24 Nov, 2016
Dr Sharma took 5 minutes of his busy schedule to tell you a little about how he has come to be working in Brisbane and what really interested him in Ophthalmology in the first place.
What interested you in ophthalmology?
I was drawn to ophthalmology after undertaking some public health research in China. During this time, I was able to meet and work with local and internationally renowned ophthalmologists working in these regions. I found both the research and the clinical experience at the hospitals to be inspiring. I was fortunate enough to have specialist training at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in Melbourne and further fellowship vitreoretinal training in Toronto at Toronto Western Hospital and Sick Kids Hospital. Ophthalmology has a lot of diversity, and I greatly enjoy the technically challenging microsurgery.
What interested you in working with the Queensland Eye Institute?
QEI is an amazing foundation and Queensland is lucky to have this institute. QEI combines excellence in research as well as promoting best practice through teaching registrars and sub specialists in all fields. It has a great reputation within the phthalmology community, with some of the most experienced and knowledgeable ophthalmologists on staff. I have found QEI to be innovative and equipped with the best equipment. I feel very fortunate to have been invited to join the team!
What has been your career highlight to date?
I have been fortunate enough to work at a variety of world-renowned hospitals in both Toronto and Melbourne. During my training, I was exposed to an incredible amount of surgery, with excellent mentors who went out of their way to make sure that I grew as a surgeon. As well as working in big city hospitals, I have also worked in more rural settings in Alice Springs and Fiji. The highlight has been my mentors. They all have imparted some of their knowledge to me, and I am lucky to be able to now pass on some of the knowledge to others.
What research areas are you interested in?
My DPhil was in Public Health and Epidemiology during which I undertook major research in understanding myopia (short-sightedness) in China, and developing a pathway for treatment for rural people. Myopia is becoming an epidemic in many Asian countries, and unfortunately is linked with a lot of problems with the retina. I am interested in looking at the public health aspect of eye diseases, both locally and internationally.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending my free time with my family and playing with my two young children. Though this doesn’t leave me much time for anything else, I’m enjoying settling back into Brisbane and enjoying the fine parks and playgrounds that this great city has to offer.