Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) Fellow Dr Chameen Samarawickrama has been announced as one of the ABC and University of New South Wales’ Top Five Young Scientists of the Year.
Dr Samarawickrama is a dedicated ophthalmologist, delivering high quality care for his patients at both Westmead Hospital and Liverpool Hospitals in Sydney. His commitment to ensuring patients have access to the best possible care is demonstrated through his work teaching the next generation of doctors, and as a senior lecturer at both the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales. Dr Samarawickrama is also an avid promoter of the role of research in delivering better care and better outcomes for patients and he sits on the Board of the Ophthalmic Research Institute of Australia (ORIA). Dr Samarawickrama is an active and committed member of RANZCO and is Chair of RANZCO’s Younger Fellows’ Advisory Group.
Dr Samarawickrama is an excellent choice for this honour, given his dedication to ophthalmology, ophthalmic science and patient care
RANZCO President, A/Prof Heather Mack has congratulated Dr Samarawickrama on being recognised as one of the ABC and UNSW Top Five Young Scientists of the Year.
“Dr Samarawickrama is an excellent choice for this honour, given his dedication to ophthalmology, ophthalmic science and patient care. As a young ophthalmologist he has already demonstrated his commitment to his field and his patients. He advocates strongly for the role that research plays in bringing new and innovative treatments to patients, helping to save their sight and improve their lives,” she said.
Dr Chameen Samarawickrama said he was honoured to have been recognised.
“I am particularly honoured to be included alongside such dedicated and visionary young scientists as Drs Hannah Kirk, Alex Russell, Dominique Tanner and Lila Landowski. 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 them. In ophthalmology this means being better able to help people to keep their sight, their wellbeing and, often, their independence,” he said.
