At the Cutting Edge of Ophthalmology: Exploring the Research of Associate Professor Simon Skalicky

Why His Work Matters

Vision is one of our most precious senses. Associate Professor Simon Skalicky sees this clearly — and his work shows it. Based in Melbourne, Dr. Skalicky is an expert cataract and glaucoma surgeon. But more than that, he is a committed researcher and innovator.

His studies are helping reshape how we understand eye care — not just in clinics, but in everyday life. This post explains his most important recent research and how that work is improving eye care globally.

Putting Patients First: Quality of Life in Glaucoma Care

• Dr. Skalicky studies how glaucoma affects patients’ lives — not just their eye pressure or vision charts.

• His research uses custom questionnaires and interviews to understand the emotional, social, and functional impact of glaucoma.

• These insights encourage doctors to treat glaucoma with empathy — focusing on how patients feel, not just what tests show.

Exploring Genetic Links: Blood Disorders & Glaucoma

• In one study, Dr. Skalicky and colleagues looked at whether a rare blood disorder — Hereditary Spherocytosis — could contribute to glaucoma.

• Their idea: the abnormal shape of red blood cells might impair blood flow to the optic nerve, possibly increasing glaucoma risk.

• This early but bold research opens a new dialogue between blood-health and eye-health specialists.

Making Glaucoma Screening Easier — Worldwide

One of Dr. Skalicky’s biggest contributions is a platform called Eyeonic.

• Eyeonic is a cloud-based tool for glaucoma screening. Patients can use it on a computer or tablet — no bulky machines needed.

• It has been used in clinics around Australia and in over 20 countries worldwide — especially in areas with few eye-care resources.

• This tool helps bring eye screening to remote or underserved communities. It’s a major step toward global eye-care access.

Less Invasive Treatments: Laser & Minimally Invasive Surgery

Dr. Skalicky also researches new treatment approaches for glaucoma:

• He studies minimalist techniques like Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) as a first-line treatment for open-angle glaucoma. His data supports that SLT can reduce — or even replace — long-term eye-drop use for some patients.

• He explores combining glaucoma-reducing implants like iStent with cataract surgery. This dual approach can restore vision and lower eye pressure at the same time.

These findings help refine treatment plans — so patients get effective care with fewer risks and less lifelong burden.

Measuring Real-Life Impact: Virtual-Reality Diagnostics

Traditional tests can miss how glaucoma affects everyday life. Dr. Skalicky uses new tech to bridge that gap:

• He tested using smartphone-compatible virtual reality (VR) headsets to simulate daily tasks — like walking through a room or spotting objects.

• This lets doctors see how glaucoma affects a person’s real-world vision and mobility, not just what shows up on a chart.

• VR-based tests could become a better way to measure how much the disease affects daily living — and help guide more meaningful care.

Global Reach: Advocacy, Teaching & Eye Health for All

Dr. Skalicky’s work goes beyond research papers:

• He contributes to international eye-health organisations such as Glaucoma Australia and World Glaucoma Association.

• He helps develop AI-based care systems to support underserved populations worldwide.

• He has written a widely used textbook on ocular physiology — helping train the next generation of eye doctors.

• Through teaching and speaking, he spreads knowledge and awareness about modern eye care.

What This Means for the Future of Eye Care

Dr. Skalicky isn’t just treating eye disease — he’s improving how we diagnose, understand, and treat it. His work shows that good eye care means:

• Considering the human experience — how patients live, feel, and function.

• Using innovation — tools like Eyeonic and VR to make eye care more accessible and real.

• Making treatment less invasive and more effective — with laser therapy, MIGS, and smart surgical combinations.

• Bringing care to underserved communities worldwide, not just big cities.

If you want to learn more about his clinical services or read his publications — check his website.