Research Interests

Medical education, clinical research in retinal diseases, molecular research in degenerative retinal diseases

Spotlight

Nirojini Sivachandran is a researcher and clinician-scholar committed to advancing equity in medical education and improving outcomes for patients with sight-threatening retinal disease. With a multidisciplinary background that spans health-systems research, clinical ophthalmology, and molecular science, her work is driven by a belief that progress in medicine must be both scientifically rigorous and socially conscious.

Nirojini’s interest in medical education focuses on understanding and addressing gender imbalances within surgical specialties. Her research explores the structural, cultural, and curricular factors that influence women’s experiences and career trajectories in surgery. She examines mentorship patterns, barriers to advancement, and the role of institutional support in fostering equitable training environments. By integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches, her work contributes to evidence-based strategies that promote inclusivity and diversify the surgical workforce. She is particularly passionate about translating this research into actionable recommendations that can shape policy, enrich residency training, and empower future medical leaders.

In parallel, Nirojini conducts clinical research in ophthalmology, with a focus on age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy—two leading causes of vision loss worldwide. Her clinical investigations center on optimizing diagnostic pathways, evaluating treatment outcomes, and identifying patient-specific factors that influence therapeutic response. She is especially interested in leveraging emerging imaging technologies and real-world data to deepen understanding of disease progression and to support more personalized treatment approaches in retinal care.

Complementing her clinical work, Nirojini’s basic science research examines the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying degenerative retinal diseases. Her preclinical studies explore pathways of photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dysfunction, with the goal of informing novel therapeutic targets and contributing to the development of future vision-preserving interventions. She is committed to bridging fundamental science with clinical relevance, ensuring that laboratory discoveries move meaningfully toward improving patient care.

Across all areas of her scholarship, Nirojini is dedicated to integrating scientific inquiry with advocacy, mentorship, and systems-level thinking. Whether addressing gender representation in surgery or advancing knowledge in retinal disease, her work reflects a deep commitment to improving both the experience of medical training and the quality of patient care. She continues to collaborate across disciplines, aiming to drive research that is not only innovative, but also equitable, compassionate, and grounded in real-world impact.

Selected Research Funding

• Pooler Charitable Foundation Research Grant

• Fighting Blindness Canada Research Grant

• J.P. Bickel Medical Research Grant