UNSW Optometry and Vision Science

We were delighted to host representatives from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, SeeWay, Vision Australia, Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) and Eye Connect at our recent annual Low Vision Multidisciplinary Expo.

The Expo brought together leading low vision rehabilitation organisations to share their expertise and insights with our Optometry, Orientation and Mobility, and Honours students.

It was a fantastic opportunity for students to learn more about the services, resources and support available for people with low vision, while connecting with organisations working across the sector.

A big thank you to all our participating organisations for sharing their time, knowledge and experience with our students!


UNSW Optometry and Vision Science Student Society

Discover a Rewarding Career in Orientation & Mobility

Are you ready for a fulfilling career change? The UNSW Graduate Diploma in Orientation & Mobility equips graduates to become specialists in teaching people who are blind or have low vision the essential skills they need to travel independently and safely.

Why study with us?
Flexible learning: Our program combines virtual coursework with essential in-person components on our Sydney campus for five weeks.

Real world experience: Benefit from hands-on placements. Gain practical skills that make a difference.

High demand: With a global shortage of O&M specialists, our graduates enjoy excellent job prospects.

Learn from experts: Our program is led by experienced academics and O&M practitioners.

Limited places: Apply now for the 2027 intake. Enrolments are now open and close on 15 October 2026.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity and apply now: https://bit.ly/OandM2027

See flyer also for further information: https://bit.ly/DipOandMFlyer

Last week we were delighted to welcome a delegation from the School of Optometry at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) to UNSW School of Optometry & Vision Science.

Professor Kee, Professor Leung and Dr Wan met with our team to discuss opportunities for collaboration between our two schools.

It was a pleasure to host our colleagues from PolyU. We look forward to continuing the conversation and strengthening our collaboration.


School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

We are excited to be exhibiting at Optometry Clinical Conference 2026.

Our team is looking forward to connecting with delegates and showcasing how we support optometrists and the wider profession.

Come and visit us at the exhibition to learn more about our short courses in Dry Eye, Myopia and Paediatrics and our Graduate Diploma in Orientation and Mobility and Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment.

Find out more: https://www.occ.optometry.org.au/

SOVS Paper of the Week: This study involved participants of the 45 and Up study, Australia’s largest ongoing study of health and ageing. Self-reported myopia (short sightedness) in Australian adults was higher in females, younger individuals, urban residents and those with higher levels of education. Myopes were more likely to report having systemic conditions including visual or physical impairment, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes and cancer. Higher rates of health conditions in self-reported myopes may reflect common lifestyle and environmental risk factors. Read more below:

Exploring Characteristics and Systemic Health Links in Myopic Australian Adults - Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics Background Data on myopia prevalence in Australia and associations with common systemic conditions and quality of life are limited. This study aimed to profile Australian adults self-reporting to have myopia, including co-morbidities and quality of life. Methods This research included participants f...

We've been named the #1 optometry school in the world for research excellence in the Global Optometrist Top 200 Research Ranking (T200)!

This outstanding achievement reflects the strength of UNSW's research culture, the impact of its researchers, and decades of commitment to advancing eye and vision science.

A fantastic result for our staff, students, alumni and collaborators.
🔗 www.optomrankings.com and https://optomrankings.com/country-and-institution-analysis/

Read more here: https://www.unsw.edu.au/news/2026/07/unsw-achieves-global-no1-ranking-for-optometrist-researchers

Congratulations to Matthew Walker on his promotion to Senior Lecturer in the School of Optometry & Vision Science at UNSW Sydney, effective 1 July 2026.

An Education-Focused Academic and highly respected Orientation and Mobility specialist, Matthew has made significant contributions to teaching, mentoring, and professional leadership across Australia. At UNSW, he has played a leading role in developing Australia's only Graduate Diploma in Orientation and Mobility and Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment, preparing the next generation of professionals who support people who are blind or have low vision.

Congratulations, Matt, on this well-deserved recognition.

On 16 June 2026, we were delighted to host our first Alumni Evening of 2026 at the Health Translation Hub (HTH) at Randwick.

Prior to the evening commencing, guests enjoyed a tour of the Eye Clinic at the HTH, including a demonstration of the slit lamp simulator, then dinner and networking.

The evening's theme, "Optometry's Role in Dementia," featured an outstanding panel of speakers: Dr Marianne Coleman (National Centre for Healthy Ageing), Dr Katya Numbers (Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, UNSW Sydney), and Dr Melinda Toomey (School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland). Together, they shared valuable insights into the evolving role of optometry in supporting people living with dementia.

Thank you to our alumni, staff and guests for joining us. We look forward to seeing you at our next Alumni Evening!

Photo credits: Alice Lim and Daniel Pua