthalmology. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Moore, A., Grigg, J., Sergouniotis, P., Mahroo, O., Vincent, A., Singh, M., Fischer, M., Edwards, T., Mack, H., Jamieson, R., Gillies, M., Barthelmes, D., et al (2025). The Fight Inherited Retinal Blindness! Project: A New Treatment Outcome and Natural History Registry for Inherited Retinal Disease. Retina, 45(2), 286-295. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Mammo, Z. (2024). Mechanisms of cone sensitivity loss in retinitis pigmentosa. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics. [More Information]
Wong, W., Tham, Y., Ayton, L., Britten-Jones, A., Edwards, T., Grigg, J., Simunovic, M., Chen, F., Jin, Z., Shen, R., et al (2024). Practice Patterns and Challenges in Managing Inherited Retinal Diseases Across Asia-Pacific: A Survey from the APIED Network. Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology, 13(5), 100098. [More Information]
Wong, W., Tham, Y., Simunovic, M., Chen, F., Luu, C., Chen, H., Jin, Z., Shen, R., Li, S., Sui, R., et al (2024). Rationale and protocol paper for the Asia Pacific Network for inherited eye diseases. Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology, 13(1), 100030. [More Information]
Das, T., Joseph, J., Simunovic, M., Grzybowski, A., Chen, K., Dave, V., Sharma, S., Staropoli, P., Flynn, H. (2023). Consensus and controversies in the science of endophthalmitis management: Basic research and clinical perspectives. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research, 97, 101218. [More Information]
Sherwood, C., Crovador, R., Posar, J., Brichta, N., Simunovic, M., Louie, F., Dastoor, P., Brichta, A., Cairney, J., Holmes, N., Griffith, M., et al (2023). Design Parameters and Human Biocompatibility Assessment Protocols for Organic Semiconducting Neural Interfaces: Toward a Printed Artificial Retina with Color Vision. Advanced Materials Interfaces, 10(2202229), 1-15. [More Information]
Akter, N., Fletcher, J., Perry, S., Simunovic, M., Briggs, N., Roy, M. (2022). Glaucoma diagnosis using multi-feature analysis and a deep learning technique. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 8064. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Hess, K., Gillies, M. (2022). IMPAIRMENTS IN CONE PIGMENT REGENERATION AND ABSOLUTE THRESHOLD IN MACULAR TELANGIECTASIA TYPE 2. Retina, 42(3), 569-575. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Gillies, M. (2022). IMPAIRMENTS OF L-CONE/M-CONE AND S-CONE-MEDIATED COLOR DISCRIMINATION IN MACULAR TELANGIECTASIA TYPE II. Retina, 42(3), 576-580. [More Information]
Too, L., Shen, W., Protti, D., Sawatari, A., Black, D., Leamey, C., Huang, J., Lee, S., Mathai, A., Lisowski, L., Gillies, M., Simunovic, M., et al (2022). Optogenetic restoration of high sensitivity vision with bReaChES, a red-shifted channelrhodopsin. Scientific Reports, 12(1). [More Information]
Taylor, L., Josan, A., Pfau, M., Simunovic, M., Jolly, J. (2022). Scotopic microperimetry: evolution, applications and future directions. Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 105(8), 793-800. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Grigg, J., Mahroo, O. (2022). Vision at the limits: Absolute threshold, visual function, and outcomes in clinical trials. Survey of Ophthalmology, 67(4), 1270-1286. [More Information]
Shao, E., Yates, W., Ho, I., Chang, A., Simunovic, M. (2021). Endophthalmitis: Changes in Presentation, Management and the Role of Early Vitrectomy. Ophthalmology and Therapy, 10(4), 877-890. [More Information]
Yates, W., Mammo, Z., Simunovic, M. (2021). Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor versus panretinal LASER photocoagulation for proliferative diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, 56(6), 355-363. [More Information]
Too, L., Simunovic, M. (2021). Retinal Stem/Progenitor Cells Derived From Adult Müller Glia for the Treatment of Retinal Degeneration. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 9, 749131. [More Information]
Jolly, J., Simunovic, M., Dubis, A., Josan, A., Robson, A., Bellini, M., Bloch, E., Georgiadis, O., da Cruz, L., Bridge, H., et al (2021). Structural and Functional Characteristics of Color Vision Changes in Choroideremia. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 15, 729807. [More Information]
Too, L., Shen, W., Mammo, Z., Osaadon, P., Gillies, M., Simunovic, M. (2021). Surgical Retinal Explants as a Source of Retinal Progenitor Cells. Retina, 41(9), 1986-1993. [More Information]
