Five optometrists have been recognised by the University of New South Wales Faculty of Medicine and Health for making “extraordinary things happen”.
Austin Tang, Daniel Tracton, Carina Trinh, Daisy Shu and Pauline Xu, are among a number of health care professionals who have been profiled by the University. The profiles reflect on each person’s time at UNSW and how it has shaped their career. Interviewees also offer advice to those who may be considering studying with UNSW.
Austin Tang BSc, MClinOptom, GradCert is a Staff Optometrist at the Australian College of Optometry in Melbourne. Since graduating, he has practised as an optometrist in various settings, including nursing homes, Aboriginal Medical Services, correctional services, support residential services, homeless shelters and also regional optometry services through Brien Holden Foundation and Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Five optometrists have been recognised by the University of New South Wales Faculty of Medicine and Health for making “extraordinary things happen”
Carina Trinh BSc, BOptom, Principal Optometrist and Owner of Carina Eye Care in Sydney, said her time at UNSW was “possibly the most difficult time I’ve ever had in my life. Paradoxically, it was also one of the most fun and exciting times of my life”. Since graduating she has also worked in various settings however she said “first-hand experience of almost going blind at age 24 as a complication from being myopic (short-sighted)… sent her back to Sydney on a mission to prevent this eye condition in others”.
Daniel Tracton BOptom (Hons) MBA, GradCertOcTher, Founder/Owner of Tracton Optometrists in Sydney, said professional training at the UNSW Optometry Clinic was the most memorable experience from his time studying optometry. “We were able to see a wide array of patients from across New South Wales in the clinic and were able to look after their eye care.” During his varied career he has completed an MBA at the Australian Graduate School of Management and spent several years in executive roles for Essilor Luxottica before moving into independent optometry.
Pauline Xu BOptom, GradCertOcTher, MOptom is Clinic Director at the Eye Health Centre of Western Australia and a Senior Lecturer (Optometry) at University of Western Australia. She said the UNSW motto of ‘never stand still’ continues to resonate deeply. “It inspires me to continue growing and committing to lifelong learning, while also believing in opportunities beyond one’s degree or job title.”
Daisy Shu, BSc, BOptom is now a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Boston, USA, studying the role of mitochondria and cellular metabolism in retinal eye diseases. In addition to her love for science, she enjoys science communication, sharing her research findings and science career journey on social media (@EyeDaisyShu on Instagram and Twitter, as well as through the podcast “Behind our Science” (@BehindOurScience on Instagram).
