Showcasing Global Insights in Refractive Error: Dr Tim Fricke Presents UNSW PhD Research in the Digital Data Hub
Published on the 10 March 2026 by Nicola Kapo
UNSW PhD graduate Dr Tim Fricke, now Director of Research and Education at the Australian College of Optometry, recently returned to campus to showcase his doctoral research on geographic and temporal global patterns in refractive error. The presentation was held in the cutting‑edge UNSW Digital Data Hub, an immersive space designed for large-scale visualisation and collaborative exploration of complex global datasets.
Dr Fricke completed his PhD under the supervision of Professor Lisa Keay, a public health researcher in the School of Optometry & Vision Science, together with Dr Nina Tahhan and Prof Serge Resnikoff, both from the International Myopia Institute. Their expertise in public health, optometry, and global eye health shaped the foundations and direction of this internationally significant research. The project was further strengthened by the statistical expertise of UNSW School of Mathematics biostatisticians Professor Jake Olivier and Dr Boris Beranger.
Drawing on more than 9.5 million datapoints from international studies, Dr Fricke and the team created detailed world maps showcasing historical trends, current prevalence, and predicted future patterns in refractive error. These models provide valuable insights into how myopia and other refractive conditions are expected to shift globally over coming decades, critical evidence for planning eye health services and prevention strategies.
The February workshop, hosted in the UNSW Digital Data Hub in the new HTH Building, made full use of the Hub’s expansive 7.4‑metre display to bring the data to life. Interested parties are invited to contact the UNSW Digital Data Hub team to request a demonstration or book the space for hire.
Attendees included leaders in global eye health, such as Ms Jude Stern and Dr Anthea Burnett from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB).
The Fred Hollows Foundation also participated, with Ms Amanda Davis and Ms Beattie Varga and Dr Ling Lee, from the Australian College of Optometry, joining online. Their contributions were instrumental in discussions about strengthening global access to refractive error data for advocacy and planning.
A central focus of the session was planning how to integrate the research into the IAPB Vision Atlas, ensuring policymakers, advocates, and service providers worldwide can leverage the findings for regional planning, evidence‑based decision‑making, and global eye health advocacy.
Dr Fricke’s work represents an important contribution to the international understanding of refractive error, providing powerful tools to support eye health policy and service delivery across diverse regions.