Too, L., Hunt, N., Simunovic, M. (2021). The Role of Inflammation and Infection in Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases: Lessons From Bacterial Meningitis Applied to Alzheimer Disease and Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 15, 635486. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Hess, K., Avery, N., Mammo, Z. (2021). Threshold versus intensity functions in two-colour automated perimetry. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 41(1), 157-164. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Shao, E., Osaadon, P., Sasongko, M., Too, L. (2021). Two-step versus 1-step subretinal injection to compare subretinal drug delivery: A randomised study protocol. BMJ Open, 11(12), e049976. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Shao, E., Osaadon, P. (2020). Ab-externo drainage with continuous anterior chamber infusion for non-resolving exudative retinal detachment: a case report. BMC Ophthalmology, 20(1), 349. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Osaadon, P., Too, L. (2020). Sodium Fluorescein as an Optical Label to Evaluate Subretinal Injection. Retina. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Shen, W., Lin, J., Protti, D., Lisowski, L., Gillies, M. (2019). Optogenetic approaches to vision restoration. Experimental Eye Research, 178, 15-26. [More Information]
Ong, A., Te, N., Zagora, S., Symes, R., Yates, W., Chang, A., McCluskey, P., Simunovic, M. (2019). Post-surgical versus post-intravitreal injection endophthalmitis: changing patterns in causative flora. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, 47(1), 57-62. [More Information]
Edwards, T., Cottriall, C., Xue, K., Simunovic, M., Ramsden, J., Zrenner, E., MacLaren, R. (2018). Assessment of the Electronic Retinal Implant Alpha AMS in Restoring Vision to Blind Patients with End-Stage Retinitis Pigmentosa. Ophthalmology, 125(3), 432-443. [More Information]
Seitz, I., Jolly, J., Fischer, M., Simunovic, M. (2018). Colour discrimination ellipses in choroideremia. Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, 256(4), 665-673. [More Information]
Edwards, T., Xue, K., Meenink, H., Beelen, M., Naus, G., Simunovic, M., Latasiewicz, M., Farmery, A., De Smet, M., MacLaren, R. (2018). First-in-human study of the safety and viability of intraocular robotic surgery. Nature Biomedical Engineering, 2(9), 649-656. [More Information]
Edwards, T., Williams, J., Patricio, M., Simunovic, M., Shanks, M., Clouston, P., MacLaren, R. (2018). Novel non-contiguous exon duplication in choroideremia. Clinical Genetics, 93(1), 144-148. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Xue, K., Jolly, J., MacLaren, R. (2017). Structural and Functional Recovery Following Limited Iatrogenic Macular Detachment for Retinal Gene Therapy. JAMA Ophthalmology, 135(3), 234-241. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Xue, K., MacLaren, R. (2017). Using Rho Kinase Inhibitors for Retinal Detachment: In Reply. JAMA Ophthalmology, 135(8), 895-896. [More Information]
Simunovic, M. (2016). Acquired Color Vision Deficiency. Survey of Ophthalmology, 61(2), 132-155. [More Information]
Fahim, A., Simunovic, M., Mammo, Z., Mitry, D., Pakzad-Vaezi, K., Bradley, P., Mahroo, O. (2016). Comparison of ophthalmic training in 6 English-speaking countries. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, 51(3), 212-218. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Moore, A., MacLaren, R. (2016). Selective Automated Perimetry Under Photopic, Mesopic, and Scotopic Conditions: Detection Mechanisms and Testing Strategies. Translational Vision Science and Technology, 5(3), 1-13. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Jolly, J., Xue, K., Edwards, T., Groppe, M., Downes, S., MacLaren, R. (2016). The Spectrum of CHM Gene Mutations in Choroideremia and Their Relationship to Clinical Phenotype. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 57(14), 6033-6039. [More Information]
Edwards, T., Jolly, J., Groppe, M., Barnard, A., Cottriall, C., Tolmachova, T., Black, G., Webster, A., Lotery, A., Simunovic, M., et al (2016). Visual Acuity after Retinal Gene Therapy for Choroideremia. New England Journal of Medicine, 374(20), 1996-1998.
Simunovic, M., Maberley, D. (2015). Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy For Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Retina, 35(10), 1931-1942. [More Information]
