Lab Members
Dr. Christine Wildsoet
Professor in Optometry & Vision Science, PhD, Dip Appl Sc (Optom), BSc (Hons), FAAO, FARVO
I am an Australian-trained Optometrist with an honors degree in Pharmacology. I first became involved in myopia research with my PhD research undertaken under the mentorship of Professor Jack Pettigrew, Vision Touch Hearing Research Center, University of Queensland, Brisbane Australia. The title of my PhD thesis was "Retinal Control of Eye Growth and Refractive Error in the Chick."
After serving on the faculty member of the School of Optometry, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia for a number of years, I moved to the US, first to the New England College of Optometry in Boston (1996-1999), and later to University of California - Berkeley’s School of Optometry (2000-present).
Myopia and ocular growth regulation have remained the main focus of my research (both human- and animal-based), although I am also interested in intraocular pressure regulation, ocular therapeutics and ocular public health. I maintain research collaborations in the USA, Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Korea, UK, Canada and Spain.
Professor in Optometry & Vision Science, PhD, Dip Appl Sc (Optom), BSc (Hons), FAAO, FARVO
I am an Australian-trained Optometrist with an honors degree in Pharmacology. I first became involved in myopia research with my PhD research undertaken under the mentorship of Professor Jack Pettigrew, Vision Touch Hearing Research Center, University of Queensland, Brisbane Australia. The title of my PhD thesis was "Retinal Control of Eye Growth and Refractive Error in the Chick."
After serving on the faculty member of the School of Optometry, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia for a number of years, I moved to the US, first to the New England College of Optometry in Boston (1996-1999), and later to University of California - Berkeley’s School of Optometry (2000-present).
Myopia and ocular growth regulation have remained the main focus of my research (both human- and animal-based), although I am also interested in intraocular pressure regulation, ocular therapeutics and ocular public health. I maintain research collaborations in the USA, Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Korea, UK, Canada and Spain.
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Dr. Yan Zhang
Clinician Scientist, MD, PhD I am a clinician by primary training with very strong interest in translational medical research, which is reflected in my decision to first pursue research as part of her M.S. in Ophthalmology and subsequent decisions to pursue research experience at the NEI/NIH. My primary interest in translational research leads me to join the multidisciplinary Vision Science Graduate Research (Ph.D.) Program at UC Berkeley in 2007. Currently, I am a clinician scientist in Wildseot Lab at University of California, Berkeley, and my research in eye growth regulation and refractive development is funded by NEI/NIH (2013 - present). |
Dr. Elise Harb
Clinician Scientist, OD, PhD, FAAO
My work is fueled by my work as a pediatric optometrist and the growing number of myopic children I care for. I am focused on better understanding how habitual human behaviors (e.g. near work and outdoor/indoor activity), measured in an objectively and dynamically way utilizing wearable technologies, might play a role in myopia development/progression. I previously was on the pediatric faculty at the New College of Optometry (Boston, 2004-2015) and currently see patients at the UC San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital (Assistant Professor).
Clinician Scientist, OD, PhD, FAAO
My work is fueled by my work as a pediatric optometrist and the growing number of myopic children I care for. I am focused on better understanding how habitual human behaviors (e.g. near work and outdoor/indoor activity), measured in an objectively and dynamically way utilizing wearable technologies, might play a role in myopia development/progression. I previously was on the pediatric faculty at the New College of Optometry (Boston, 2004-2015) and currently see patients at the UC San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital (Assistant Professor).
