Assistant Research Director, Translational Research 

Albert Tousif Israfil is a clinical optometrist, Founder of Advance Eye Care in Nagaon, Assam, and Assistant Research Director at the Debapriya Mukhopadhyay Vision Research Institute & Foundation (DMVRIF). His professional activities encompass clinical eye care, academic contributions, clinical photography and research interests in childhood visual impairment, low vision rehabilitation and myopia.

Holding a Master of Optometry, Israfil has worked across clinical and educational settings. His earlier professional experience includes an association with Ridley College of Optometry, where he was identified as a Senior Optometrist in 2017. As the founder of Advance Eye Care, he has established a professional base in Assam, combining clinical practice with contributions to optometric learning.

A notable area of his academic involvement is functional vision assessment and low vision rehabilitation in children. He is listed alongside Pariksheet Gogate and Varsha Kulkarni in a presentation examining the causes of blindness among children attending schools for the blind in Pune. The work explored the identification of children with residual vision and the potential improvement in visual function through optical low vision aids. This reflects an interest in understanding how appropriate assessment and optical assistance may help children make better use of their available vision.

Israfil has also contributed to the communication of scientific knowledge about myopia and its hereditary influences. His article, Current Knowledge on the Hereditary Basis of Myopia, was published by Vision Science Academy in September 2021. It discusses evidence from genetic studies, twin research and animal models, alongside the interaction between inherited susceptibility and environmental influences. The article presents myopia as a multifactorial condition and provides an educational overview for readers interested in refractive development.

His contributions extend to clinical photography as a resource for professional education. Vision Science Academy published his photographic feature, The Christmas Tree Cataract, identifying him as a Clinical Optometrist at Advance Eye Care, Nagaon. The image documents the appearance of this uncommon cataract through an optical section of the eye, supporting the visual recognition and discussion of clinical findings.

At DMVRIF, Israfil serves on the Board of Research Directors as an Assistant Research Director. His background in clinical practice, low vision-related academic work and professional knowledge sharing complements the institute’s emphasis on vision research and education. He brings to this role a perspective shaped by patient care, the assessment of functional vision and the communication of clinically relevant observations.