Simunovic, M. (2015). Metamorphosia and its quantification. Retina, 35(7), 1285-1291. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Thaung, C., da Cruz, L., Sagoo, M., Egan, C. (2015). Small cell carcinoma of the lung metastatic to the retina: A clinicopathologic case report. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, 50(6), e119-e121. [More Information]
Simunovic, M. (2014). "The el greco fallacy" fallacy. JAMA Ophthalmology, 132(4), 491-494. [More Information]
Rush, R., Simunovic, M., Sheth, S., Chang, A., Hunyor, A. (2014). 23-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy Versus Scleral Buckling Versus Combined Pars Plana Vitrectomy-Scleral Buckling for Medium-Complexity Retinal Detachment Repair. Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology, 3(4), 215-219. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Maberley, D. (2014). Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy mimicking macular telangiectasia type 1. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, 49(1), e28-e30. [More Information]
Rush, R., Simunovic, M., Aragon, A., Ysasaga, J. (2014). Postoperative macular hole formation after vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling for the treatment of epiretinal membrane. Retina, 34(5), 890-896. [More Information]
Rush, R., Simunovic, M., Vandiver, L., Aragon, A., Ysasaga, J. (2014). Treat-and-extend bevacizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: The importance of Baseline Characteristics. Retina, 34(5), 846-852. [More Information]
Rush, R., Simunovic, M., Aragon, A., Ysasaga, J. (2014). Treat-and-extend intravitreal bevacizumab for branch retinal vein occlusion. Ophthalmic Surgery, Lasers and Imaging Retina, 45(3), 212-216. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Hunyor, A., Ho, I. (2014). Vitrectomy for diabetic macular edema: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, 49(2), 188-195. [More Information]
Rush, R., Simunovic, M., Sheth, S., Kratz, A., Hunyor, A. (2013). Pars Plana Vitrectomy Versus Combined Pars Plana Vitrectomy-Scleral Buckle for Secondary Repair of Retinal Detachment. Ophthalmic Surgery Lasers & Imaging, 44(4), 374-379. [More Information]
Rush, R., Simunovic, M., Hunyor, A. (2013). Twenty-Three-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy With Inferior Retinectomy and Postoperative Perfluoro-n-Octane Retention for Retinal Detachment Repair. Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology, 2, 232-236. [More Information]
Simunovic, M. (2012). Dawbeney Turbervile, MD (1612-1696). Archives of Ophthalmology, 130(3), 406-408. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Rush, R., Hunyor, A., Chang, A. (2012). Endophthalmitis following intravitreal injection versus endophthalmitis following cataract surgery: clinical features, causative organisms and post-treatment outcomes. British Journal of Ophthalmology, 96(6), 862-866. [More Information]
Simunovic, M. (2012). On seeing yellow: the case for, and against, short-wavelength light-absorbing intraocular lenses. Archives of Ophthalmology, 130(7), 919-926. [More Information]
Simunovic, M. (2011). Blue-blocking IOLs. Ophthalmology, 118(9), 1897-1898. [More Information]
Simunovic, M. (2010). Colour vision deficiency. Eye, 24(5), 747-755. [More Information]
Hughes, E., Guzowski, M., Simunovic, M., Hunyor, A., McCluskey, P. (2010). Syphilitic retinitis and uveitis in HIV-positive adults. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, 38(9), 851-856. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Hughes, E., Townend, B., Ho, I. (2009). Acute annular outer retinopathy with systemic symptoms [To the Editor]. Eye, 24(6), 1125-1126. [More Information]
Michaelides, M., Johnson, S., Simunovic, M., Bradshaw, K., Holder, G., Mollon, J., Moore, A., Hunt, D. (2005). Blue cone monochromatism: a phenotype and genotype assessment with evidence of progressive loss of cone function in older individuals. Eye, 19(1), 2-10. [More Information]
Michaelides, M., Johnson, S., Bradshaw, K., Holder, G., Simunovic, M., Mollon, J., Moore, A., Hunt, D. (2005). X-Linked Cone Dysfunction Syndrome with Myopia and Protanopia. Ophthalmology, 112(8), 1448.e1-1448.e9. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Calver, R. (2004). Crowding under scotopic conditions. Vision Research, 44(10), 963-969. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Cullerne, A., Colley, A., Wilson, T. (2004). How Well Does Color Perimetry Isolate Responses from Individual Cone Mechanisms? Journal of Glaucoma, 13(1), 22-27. [More Information]

