In conversation with Prof Leopold Schmetterer: Seeing the invisible
As the first recipient of the SNEC/SERI Professorship in Ophthalmic Engineering & Technology, Leopold Schmetterer is transforming how eye disease is detected, diagnosed and treated.
Text: Jesmine Ong
Learn more about STANCE and Prof Schmetterer’s work from this video.
What if eye disease could be detected before damage is done? At NTU, Professor Leopold Schmetterer is pushing the boundaries of ophthalmic innovation to make that future possible.
Appointed as the inaugural SNEC/SERI Professor in Ophthalmic Engineering & Technology in 2020, Prof Schmetterer’s work is driven by the belief that science must ultimately serve patients.
The Professorship was established to bridge engineering innovation with clinical insight – an approach Prof Schmetterer believes is essential to meaningful impact. “It helps us develop novel imaging and diagnostic tools that aren’t just scientifically exciting; they change how we diagnose and treat eye disease,” he says.
Through the SERI-NTU Advanced Ocular Engineering (STANCE) programme, Prof Schmetterer and his team are transforming how eye research is conducted by integrating hardware innovation with advanced software. At the heart of this work is the development of custom imaging technologies that reveal what was once hidden from view, including blood flow and neural activity.
His research represents a fundamental shift in eye care. “Our work aims to redefine what’s possible in eye care, pushing imaging from capturing structure to revealing function,” he adds.
Prof Schmetterer with his research team at SERI Research Clinic.
Crucially, this work does not stop at discovery. Several tools developed by his team are already being used in clinical studies for diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, myopia and glaucoma. Beyond accelerating research, the Professorship also enables him to nurture a strong pipeline of talent in translational eye research.
Transformative progress in eye care does not happen by chance. It is made possible by philanthropic support that empowers researchers to take bold steps and pursue breakthroughs with lasting impact. Through this Professorship, Prof Schmetterer’s work is shaping the future of vision health for decades to come.
Learn more about NTU’s Professorships here.
