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Nebiyat Feleke Adimassu

Nebiyat Feleke Adimassu

PhD Candidate
Postgraduate Research Student
Medicine & Health
School of Optometry and Vision Science

BIOGRAPHY

Nebiyat Feleke Adimassu is an Optometrist who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Optometry from the University of Gondar in 2012. He earned his Master of Science in Clinical Optometry in 2016. Prior to starting his PhD, he worked as a lecturer, researcher, clinician, and community service provider at the University of Gondar Ethiopia. He has been involved with both clinical and public health research projects in the ophthalmic area for the last 8 years. 

He has a particular interest in ocular surface disorders including meibomian gland dysfunction and has experience in diagnosing and managing infectious and non-infectious ocular diseases. Furthermore, he has clinical experience in both paediatric and geriatric optometry practice. He has published many peer-reviewed articles in reputable and high impact international journals. 

In 2024, he obtained a University International Postgraduate Award (UIPA) scholarship from Â鶹Éçmadou to undertake a PhD in Optometry. His PhD project is focused on assessing the role of bacteria in MGD. 

Research Title: The role of bacteria in meibomian gland dysfunction.

Supervisors:  Scientia Professor Fiona Stapleton and Professor Mark Willcox 

Research Abstract            

Meibomian glands, located in the eyelids, are specialized sebaceous glands that produce meibum, a substance rich in lipids, which prevents tear evaporation, maintains tear film integrity and protects the ocular surface. When these glands malfunction, a condition known as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) the result is often evaporative dry eye disease, a highly prevalent condition worldwide. 

MGD is characterized by blocked gland ducts or changes in the quality and quantity of glandular secretions, leading to increased tear evaporation, eye surface damage, inflammation, and discomfort. These symptoms negatively impact both ocular health and quality of life. Recent evidence suggests that bacterial colonization and degradation of meibum lipids may play a significant role in meibomian gland obstruction and inflammation, exacerbating tear film instability. However, the precise mechanisms, which bacteria contribute and what their role is in meibomian gland dysfunction remain unclear. This research aims to identify bacterial contributions in MGD pathophysiology which will help to explore potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
Email

n.adimassu@unsw.edu.au

Publications

  1. Adimassu NF, Assem AS, Fekadu SA. Postoperative trachomatous trichiasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis study. Int Health. 2023 Feb 28: ihad014. doi:10.1093/inthealth/ihad014. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36852770. 
  2. Alemayehu HB, Tsegaye KB, Ali FS, Adimassu NF, Mersha GA. Knowledge and attitude towards strabismus among adult residents in Woreta town, Northwest Ethiopia: A community-based study. PLoS One. 2022 Dec 2;17(12): e0278703. 
  3. Demilew KZ, Adimassu NF, Alemu DS. Visual impairment among adult diabetic patients and associated factors at debre brihan referral hospital, Central Ethiopia, 2017. Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol [serial online] 2022 [cited 2023 Jan 15]; 29:19-25. 
  4. Zeleke TC, Adimassu NF, Alemayehu AM, Dawud TW, Mersha GA. Symptomatic dry eye disease and associated factors among postgraduate students in Ethiopia. PLoS One. 2022 Aug 22;17(8). 
  5. Alemu HW., Adimassu Nf. Are sunglasses in Ethiopian market protective for ultra violate radiation? Clinical optom. 2021; 13:1-6. 
  6. Yibekal BT., Adimassu NF., Ayele FA. Psudoexfoliation syndrome and associated factors among ophthalmic patients aged 40 and above in Gondar tertiary eye care and training center: A cross-sectional study. Clin Optom (Auckl) 2021; 13: 249–255. 
  7. Adimassu NF., Woldetsadik ZG., Alemu HW. Proportion of ophthalmic self-medication and associated factors among adult ophthalmic patients attending Borumeda Hospital, Dessie, Northeast Ethioia. J Ophthalmol. 2020; 2020: 6932686. 
  8. Fekadu SA., Assem AS., Adimassu NF. Prevalence and associated Factor of pterigium Among adults aged 18 years and above in Gambela town, Southwest Ethiopia. PLoS One. 2020;15(9). 
  9. Munaw MB., Kebede BN., Adimassu NF. unmet need for presbyopia correction and associated factors among teachers in Hawasa city, South Ethiopia. BMC Ophthalmol. 2020; 20: 188. 
  10. Assefa NL., Adimas AW., Adimassu NF. Prevalence of visual impairment among adults in Debrebirhan, North shewa, Ethiopia. BMC Ophthalmol. 2020; 20: 316. 
  11. Alemayehu AM, Belete GT, Adimassu NF. Knowledge, attitude, and associated factors among primary school teachers regarding refractive error in school children in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia. PloS one. 2018;13(2): e0191199. 
  12. Hussen MS., Gebreselassie KL., Woredekal AT., Adimassu NF. Willingness to donate eyes and its associated factors among adults in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia. BMC Ophthalmol. 2017; 17: 178. 
  13. Adimassu NF., Anbessie DH., Assefa NL., Belete GT. poor Eye Care Service Utilization among Adults in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia. EC ophthalmology. 2018; 9:647-57 
    1. Oral presentation for 3rd National tropical disease research conference at Baradar, Ethiopia held on September 2022 
    2. Oral presentation on Amhara public health institute 2nd annual research conference at Bahirdar, Ethiopia, August 2021 
    3. Attended the 29th Annual research conference of University of Gondar, Aril 2019
    4. Attended on the 6Ath Annual General conference of Ethiopian Optometric Association at Jupiter international hotel, Addis Ababa, held from September 2019
    5. Attended the 28th Annual research conference of University of Gondar, held from March 24-26, 2018 
    6. Attended on the 5th Annual General conference of Ethiopian Optometric Association at Addis Ababa, held from August 25-26, 2018 
    • Â鶹Éçmadou Sydney, Australia
    • University of Gondar, comprehensive specialized hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia
    • Member of Ethiopian optometrists Association (EOA) starting from 2014 to now
    • Lifetime member of the Ethiopian Red Cross Association starting from 2021
    • Present 2024, PhD student in Optometry at Â鶹Éçmadou Sydney, Australia
    • September 2013- July 2016, University of Gondar, college of medicine and health science department of optometry, MSc in Clinical Optometry.
    • September 2008- July 2011, University of Gondar, college of medicine and health science department of optometry, BSc in Optometry.

  • University International Postgraduate Award (UIPA) - for PhD in Optometry from Â鶹Éçmadou Sydney, Australia - 2024Â