show 57 more

Conferences

Akter, N., Perry, S., Fletcher, J., Simunovic, M., Roy, M. (2020). Automated Artifacts and Noise Removal from Optical Coherence Tomography Images Using Deep Learning Technique. 2020 IEEE Symposium Series on Computational Intelligence (SSCI 2020), Canberra: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). [More Information]

By Year

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2025

Robertson, E., Hetherington, K., Prain, M., Hall, J., Boyd, L., Boyd, R., Shepard, E., Feller, H., Karandrews, S., O'Hare, F., Simunovic, M., Jamieson, R., Ma, A., Gonzalez Cordero, A., et al (2025). Dismantling barriers to research and clinical care for individuals with a vision impairment. Medical Journal of Australia. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Prime, Z., Chow, R., Shao, E., Madanat, Z., Osaadon, P., Yeo, T., Oo, K., Too, L. (2025). The 1-Step Versus 2-Step Subretinal Injection Trial (1,2-Sit) - A Randomized Controlled Trial to compare Drug Reflux Following Subretinal Injection. American Journal of Ophthalmology. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Moore, A., Grigg, J., Sergouniotis, P., Mahroo, O., Vincent, A., Singh, M., Fischer, M., Edwards, T., Mack, H., Jamieson, R., Gillies, M., Barthelmes, D., et al (2025). The Fight Inherited Retinal Blindness! Project: A New Treatment Outcome and Natural History Registry for Inherited Retinal Disease. Retina, 45(2), 286-295. [More Information]

2024

Simunovic, M., Mammo, Z. (2024). Mechanisms of cone sensitivity loss in retinitis pigmentosa. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics. [More Information]
Wong, W., Tham, Y., Ayton, L., Britten-Jones, A., Edwards, T., Grigg, J., Simunovic, M., Chen, F., Jin, Z., Shen, R., et al (2024). Practice Patterns and Challenges in Managing Inherited Retinal Diseases Across Asia-Pacific: A Survey from the APIED Network. Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology, 13(5), 100098. [More Information]
Wong, W., Tham, Y., Simunovic, M., Chen, F., Luu, C., Chen, H., Jin, Z., Shen, R., Li, S., Sui, R., et al (2024). Rationale and protocol paper for the Asia Pacific Network for inherited eye diseases. Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology, 13(1), 100030. [More Information]

