Power List Recognises Ophthalmologists Down Under

Professors Jonathan Crowston and Keith Martin from Australia, and Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer from New Zealand have been listed in The Ophthalmologist Power List 2025.

Each year readers of The Ophthalmologist are asked to nominate individuals “whose influence and achievements are a continuing source of inspiration and admiration among their peers”. 

Nominations are judged by an international panel and this year, for the first time, the top 50 candidates were divided into five categories: cataract and refractive, glaucoma, retina, research, and innovation.

The Australian and New Zealand ophthalmologists secured three positions among the top ten in the glaucoma category.

Professor Helen Danish-Meyer:

Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer is the Sir William and Lady Stevenson Professor of Ophthalmology, University of Auckland, New Zealand. Prof Crowston is Professor of Ophthalmology, University of Sydney, and Prof Martin is the Ringland Anderson Professor and Head of Ophthalmology, University of Melbourne, and Managing Director, Centre for Eye Research Australia.

A United Approach

When The Ophthalmologist asked each of the Professors, “What advice would you give to your younger self?”, they all emphasised the need to challenge “strongly held beliefs” and to be collaborative.

“The most exciting developments in glaucoma are happening at the intersection of disciplines – vascular biology, neuroscience, architecture, engineering, optometry – all have something to contribute,” said Prof Danesh-Meyer. “Think globally – connect with biotech start-ups, industry, government agencies and funding bodies early to drive real-world impact.”

Encouraging “young researchers and clinicians to embrace collaboration”, Prof Martin said, “The future of glaucoma treatment will not come from a single discovery but from the intersection of multiple fields – ophthalmology, neuroscience, genetics, and bioengineering. Some of the most exciting progress is happening at these boundaries, and those willing to work across disciplines will help redefine what is possible”.

Professor Jonathan Crowston:

Similarly Prof Crowston said, “Watch carefully to what is happening in the broader fields of neuroscience and ageing research and engage more deeply. This will elevate the prominence of glaucoma as an age-related neurodegenerative disease.”

Professor Keith Martin:

Prof Martin stressed the significance of glaucoma research: “Glaucoma remains a leading cause of blindness worldwide, but we are in an era where scientific breakthroughs can change lives. There has never been a more exciting time to be in this space, and the next generation of glaucoma specialists will play a pivotal role in shaping a future where blindness from glaucoma becomes a thing of the past.”

This article has been republished courtesy of Mivision.