Survey on the Economic Burden of Acanthamoeba Keratitis
August 2025
UNSW Sydney | Ethics Approval No: iRECS6530
At the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia, the research team — Associate Professor Nicole Carnt, Professor Fiona Stapleton, Dr Blake Angell, and Mr Dereje Hayilu Anbesse — is investigating the financial, emotional, work, and social impacts of Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK), along with the challenges of accessing and providing care. This project seeks to build a comprehensive understanding of AK’s burden on patients, caregivers, and the wider healthcare system.
The Acanthamoeba Keratitis Eye Foundation is supporting this study by providing visibility and sharing the survey within our patient group and network. Our goal is to ensure that the voices of AK patients, their caregivers, and eye health professionals are heard.
PHASE I
Who Can Take Part: Patients only
- Adults aged 18+
- English-speaking
- Diagnosed with AK and started treatment between 1 January 2015 – 31 December 2027
What’s Involved
- One-time quantitative online survey (~60 minutes)
- Participation is voluntary and confidential
- Full details provided in the Participant Information Statement
PHASE II
Who Can Take Part: Â Patients, caregivers, and eye health professionals:
- Patients: 18+, English-speaking
- Caregivers/family: 18+, supported someone with AK, English-speaking
- Eye health professionals: Ophthalmologists, optometrists, or nurses caring for AK patients, English-speaking
What’s Involved
- A 45-minute qualitative online interview about experiences with AK
- Voluntary participation
- Patients, caregivers, and eye health professionals are welcome to join
 Why Participate
- Share your experiences to improve care and support for AK patients
- Help guide healthcare decisions and resource allocation
- Contribute to better outcomes for current and future patients
If you have any questions before agreeing to take part or any enquiries, please email Dereje Hayilu Anbesse — d.anbesse@unsw.edu.au
