Since 2024 the Nystagmus Network has held a competition in honour of our late former chair of trustees, Richard. The purpose is to encourage students to pursue a career in nystagmus research.
This year’s first prize winner is Jaskaran Singh Banghu, pictured above left at an online meeting with trustees, Katherine Swanston and Harshal Kubavat. His essay was entitled: “Never still, never simple: the case for artificial intelligence in the diagnosis and treatment of nystagmus”.
Our Judges, Dr Onyeka Amiebenomo and Dr Daniel Osborne enjoyed reading both essays and were full of praise for their standard. Onyeka said of Jaskaran’s work:
“The essay considered a broad range of nystagmus types / issues relating to nystagmus, including periodic alternating nystagmus and linked these well to the essay requirements. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of acquired nystagmus, as it recognised an important patient group that can be significantly affected by the condition but often receives relatively less research attention.
The visual descriptions of potential AI application were compelling and helped make the proposed applications feel realistic and achievable.”
Jaskaran, a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at Swansea University and Swansea University Health Board, wins £500 and the opportunity to speak at the International Nystagmus Symposium on 6 November.
Second prize this year goes to Nithila Arul Mani Chelvan, pictured above right with trustees Mari McLellan and Harshal. Nithila also wrote on the theme of how AI could change the way nystagmus is diagnosed and treated.
Onyeka said of Nithila’s essay:
“This essay was well written and addressed all the essay requirements. I particularly liked the logical flow, the discussion of AI in research and the balanced consideration of its limitations and challenges. The argument for using AI as a decision-support tool rather than an autonomous diagnostic system was especially well made.”
Nithila, a final year medical student at the University of Liverpool, wins £200.
The Richard Wilson Essay Prize 2027 launches in December.