2023

Das, T., Joseph, J., Simunovic, M., Grzybowski, A., Chen, K., Dave, V., Sharma, S., Staropoli, P., Flynn, H. (2023). Consensus and controversies in the science of endophthalmitis management: Basic research and clinical perspectives. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research, 97, 101218. [More Information]
Sherwood, C., Crovador, R., Posar, J., Brichta, N., Simunovic, M., Louie, F., Dastoor, P., Brichta, A., Cairney, J., Holmes, N., Griffith, M., et al (2023). Design Parameters and Human Biocompatibility Assessment Protocols for Organic Semiconducting Neural Interfaces: Toward a Printed Artificial Retina with Color Vision. Advanced Materials Interfaces, 10(2202229), 1-15. [More Information]

2022

Akter, N., Fletcher, J., Perry, S., Simunovic, M., Briggs, N., Roy, M. (2022). Glaucoma diagnosis using multi-feature analysis and a deep learning technique. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 8064. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Hess, K., Gillies, M. (2022). IMPAIRMENTS IN CONE PIGMENT REGENERATION AND ABSOLUTE THRESHOLD IN MACULAR TELANGIECTASIA TYPE 2. Retina, 42(3), 569-575. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Gillies, M. (2022). IMPAIRMENTS OF L-CONE/M-CONE AND S-CONE-MEDIATED COLOR DISCRIMINATION IN MACULAR TELANGIECTASIA TYPE II. Retina, 42(3), 576-580. [More Information]
Too, L., Shen, W., Protti, D., Sawatari, A., Black, D., Leamey, C., Huang, J., Lee, S., Mathai, A., Lisowski, L., Gillies, M., Simunovic, M., et al (2022). Optogenetic restoration of high sensitivity vision with bReaChES, a red-shifted channelrhodopsin. Scientific Reports, 12(1). [More Information]
Taylor, L., Josan, A., Pfau, M., Simunovic, M., Jolly, J. (2022). Scotopic microperimetry: evolution, applications and future directions. Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 105(8), 793-800. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Grigg, J., Mahroo, O. (2022). Vision at the limits: Absolute threshold, visual function, and outcomes in clinical trials. Survey of Ophthalmology, 67(4), 1270-1286. [More Information]

show 3 more

2021

Mack, H., Hassall, M., Hall, A., Simunovic, M., Fraser-Bell, S., Ayton, L. (2021). Cystoid Macular Edema. In Not known (Eds.), Comprehensive Pharmacology, (pp. 1-37). TBC. [More Information]
Shao, E., Yates, W., Ho, I., Chang, A., Simunovic, M. (2021). Endophthalmitis: Changes in Presentation, Management and the Role of Early Vitrectomy. Ophthalmology and Therapy, 10(4), 877-890. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Mack, H., Ayton, L., Hassall, M. (2021). Gene Therapy, Diet and Drug Approaches to Treating Inherited Retinal Disease. In Not known (Eds.), Comprehensive Pharmacology, (pp. 1-31). TBC. [More Information]
Yates, W., Mammo, Z., Simunovic, M. (2021). Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor versus panretinal LASER photocoagulation for proliferative diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, 56(6), 355-363. [More Information]
Too, L., Simunovic, M. (2021). Retinal Stem/Progenitor Cells Derived From Adult Müller Glia for the Treatment of Retinal Degeneration. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 9, 749131. [More Information]
Jolly, J., Simunovic, M., Dubis, A., Josan, A., Robson, A., Bellini, M., Bloch, E., Georgiadis, O., da Cruz, L., Bridge, H., et al (2021). Structural and Functional Characteristics of Color Vision Changes in Choroideremia. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 15, 729807. [More Information]
Too, L., Shen, W., Mammo, Z., Osaadon, P., Gillies, M., Simunovic, M. (2021). Surgical Retinal Explants as a Source of Retinal Progenitor Cells. Retina, 41(9), 1986-1993. [More Information]
Too, L., Hunt, N., Simunovic, M. (2021). The Role of Inflammation and Infection in Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases: Lessons From Bacterial Meningitis Applied to Alzheimer Disease and Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 15, 635486. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Hess, K., Avery, N., Mammo, Z. (2021). Threshold versus intensity functions in two-colour automated perimetry. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 41(1), 157-164. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Shao, E., Osaadon, P., Sasongko, M., Too, L. (2021). Two-step versus 1-step subretinal injection to compare subretinal drug delivery: A randomised study protocol. BMJ Open, 11(12), e049976. [More Information]

