UNSW School of Optometry & Vision Science celebrates three Associate Professor promotions
Meet the three academics whose outstanding contributions have earned them promotion to Associate Professor
Published on the 12 October 2026 by Nicola Kapo
The UNSW School of Optometry & Vision Science congratulates Dr Sharon Oberstein, Dr Kathleen Watt and Dr Lisa Nivison-Smith on their promotion to Associate Professor, effective 1 January 2027.
The promotions recognise their outstanding contributions to teaching, research, clinical education and academic leadership.
Dr Sharon Oberstein
Dr Sharon Oberstein is an optometrist, Academic Lead of the UNSW Low Vision Clinic, Program Authority for the Graduate Diploma in Orientation and Mobility, and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK).
Sharon joined UNSW Sydney more than 22 years ago. Her research focuses on driving with central vision loss and bioptic telescopes, as well as program redesign, with a particular interest in program-level approaches to learning and assessment.
Dr Kathleen Watt
Dr Kathleen Watt is an optometrist, educator and researcher, and Director of Teaching in the UNSW School of Optometry & Vision Science.
Kath’s career combines clinical optometry with a strong commitment to educating and supporting the next generation of optometrists. Her interests span clinical education and assessment, myopia and visual function. She is particularly passionate about working with students, clinicians and colleagues to improve optometry education and translate research and educational innovation into better clinical practice and patient care.
Dr Lisa Nivison-Smith
Dr Lisa Nivison-Smith is a Scientia Fellow and recent recipient of an NHMRC Investigator Grant.
Her research focuses on age-related macular degeneration and retinal imaging. Her work has identified novel changes in the early stages of age-related macular degeneration that extend beyond the retinal regions traditionally considered to be affected by the disease.
Lisa also holds several leadership and teaching roles within the School, including Deputy Director of Research, Convenor of the Vision Science Honours Program, and course convenor for undergraduate ocular anatomy and physiology.
The School warmly congratulates Sharon, Kath and Lisa on this well-deserved recognition of their achievements and ongoing contributions to UNSW, the profession and the wider community.