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Dr. Sonal Aswin Vyas
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Dr. Sandra Wagner
Postdoctoral Fellow, PhD, FAAO I am a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Global Postdoctoral Fellow at the Royal Institute of Technology / KTH - AlbaNova and UC Berkeley School of Optometry & Vision Science. My main research interests are myopia, reasons for its development, and methods to prevent its onset or further progression. Previously, I was a Postdoctoral Researcher and Deputy Group Leader at the Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen, Germany. While completing my PhD in Neuroscience (Dr. rer. nat.) at the Institute for Ophthalmic Research/ International Max Planck Research School, University of Tuebingen, I was a Fulbright Visiting Researcher at the State University of New York, College of Optometry, New York, USA. Regarding my background, I studied Optometry & Audiology (B.Sc.) and Optometry & Psychophysics (M.Sc.) at Aalen University, Germany. |
Dr. So Goto
Clinician Scientist, MD, PhD
I am a postdoc at UC Berkeley School of Optometry, and an ophthalmologist at Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan. I have a background of ophthalmology. My PhD research was focused on choroidal vascular development. I am interested in the mechanism of myopia such as eye growth and refractive development. I hope to know what is happening in the choroid or sclera of myopic eyes. Is it a trigger or result? I am also doing the clinical research focus on the development of the new accurate IOL (intraocular lens) power calculation formula.
Clinician Scientist, MD, PhD
I am a postdoc at UC Berkeley School of Optometry, and an ophthalmologist at Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan. I have a background of ophthalmology. My PhD research was focused on choroidal vascular development. I am interested in the mechanism of myopia such as eye growth and refractive development. I hope to know what is happening in the choroid or sclera of myopic eyes. Is it a trigger or result? I am also doing the clinical research focus on the development of the new accurate IOL (intraocular lens) power calculation formula.
Dr. Maria Liu
Associate Professor of Clinical Optometry, Chief of Myopia Control Clinic, UC Berkeley Eye Center, OD, PhD, MPH, MBA, FAAO
I am an associate professor at UC Berkeley School of Optometry and the founder of UC Berkeley Myopia Control Clinic. I received my bachelor degree of clinical medicine from Peking University, my OD from Pacific University, my PhD and MPH from UC Berkeley. I am a clinical researcher in the field of myopia and the focus of my research is refractive development and myopia. More specifically, I'm interested in understanding a) what aspects of visual experience and associated retinal images underlie myopia; and b) Is it possible to inhibit myopic growth optically and pharmacologically in ways that may be suitable for use in humans? I'm also intensively involved in translational research aiming to answer the questions such as: a) Why does excessive near work increases the risks of myopia; b) Why are some individuals more susceptible than others; and c) What is the role of peripheral optical aberrations in myopia development.
Specialties: Specialized (keratoconus, orthokeratology, and post-refractive surgery as well as post-trauma) contact lens fitting; biostatistics( esp. data analysis in clinical research); subjects recruiting; and clinical teaching.
Associate Professor of Clinical Optometry, Chief of Myopia Control Clinic, UC Berkeley Eye Center, OD, PhD, MPH, MBA, FAAO
I am an associate professor at UC Berkeley School of Optometry and the founder of UC Berkeley Myopia Control Clinic. I received my bachelor degree of clinical medicine from Peking University, my OD from Pacific University, my PhD and MPH from UC Berkeley. I am a clinical researcher in the field of myopia and the focus of my research is refractive development and myopia. More specifically, I'm interested in understanding a) what aspects of visual experience and associated retinal images underlie myopia; and b) Is it possible to inhibit myopic growth optically and pharmacologically in ways that may be suitable for use in humans? I'm also intensively involved in translational research aiming to answer the questions such as: a) Why does excessive near work increases the risks of myopia; b) Why are some individuals more susceptible than others; and c) What is the role of peripheral optical aberrations in myopia development.
Specialties: Specialized (keratoconus, orthokeratology, and post-refractive surgery as well as post-trauma) contact lens fitting; biostatistics( esp. data analysis in clinical research); subjects recruiting; and clinical teaching.
