Teaching

I am the Part II coordinator for the Bachelor of Optometry programme in the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Auckland. The main papers in which I teach are:

• OPTOM 216, a 30 point dual-semeseter course entitled "Introduction to Optometry'. This paper gives students their first experiences of clinical optometry, linking theoretical knowledge to practical skills. Practical skills learnt include entrance tests, colour vision, retinoscopy, direct ophthalmoscopy, and slit lamp biomicroscopy. Knowledge of the legal, ethical, and cultural requirements for working as an optometrist is also be covered. 

• OPTOM 783 is a full year Honours-level paper that is taken by Part IV optometry students. It teaches research skills, including developing a scientific question, conducting literature reviews, and running, analysing, and interpreting experiments. I typically have 10-15 students per year, and help other groups with their analysis.

• OPTOM 520 is a Part V optometry student paper, in which they see members of the public under supervision. For this paper I act as an examiner. 

• OPTOM 101G is a general optometry paper (i.e. not part of the optometry programme). I give a lecture on virtual reality, and factors relating to the interaction with eyes and visual function. 

 I can act as a supervisor for both a Taught Masters, or Research Masters. 

Current students include:

• Richard Johnson, looking at maritime vision standards

• Sabrina Ju, looking at age related macular degeneration (AMD)

I can act as a PhD supervisor for both clinicians and non-clinicians. Please feel free to contact me about this, but please ensure you have read the information on eligibility and the requirements for starting a PhD at the University of Auckland, especially if you are based overseas. 

Current students include:

• Jasmine Zoest is investigating eye movements in three-dimensions

• Aryaman Taore is looking at developing eye tracking technologies to assess visual function

• Balaje Vivekanandan is investigating oculomotor function and visual perception in mild cognitive impairment and alzheimer’s disease. 

• Maggie Xu is investigating the effects of cellphone use and light on myopia progression. 

Graduated members of the lab include:

• Dr Alice Cade, who is continuing work in our lab as a research fellow. 

• Dr Samual Chiang, who is now working in Taiwan

• Dr Safal Khanal, who is now working in the United States

• Dr Soheil Doustkouhi, who is now working in Singapore