The University of New South Wales (UNSW) School of Optometry and Vision Science has been recognised as the world’s top optometry school for research excellence, ahead of several internationally renowned institutions.
Two other Australian institutions – the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in equal third, and University of Melbourne at seven – made the top 10.
The rankings in the latest Global Optometrist Top 200 Research Ranking (T200) published at OptomRankings.com, assesses the research impact of optometrists worldwide using the h-index, a widely used measure of research productivity and influence.
With 17 UNSW researchers in the top 200 – including Professor Konrad Pesudovs at number one and Professor Fiona Stapleton at seven – UNSW came out at the top of the rankings among an estimated 250 optometry schools worldwide.
QUT’s Professor Nathan Efron is second ranked on the individual T200 list.
The ranking acknowledges both current and historical contributions, recognising the collective impact of researchers who have been associated with UNSW throughout its history.
This achievement… highlights the global impact of the work being undertaken at UNSW to advance eye and vision care and improve health outcomes
The United States had the highest number of researchers in the T200 with 68 individuals. Australia ranked second with 47 optometrists in the T200. New Zealand ranked equal eighth with two optometrists in the rankings.
Professor Lisa Keay, Head of School at UNSW School of Optometry and Vision Science, said the recognition reflects the outstanding contributions of staff, students, alumni, and research partners.
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and collaborative spirit of our research community. It highlights the global impact of the work being undertaken at UNSW to advance eye and vision care and improve health outcomes.”
She noted that the School’s success has also been supported by the influence of world-leading research organisations closely connected to UNSW, including the Cornea and Contact Lens Research Unit (CCLRU), the Cooperative Research Centre for Eye Research and Technology (CRCERT), and the Brien Holden Vision Institute (BHVI), all of which have played an important role in fostering research excellence and developing future leaders in the field.