Dr. Sowmya Ravikumar
Clinician Scientist, PhD My research focuses on the impact of poor retinal image quality on refractive error development and visual performance. In particular, I am interested in quantifying the quality of real-world retinal images and to use psychophysical data to test the predictive power of optical models. More recently I have worked on applying empirical biometry and high resolution retinal imaging, in collaboration with Roorda Lab to test hypotheses about ocular growth. https://vision.berkeley.edu/people/sowmya-ravikumar-phd |
Ranjila Shyangbo
Bachelor of Optometry and Vision Science
I am a PhD candidate in the Vision Science Graduate Group at the University of California, Berkeley. My research focuses on understanding how optical modalities such as dual-focus contact lenses slow myopia progression in young children and adults. I am particularly interested in uncovering the mechanisms behind these treatments and understanding why some individuals respond to these treatments differently than others. My research also integrates optical modeling, retinal imaging, and retinal and visual performance testing. Before joining UC Berkeley, I practiced as an optometrist in Nepal, focusing on myopia management and comprehensive eye care. I completed my clinical optometry training at the National Academy of Medical Sciences, Nepal, and am a 2025 Ezell Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. I also enjoy mentoring optometry students and supporting their research interests.
Bachelor of Optometry and Vision Science
I am a PhD candidate in the Vision Science Graduate Group at the University of California, Berkeley. My research focuses on understanding how optical modalities such as dual-focus contact lenses slow myopia progression in young children and adults. I am particularly interested in uncovering the mechanisms behind these treatments and understanding why some individuals respond to these treatments differently than others. My research also integrates optical modeling, retinal imaging, and retinal and visual performance testing. Before joining UC Berkeley, I practiced as an optometrist in Nepal, focusing on myopia management and comprehensive eye care. I completed my clinical optometry training at the National Academy of Medical Sciences, Nepal, and am a 2025 Ezell Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. I also enjoy mentoring optometry students and supporting their research interests.
Dr. Sarah Kochik
Clinician Scientist, OD, PhD, FAAO
I am a clinical instructor at the UC Berkeley School of Optometry and recently finished my PhD in vision science. I received my O.D. from UC Berkeley after which I completed a residency training in Pediatrics and Primary Care. During my residency, I became interested in myopia research through my work in the Myopia Control Clinic at Berkeley, and is currently interested in investigating the binocular vision status of patients wearing multifocal and orthokeratology lenses, as well as the combined effects of optical and pharmaceutical treatments for myopia. I am also the treasurer of her local optometric society, ACCCOS, and a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. As a dedicated Cal fan, I am also happy to be in my second year serving as the on-call optometrist for the Cal football team.
Clinician Scientist, OD, PhD, FAAO
I am a clinical instructor at the UC Berkeley School of Optometry and recently finished my PhD in vision science. I received my O.D. from UC Berkeley after which I completed a residency training in Pediatrics and Primary Care. During my residency, I became interested in myopia research through my work in the Myopia Control Clinic at Berkeley, and is currently interested in investigating the binocular vision status of patients wearing multifocal and orthokeratology lenses, as well as the combined effects of optical and pharmaceutical treatments for myopia. I am also the treasurer of her local optometric society, ACCCOS, and a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. As a dedicated Cal fan, I am also happy to be in my second year serving as the on-call optometrist for the Cal football team.
