Matthew Walker promoted to Senior Lecturer at UNSW School of Optometry & Vision Science

The UNSW School of Optometry & Vision Science is proud to announce the promotion of Matthew Walker to Senior Lecturer, effective 1 July 2026.

The promotion recognises Matt's outstanding contributions to teaching, curriculum development and leadership in Orientation and Mobility (O&M) education, an essential field that supports the independence, mobility and participation of people who are blind or have low vision.

Head of School, Professor Lisa Keay, said Matthew's impact extends well beyond the classroom.  "Matt's promotion is incredibly well deserved. He has brought a wealth of professional experience to UNSW and has been instrumental in building and strengthening our Orientation and Mobility programs. His commitment to excellence in teaching, generous mentorship of students and colleagues, and passion for improving opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision make him an outstanding educator and valued member of our School community.

"What sets Matt apart is the genuine care he brings to everything he does. He is deeply respected by students, colleagues and the profession alike, and his leadership continues to shape the future of Orientation and Mobility education in Australia. I am delighted to see his contributions recognised through this promotion and look forward to seeing the continued impact he will have as Senior Lecturer."

An Education-Focused Academic at UNSW, Matt brings more than two decades of professional experience to the School. He is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS), a Registered Orientation and Mobility Specialist in Australasia (ROMSA), and a qualified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI).

Prior to joining UNSW, Matt spent 24 years with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, where he worked as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, and in a range of management and leadership roles. Throughout his career, he has made significant contributions to the profession through clinical supervision, mentoring, and collaboration with national and international certification bodies and professional associations. He also served as Convenor of the 2010 Australasian Orientation and Mobility Conference and has lectured in Orientation and Mobility programs at both the University of Newcastle and Macquarie University.

At UNSW, Matt has been instrumental in developing the Graduate Diploma in Orientation and Mobility and the Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment, helping establish nationally recognised programs that prepare highly skilled professionals to support the independence, mobility and participation of people who are blind or have low vision.

Matt's promotion reflects his sustained excellence in education, his leadership within the profession and his commitment to developing the next generation of Orientation and Mobility specialists.

The School of Optometry & Vision Science congratulates Matt on this well-deserved achievement and looks forward to his continued contributions in his new role as Senior Lecturer.