Optometry Clinic update

Staff

In July 2024, we welcomed Amy Huynh, a paediatric orthoptist, as a Lecturer at the UNSW Optometry Clinic. Amy supervises students in our Multidisciplinary Paediatric Clinic on Monday afternoons, treating young patients with conditions such as amblyopia, strabismus, and ocular misalignments. We have learned a great deal from Amy and look forward to our continued collaboration.

In November 2024, Jenny Huamani Davila joined us as a Receptionist/Dispenser. With her extensive experience, we are pleased to have her on board.

In December, we bid farewell to Dan Pua from the Clinic team. Dan has been an integral part of our reception team for several years. We are pleased to see him transition to the School Office team as a part-time Administrative Assistant. While we will miss him in the Clinic, we are excited for his new role alongside Tracy, Nicola, and Jasmine.

At the end of 2024, we also said goodbye to Dr Wilson Luu, a dedicated Lecturer and mentor to the students from the Clinic team.  Rest assured, he will continue to be a valuable presence within the School, sharing his expertise and continuing his leadership in the profession. 

Finally at the end of 2024 Scientia Professor Fiona Stapleton was appointed as Director of Clinical Teaching for the UNSW Optometry Clinic.  We are super excited to have Fiona’s experience and expertise are thrilled to be working with her.  We thank Associate Professor Nicole Carnt who has been Acting in this position during 2024 and wish her all the best in her new role as Director of Research.  

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Kath Watt who after many years of dedicated service as our previous Director of Clinical Teaching has moved into the position of Director of Teaching for the School.  Kath’s leadership and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in driving our success and fostering a positive work environment.  Her contributions have left an indelible mark on our team, and we are incredibly grateful for her hard work and dedication.  

Short Courses

At UNSW SOVS, we recently delivered two highly successful postgraduate short courses focused on advancing paediatric eye care, attended by skilled optometrists and eye care practitioners from both domestic and international backgrounds. These courses were supported by our UNSW Optometry Clinic Lecturers.

The Advanced Paediatric Vision Care short course, was developed by Adjunct Associate Professor Ann Webber from Queensland University of Technology in 2023 and will continue to be delivered by Lecturer Amanda Lea. This course equips practitioners with in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in managing common childhood vision disorders. Topics include comprehensive childhood vision examinations, refractive error management, evaluation and treatment of strabismus, and the diagnosis and management of amblyopia. Participants gain valuable insights into patient-centred care and the ability to translate research evidence into clinical practice.

The Evidence-Based Myopia Management short course, led by Associate Professor Pauline Kang and Dr Nayuta Yoshioka, and the Clinical Myopia Management course, led by Lecturer Rebecca Dang, provided participants with the latest research and evidence on optical, pharmacological, and behavioural management of progressive myopia, with a focus on paediatric patients. These courses enhanced optometrists' skills and knowledge in managing myopia progression and empowered them to apply evidence-based care for children in clinical practice.

Building on these successful courses, UNSW School of Optometry & Vision Science has strengthened its capacity in paediatric eye care, including student placements with both public and private paediatric ophthalmology services. Our students gain hands-on experience in student-led paediatric, myopia control, and vision therapy clinics on-site. 

Our graduates will play a critical role in alleviating healthcare system pressure by providing evidence-based care for children, practicing to the full scope of their skills and abilities, and knowing their limitations and when to refer to ophthalmology or orthoptics.

At the UNSW Optometry Clinic, paediatric eye care is practiced in a team-based, multidisciplinary manner like other jurisdictions, including Queensland and the UK, where teams of ophthalmologists, orthoptists, and optometrists work together for the best patient outcomes. Orthoptists have expertise in assessing ocular misalignment, pre-literate children, and children with complex needs, including multiple morbidities.

Oculus Pentacam AXL Wave Donation by VisionCare NSW

We are excited to announce the addition of the Oculus Pentacam AXL Wave to the UNSW Optometry Clinic, generously donated by VisionCare NSW. 

This premier instrument for high-quality anterior segment imaging uses Scheimpflug tomography to facilitate a broad range of clinical applications, including freeform contact lens design, corneoscleral profilometry, enhanced ectasia detection, advanced wavefront analysis, axial length monitoring, anterior chamber, and cataract evaluation.

This cutting-edge instrument modernises the clinic’s suite of specialty equipment, significantly improving our ability to diagnose, manage, and monitor ocular diseases. It also streamlines patient referrals with timely high-quality imaging, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Beyond this, the Oculus Pentacam AXL Wave is a valuable educational tool, offering students and clinicians hands-on experience with advanced diagnostics, deepening their understanding and skills in contact lenses, ocular assessment, and patient care.

We are deeply grateful to VisionCare NSW for their generosity and commitment to advancing optometric practice and education, enabling us to offer cutting-edge technology to our community.