Professor Robert Augusteyn

Bob Augusteyn graduated with a PhD in Biochemistry from Queensland University in 1969 and spent three years at the Harkness Eye Institute of Columbia University in New York where he developed his interest in vision science.  He then joined the Biochemistry Department at the University of Melbourne and initiated a comprehensive programme of research into cataract formation and lens biochemistry.

In 1991 he became Director of the National Vision Research Institute where he continued with lens research and also introduced new programmes concerned with the retina. After 11 years he ‘retired’ to return to hands-on laboratory work.

He was part of the team, led by Brien Holden, which established the highly successful Cooperative Research Centre for Eye Research and Technology (CRCERT) and the Vision CRC continuations at the UNSW. He contributed to studies on accommodation and presbyopia and to the training of postgraduate students. He remains an active member of the research team, now within the Brien Holden Vision Institute.

Bob is currently an Adjunct Professor in the School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW and a Voluntary Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Miami, USA. He has now been involved in vision science for over 50 years.

He has been recipient of many honours and prizes, most notably the prestigious Kinoshita Lectureship (National Foundation for Eye Research, USA) and the Subramanian Oration (Indian Eye Research Group.

In 2019, Professor Augusteyn was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his contribution to Vision Science.