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2020

Simunovic, M., Shao, E., Osaadon, P. (2020). Ab-externo drainage with continuous anterior chamber infusion for non-resolving exudative retinal detachment: a case report. BMC Ophthalmology, 20(1), 349. [More Information]
Akter, N., Perry, S., Fletcher, J., Simunovic, M., Roy, M. (2020). Automated Artifacts and Noise Removal from Optical Coherence Tomography Images Using Deep Learning Technique. 2020 IEEE Symposium Series on Computational Intelligence (SSCI 2020), Canberra: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). [More Information]
Hassall, M., Simunovic, M. (2020). Retinal Gene Therapy. In Andrew Chang, William F. Mieler, Masahito Ohji (Eds.), Macular Surgery - Current Practice and Trends, (pp. 487-515). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Osaadon, P., Too, L. (2020). Sodium Fluorescein as an Optical Label to Evaluate Subretinal Injection. Retina. [More Information]

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2019

Simunovic, M., Shen, W., Lin, J., Protti, D., Lisowski, L., Gillies, M. (2019). Optogenetic approaches to vision restoration. Experimental Eye Research, 178, 15-26. [More Information]
Ong, A., Te, N., Zagora, S., Symes, R., Yates, W., Chang, A., McCluskey, P., Simunovic, M. (2019). Post-surgical versus post-intravitreal injection endophthalmitis: changing patterns in causative flora. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, 47(1), 57-62. [More Information]
Xue, K., Edwards, T., Meenik, H., Beelen, M., Naus, G., Simunovic, M., De Smet, M., MacLaren, R. (2019). Robot-Assisted Retinal Surgery: Overcoming Human Limitations. In Masahito Ohji (Eds.), Surgical Retina, (pp. 109-114). Singapore: Springer. [More Information]

2018

Edwards, T., Cottriall, C., Xue, K., Simunovic, M., Ramsden, J., Zrenner, E., MacLaren, R. (2018). Assessment of the Electronic Retinal Implant Alpha AMS in Restoring Vision to Blind Patients with End-Stage Retinitis Pigmentosa. Ophthalmology, 125(3), 432-443. [More Information]
Seitz, I., Jolly, J., Fischer, M., Simunovic, M. (2018). Colour discrimination ellipses in choroideremia. Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, 256(4), 665-673. [More Information]
Edwards, T., Xue, K., Meenink, H., Beelen, M., Naus, G., Simunovic, M., Latasiewicz, M., Farmery, A., De Smet, M., MacLaren, R. (2018). First-in-human study of the safety and viability of intraocular robotic surgery. Nature Biomedical Engineering, 2(9), 649-656. [More Information]
Edwards, T., Williams, J., Patricio, M., Simunovic, M., Shanks, M., Clouston, P., MacLaren, R. (2018). Novel non-contiguous exon duplication in choroideremia. Clinical Genetics, 93(1), 144-148. [More Information]

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2017

Simunovic, M., Xue, K., Jolly, J., MacLaren, R. (2017). Structural and Functional Recovery Following Limited Iatrogenic Macular Detachment for Retinal Gene Therapy. JAMA Ophthalmology, 135(3), 234-241. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Xue, K., MacLaren, R. (2017). Using Rho Kinase Inhibitors for Retinal Detachment: In Reply. JAMA Ophthalmology, 135(8), 895-896. [More Information]