Pabita Dhungel
I am a PhD student in Vision Science in University of California, Berkeley. I am from a clinical background with Bachelor's in Optometry degree from Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu Nepal. My research interest started during the final year of Optometry with a project on Visual Functions and Multifocal Electroretinogram in Age Related Macular Degeneration. After working as a consultant optometrist for few years, I moved to the United States and obtained my Master's in Vision Science degree from Pacific University, College of Optometry in Oregon . During my masters' degree I was working on a project with Prof. Patrick Caroline and Dr. Maria Liu to see the impact of scleral contact lens wear on intraocular pressure and posterior ocular perfusion. I am a clinical researcher and working on understanding the IOP regulation and its effect on retinal and choroidal thickness using a scleral contact lens in Wildsoet’s lab at the University of California, Berkeley.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Pabita-Dhungel
I am a PhD student in Vision Science in University of California, Berkeley. I am from a clinical background with Bachelor's in Optometry degree from Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu Nepal. My research interest started during the final year of Optometry with a project on Visual Functions and Multifocal Electroretinogram in Age Related Macular Degeneration. After working as a consultant optometrist for few years, I moved to the United States and obtained my Master's in Vision Science degree from Pacific University, College of Optometry in Oregon . During my masters' degree I was working on a project with Prof. Patrick Caroline and Dr. Maria Liu to see the impact of scleral contact lens wear on intraocular pressure and posterior ocular perfusion. I am a clinical researcher and working on understanding the IOP regulation and its effect on retinal and choroidal thickness using a scleral contact lens in Wildsoet’s lab at the University of California, Berkeley.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Pabita-Dhungel
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Myopia Research Group Researchers and Collaborators
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Past Post-doctoral & Clinician Scientists
Caroline Blackie Sigrid Diether David Hammond Liqin (Susan) Jiang Yu-Chun Lin Priya Mathur Ravi Metlapally Lisa Ostrin Jodi Rymer Visiting International Clinician Scientists & Graduate Students Zhi (Peter) Chen , Ming Hu Taixiang Liu Huamao Miao Yang Shen Wulian Song Kai Wang Jun Xu Jiexi (Jessie) Zeng Hui Zhang Fangkun Zhao Feng Zhao Jing Zhao Past Graduate Students Amanda Alvarez PhD Patrick Carney PhD Nevin El-Nimri PhD Prema Ganesan PhD Mariana Garcia PhD Elise Harb PhD Varuna Kumaran MSc Maria (Yue) Liu PhD Alan Lu MSc Diane Nava PhD Sarah Singh (Kochik) PhD James Su PhD Janice Tarrant PhD Yibin Tian PhD Lidia Tekie MSc Kai-Lin Yew MSc Yan Zhang PhD Kaleb Asfaha (rotation) Ethan Bensinger (rotation) Elysia Mia Ison (rotation) Victoria Fong (rotation) Emelia Zin (rotation) Past OD Research Honors Emily Eng Jennifer Hsieh Jessie Lee Jill Yuzuriha Kevin Wang Elysia Mia Ison Past NEI OD Summer Trainees 2000: David West Wendy Ni Daniel Vu 2002: Douglas Lee Min Yi 2003: Annie Chin Nina Tran 2004: Mary Kwong 2005: Gloria Chui Brian Petrecca 2006: Huanxian (Kandy) Guan Pei-Chen (Jennifer) Hsieh 2008: Kim (Thien) Nguyen 2009: Jessica Lee 2010: Theresa Vo Alice Au 2011: Jill Yuzuriha 2012: Kevin Wang Elaine Cheng Sharon Yang 2013: Christina Beltner 2014: Emily Eng Franklin Bui Sirena Huang Alina Pechko 2015: Nikita