Medicine & Health Optometry & Vision Science

Our research is unparalleled

Discover our latest research including basic, applied and clinical research in the science of vision.

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Top two in the world
UNSW SOVS ranked as the 2nd top institution worldwide for Optometry
1st worldwide for contact lens research
UNSW SOVS named the top institution in the world for contact lens research
The largest in Australasia
The largest optometry and vision science school in Australasia
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About us

Latest news

Stay connected with what’s happening at UNSW School of Optometry & Vision Science. Read our news and thought-leadership articles on contemporary topics and explore exciting events coming up on the calendar.
Trending topics

UNSW academic named finalist in Engagement Australia 2024 Excellence Awards

Nov 05, 2024
Medicine & Health School of Optometry and Vision Science

UNSW SOVS facilitates NSW parliamentary eye screenings ahead of World Sight Day

Oct 02, 2024
Medicine & Health School of Optometry and Vision Science

Celebrating Excellence: Scientia Professor Fiona Stapleton and PhD Candidate MD Abdullah Aziz Honoured by ISCLR

Sep 18, 2024
Medicine & Health School of Optometry and Vision Science

Innovative Research on Antimicrobial Resistance Earns Top Honors for UNSW PhD Candidate

Sep 17, 2024
School of Optometry and Vision Science
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Events

2024-06-myopia-optomety

Evidence-Based Myopia Management

09:00 - 17:00
The short course aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to diagnose and manage progressive myopia. The course offers an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the latest evidence-based optical, pharmacological, and behavioural interventions to appropriately manage progressive myopia. You will be equipped with practical skills to be able to identify individuals at risk of myopia development and progression and develop personalised management plans for simple and complex myopia cases.
2024-05-paediatric-eye-care

Advanced Paediatric Eye Care - Short course

09:00 - 17:00
Designed to provide eye care practitioners with advanced knowledge and practical skills necessary for diagnosis and management of common childhood vision disorders. Key Presenter: A/Prof Ann Webber
2024-10-pete-williams

Targeting NAD and NMNAT2 for neuroprotection in glaucoma

11:00 - 12:00
Pete Williams is an Associate Professor and Research Group Leader for glaucoma research at Karolinska Institutet and St. Erik Eye Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. His research team explores mechanisms of neurodegeneration and how these can be targeted for neuroprotection. A current major focus of Pete’s lab is the role of NAD in glaucoma.
"Young girl, 7 years old, having her eyesight checked."

Evidence-Based Myopia Management

09:00 - 17:00
The short course aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to diagnose and manage progressive myopia. The course offers an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the latest evidence-based optical, pharmacological, and behavioural interventions to appropriately manage progressive myopia. You will be equipped with practical skills to be able to identify individuals at risk of myopia development and progression and develop personalised management plans for simple and complex myopia cases.
Colourful pills and capsules on a blue background

Bacteriophages - the new antibiotics to treat infections caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria

13:00 - 14:00
UNSW SOVS is delighted to host former PhD student Dr Dinesh Subedi (Monash University) for his upcoming presentation
2024-09-alumni-evening

Alumni Evening: Cardiovascular Diseases and the Eye

18:00 - 20:30
The eye can be considered the window to the heart, providing critical insights into systemic health beyond mere visual function. This event will present expert-led discussions on the ocular manifestations of cardiovascular diseases, the incorporation of blood pressure measurements into optometric practice, and the neurological implications of cardiovascular conditions on ocular health.

How to become an optometrist

Want to make a profound impact on people’s lives? Studying optometry at UNSW puts you on the right path.
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Study areas

We’re training the next generation of optometrists and researchers. Studying Optometry & Vision Science at UNSW blends clinical practice with vision science research making real impacts and improving lives.
Optometry
Optometrists diagnose vision problems, eye diseases and other eye health issues. Through optometry, vision problems and eye diseases can be corrected or managed, restoring sight and quality of life.
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Orientation & Mobility
Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is the practice of enabling people with low vision or blindness to know where they are, so they can get where they want to go safely. Find out more.
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Vision Science
Studying Vision Science you'll be prepared to identify problems a client has with vision, understand the theory of why or how eye problems occur and develop treatment options.
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Postgraduate Research
Explore resources for postgraduate research students of UNSW School of Optometry & Vision Science.
Postgraduate Coursework
Our four postgraduate coursework programs are the Graduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics, the Graduate Certificate in Myopia Management, the Graduate Diploma in Orientation and Mobility, and the Master of Optometry.
Short Courses

Enrol in our short courses for Evidence-Based Myopia Management, Advanced Paediatric Eye Care and Dry Eye Disease: Diagnosis and Management.

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Our impact

Latest papers

SOVS Paper of the Week: Increased dendritic cell density and altered morphology in allergic conjunctivitis

Student life and resources

We offer an immersive student life at the School of Optometry & Vision Science. View our list of internships, volunteer opportunities and get the support you need to settle in and succeed.

Our research

Research students from a variety of disciplines, including microbiology, psychology, education, bio-engineering, pharmacology as well as optometry and ophthalmology have studied for higher degrees at the School of Optometry & Vision Science. Our multidisciplinary approach to research is one of the school's key strengths.
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Ways to connect