2016

Simunovic, M. (2016). Acquired Color Vision Deficiency. Survey of Ophthalmology, 61(2), 132-155. [More Information]
Fahim, A., Simunovic, M., Mammo, Z., Mitry, D., Pakzad-Vaezi, K., Bradley, P., Mahroo, O. (2016). Comparison of ophthalmic training in 6 English-speaking countries. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, 51(3), 212-218. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Moore, A., MacLaren, R. (2016). Selective Automated Perimetry Under Photopic, Mesopic, and Scotopic Conditions: Detection Mechanisms and Testing Strategies. Translational Vision Science and Technology, 5(3), 1-13. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Jolly, J., Xue, K., Edwards, T., Groppe, M., Downes, S., MacLaren, R. (2016). The Spectrum of CHM Gene Mutations in Choroideremia and Their Relationship to Clinical Phenotype. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 57(14), 6033-6039. [More Information]
Edwards, T., Jolly, J., Groppe, M., Barnard, A., Cottriall, C., Tolmachova, T., Black, G., Webster, A., Lotery, A., Simunovic, M., et al (2016). Visual Acuity after Retinal Gene Therapy for Choroideremia. New England Journal of Medicine, 374(20), 1996-1998.

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2015

Simunovic, M., Maberley, D. (2015). Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy For Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Retina, 35(10), 1931-1942. [More Information]
Simunovic, M. (2015). Metamorphosia and its quantification. Retina, 35(7), 1285-1291. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Thaung, C., da Cruz, L., Sagoo, M., Egan, C. (2015). Small cell carcinoma of the lung metastatic to the retina: A clinicopathologic case report. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, 50(6), e119-e121. [More Information]

2014

Simunovic, M. (2014). "The el greco fallacy" fallacy. JAMA Ophthalmology, 132(4), 491-494. [More Information]
Rush, R., Simunovic, M., Sheth, S., Chang, A., Hunyor, A. (2014). 23-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy Versus Scleral Buckling Versus Combined Pars Plana Vitrectomy-Scleral Buckling for Medium-Complexity Retinal Detachment Repair. Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology, 3(4), 215-219. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Maberley, D. (2014). Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy mimicking macular telangiectasia type 1. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, 49(1), e28-e30. [More Information]
Rush, R., Simunovic, M., Aragon, A., Ysasaga, J. (2014). Postoperative macular hole formation after vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling for the treatment of epiretinal membrane. Retina, 34(5), 890-896. [More Information]
Rush, R., Simunovic, M., Vandiver, L., Aragon, A., Ysasaga, J. (2014). Treat-and-extend bevacizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: The importance of Baseline Characteristics. Retina, 34(5), 846-852. [More Information]
Rush, R., Simunovic, M., Aragon, A., Ysasaga, J. (2014). Treat-and-extend intravitreal bevacizumab for branch retinal vein occlusion. Ophthalmic Surgery, Lasers and Imaging Retina, 45(3), 212-216. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Hunyor, A., Ho, I. (2014). Vitrectomy for diabetic macular edema: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, 49(2), 188-195. [More Information]

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2013

Rush, R., Simunovic, M., Sheth, S., Kratz, A., Hunyor, A. (2013). Pars Plana Vitrectomy Versus Combined Pars Plana Vitrectomy-Scleral Buckle for Secondary Repair of Retinal Detachment. Ophthalmic Surgery Lasers & Imaging, 44(4), 374-379. [More Information]
Rush, R., Simunovic, M., Hunyor, A. (2013). Twenty-Three-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy With Inferior Retinectomy and Postoperative Perfluoro-n-Octane Retention for Retinal Detachment Repair. Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology, 2, 232-236. [More Information]

2012

Simunovic, M. (2012). Dawbeney Turbervile, MD (1612-1696). Archives of Ophthalmology, 130(3), 406-408. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Rush, R., Hunyor, A., Chang, A. (2012). Endophthalmitis following intravitreal injection versus endophthalmitis following cataract surgery: clinical features, causative organisms and post-treatment outcomes. British Journal of Ophthalmology, 96(6), 862-866. [More Information]
Simunovic, M. (2012). On seeing yellow: the case for, and against, short-wavelength light-absorbing intraocular lenses. Archives of Ophthalmology, 130(7), 919-926. [More Information]