Katoozi 2016: Valerie Lim Ghazal Naseri 2017: Irene Tan 2018: Loukia Hadjiyianni Natalia Santizo 2020: Elizabeth Gove Elsie Sawai Present & Past UC Berkeley Collaborators Lisa Barcellos (Public Health) Martin Banks (Optometry/Vision Science) Debora Lee Chen (Optometry) John Flannery (Optometry/Vision Science) Kevin Healy (Bioengineering) Dennis Levi (Optometry/Vision Science) Maria Liu (Optometry/Vision Science) Austin Roorda (Optometry/Vision Science) Sarah Singh (Optometry/Vision Science) Present & Past Non-UC Berkeley Collaborators Rigmor Baraas, University College of Southeast Norway, Kongsberg, Norway Vivian Choh, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada Michael Collins, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia Sally McFadden, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia Sheldon Miller, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD Lisa Ostrin, University of Houston College of Optometry, Houston, Texas John Liu, UC San Diego, San Diego, California Joanne Wood, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia |
Current URAP and Honors Students
Vanessa Almaraz Andreana Chou Jacob Cunningham Elham Shoi Ghalehshahi Ellie Wang Jessica Wu Past Undergraduate Researchers (URAP/Honors) Maya Aslam Maya Aizenman Pedro Amaral Sara Azmoun (accepted into Tuft’s Univ. School Medicine) Jenny Banh Ipsha Banerjee Anna Barcellos Supriya Bhat (MD) Mary Boland Alina Boltunova (MD) Carlo Castro (OD) Michelle Chan (OD student, UC Berkeley) Sabrina Chan (OD, UCBSO) Divya Chandrasekar (MD) Alice Chang Atrouli Chatterjee (MSc, PhD student) Elaine Cheng (OD, UCBSO) Kiana Cheung Yee Wan (Winnie) Cheung John Chhoa (MD student) Gloria Chiu (OD, UCBSO) Joshua Chin (accepted into UCSF Pharmacy) John Choa Jeong Choi Younjung (Gina) Choi Grace Chuang (accepted Duke-NUS Medical School) Elaine Chung (OD, SUNY) Philip Chung Dinasha Dahanayake Simon Dardashti (MD) Nevin El-Nimri (OD, MS, PhD (UCB)) Kerac Falk Caroline Feng Joanne Finn Christine Giuliano Julian Gonzalez Huanxian Guan (OD, UCBSO) Frewine Gugsa (MD) Michelle Guillen Abraham Hang (MD student) Andrea He Carol Ho (Pharmacist, UCSF) Jessica Hoang Michelle Hoang (OD student, UC Berkeley) David Hua Lisa Huang Andrea Huerta (OD student, UC Berkeley) Cindy Hwang (MD) Miriam Inbar Elizabeth Jovanovich (MD) Pawanjot Kaur (OD student, UC Berkeley) Rajpreet Kaur (OD, UCBSO) Brandon Kim Min Young Kim Niathi Kona Sucheta Korwar Joshua Kuang Kevin Kuo (MD) Anna Kurianowicz Jin Guen Lee Peter Lee Jacob Lewis (PhD) Paul Li Jingfeng Liang Mary Limbo Emily Liu (OD, UCBSO) Lorraine Lopez Aaron Low Htoo Htoo Lu Jason Luo (PhD) Tatiana Lupashina Vou Quien Luy Alexander Ly Ajay Manchandia (MD) Shreya Malli (OD, UCBSO) Laura Modilevsky (OD, UCBSO) David Moore Widya Mulyasasmita (PhD) Thien (Kim) Nguyen (OD, UCBSO) Eileen Ng (OD, UCBSO) Josephine Ni (MD) Darien Noveir Kacie O’Brien Siddhant Parihar Anish Patel Eileen Phan (MD student; UC Davis) Sahithi Rani (OD student, NECO) Suravi Raychaudhuri (MD student, UCSF) Niathi Reddy (MD student) Diamanda Rigas Zaynab Sajjadi Aaida Samad (MD) Aarshi Sharma Ava Shahi Jianxun Shen Kevin Shieh (MD) Shoichi Shimamoto Derrick Siao Stephanie Stephanie (MD) Daniel Sun Jonathan Sun Katie Sun Sami Sweidan Ashley Tang Jack Thompson Amanda Tran (OD student, UC Berkeley) Leo Tran Nina Tran (OD, UCBSO) Albert Truong (MD, Virginia Tech) Adelyn Tsu Adley Wong Gabrielle Wong (PhD) Michel Wong (OD, UCBSO) Wiggin Wu (MD) Frank Yang Wendy Yang Melissa Yao Brenda Yeh (OD, UCBSO) Min Yi (OD, UCBSO) Halee Yue Jessica Yuen (current OD student, UC Berkeley) Young In Yun Gen Zhang Stephanie Zhang Jennifer Zhou |
