Ophthalmologist ranked among Australia?s best emerging scientists

The ophthalmologist was the recipient of a 2019 Top 5 Media Residency for erging science scholars. The award which will see him work alongside ABC Radio National journalists and broadcasters for two weeks to learn communication skills, as well as learn how to develop content for radio, television and online media.{{quote-A:R-W:400-I:2-Q:“I believe that science is the bedrock of excellent patient care and the future of medical innovation” -who:Dr Chameen Samarawickrama, award recipient}}Samarawickrama was selected from more than 150 applicants from Australian universities and research institutes.The four other winners specialised in psychology, geology, cognitive science and neuroscience.Samarawickrama is a senior lecturer at both the University of Sydney and UNSW, and is ployed at Westmead and Liverpool hospitals. He is also eye surgeon, and is developing a glue to fix damaged corneas.He sits on the board of the Ophthalmic Research Institute of Australia, and is an active mber of RANZCO, as well as chair of RANZCO’s Younger Fellows’ Advisory Group.“I am honoured to have been included on the ABC and UNSW Top Five Young Scientists list. I am particularly honoured to be included alongside such dedicated and visionary young scientists,” he said.“I believe that science is the bedrock of excellent patient care and the future of medical innovation, while scientific communication is essential to help patients understand their diseases and the treatments available to th. In ophthalmology this means being better able to help people to keep their sight, their wellbeing and, often, their independence.”