2011

Simunovic, M. (2011). Blue-blocking IOLs. Ophthalmology, 118(9), 1897-1898. [More Information]

2010

Simunovic, M. (2010). Colour vision deficiency. Eye, 24(5), 747-755. [More Information]
Hughes, E., Guzowski, M., Simunovic, M., Hunyor, A., McCluskey, P. (2010). Syphilitic retinitis and uveitis in HIV-positive adults. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, 38(9), 851-856. [More Information]

2009

Simunovic, M., Hughes, E., Townend, B., Ho, I. (2009). Acute annular outer retinopathy with systemic symptoms [To the Editor]. Eye, 24(6), 1125-1126. [More Information]

2005

Michaelides, M., Johnson, S., Simunovic, M., Bradshaw, K., Holder, G., Mollon, J., Moore, A., Hunt, D. (2005). Blue cone monochromatism: a phenotype and genotype assessment with evidence of progressive loss of cone function in older individuals. Eye, 19(1), 2-10. [More Information]
Michaelides, M., Johnson, S., Bradshaw, K., Holder, G., Simunovic, M., Mollon, J., Moore, A., Hunt, D. (2005). X-Linked Cone Dysfunction Syndrome with Myopia and Protanopia. Ophthalmology, 112(8), 1448.e1-1448.e9. [More Information]

2004

Simunovic, M., Calver, R. (2004). Crowding under scotopic conditions. Vision Research, 44(10), 963-969. [More Information]
Simunovic, M., Cullerne, A., Colley, A., Wilson, T. (2004). How Well Does Color Perimetry Isolate Responses from Individual Cone Mechanisms? Journal of Glaucoma, 13(1), 22-27. [More Information]

Selected Grants

2023

Optogenetic Approaches For Vision Restoration, Too L, Simunovic M, Protti D, Lisowski L, Australian Vision Research (AVR)/Australian Vision Research Grants
Rewarding Research 2024, Simunovic M, Faculty of Medicine and Health/FMH Rewarding Research Success
High-density microelectrode array (HD-MEA), Simunovic M, National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)/Equipment Grant
Collagen Bioglue for Retinal Detachment Repair, Simunovic M, You J, Fan J, The Macula Society/International Retinal Research Foundation Award

2022

Cell Therapy Via Living Donor surgical retinal explants, Simunovic M, Protti D, Too L, Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation/Research Grant
DEVELOPMENT OF PHOTORECEPTOR CELL THERAPY TO TREAT BLINDNESS, Elwood N, Gonzalez Cordero A, Wakefield C, Yang P, Hetherington K, Jamieson R, Reddel R, Simunovic M, Tam P, Grigg J, Zreiqat H, Department of Health and Aged Care (Federal - administered by NHMRC)/2021 MRFF Stem Cell Therapies Mission

2021

Optogenetic restoration of high-sensitivity vision with ChRmine, a novel Type I opsin, Simunovic M, Too L, Protti D, Leamey C, Sawatari A, National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)/Ideas Grant
Optogenetic restoration of vision in macular degeneration with high-sensitivity Type I and Type II opsins, Gillies M, Simunovic M, Too L, Lisowski L, Protti D, Leamey C, Sawatari A, Macular Disease Foundation Australia/Research Grant

2019

Cone light adaptation as a biomarker for Mullercell dysfunction, Simunovic M, Bayer Consumer Care AG/Research Grant

2017

Optogenetics for retinal degeneration, Simunovic M, Sydney Medical School Foundation/Clinician Researcher Support Scheme
Sydney Vision Initiative, Alexander I, Grigg J, Jamieson R, Lisowski L, McCluskey P, Schofield D, Simunovic M, Tam P, DVC Research/Sydney Research Excellence Initiative 2020 (SREI)