Head's Report
2019 is already shaping up to be a busy year for the Department. Summer has been spent preparing for the new teaching year, writing research grants, visiting our international collaborators, and having some well-deserved holiday time.
I was particularly pleased to participate in a whirlwind trip to India in late January, along with Bang Bui and Anthea Cochrane, to visit our optometry colleagues at Manipal University. Manipal University has been awarded the status of “Institute of Eminence” by the Indian government in 2018 and has a strong program in Allied Health. We are looking forward to increasing our collaboration with Manipal in both educational and research.
I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome several new staff to the Department.
Dr Cirous Dehghani joins us in the role of Clinical Vision Research Fellow: a new joint research position between our department and the ACO/NVRI. Cirous will be leading collaborative research that intersects the research interests of the ACO/NVRI and the department. |  |
We also welcome Dr Lauren Ayton, who is returning to the University of Melbourne after a period as Director of Clinical & Regulatory Affairs at Bionic Eye Technologies, New York. Lauren will be leading a translational research program in the domains of low vision and visual rehabilitation, in addition to continuing her research interests in macular degeneration. |  |
Meg Colasante has joined us in the role of Curriculum Development Coordinator. Meg is a highly experienced educational specialist with a focus on online and technology enhanced teaching and learning. Meg’s role will include enhancing our online Masters of Clinical Optometry program, in addition to contributing to the ongoing development and review of our Doctor of Optometry program. |  |