Professor Allison McKendrick
The Lions Eye Institute and The University of Western Australia today announced the appointment of Professor Allison McKendrick as the inaugural LEI UWA Chair in Optometry Research.
Professor McKendrick, a world leader in clinical vision sciences, will commence in the role later in the year, bolstering the research capacity of UWA’s Optometry program and the Lions Eye Institute’s translational research.
Professor Bill Morgan, Managing Director of the Lions Eye Institute, described the Chair appointment as a game-changer for eye health research and care in Western Australia.
“This move will put the Lions Eye Institute and UWA at the forefront of vision research outcomes and translational research worldwide,” Professor Morgan said.
“Professor McKendrick will provide a key link between ophthalmology, optometry and research, which we know will have a significant impact on addressing eye disease and vision loss.”
Professor McKendrick is a Professor in the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences at The University of Melbourne. Her specific research interests include the study of glaucoma, neurological diseases, and how normal ageing affects vision. She is particularly interested in using technology in novel ways to assist in the detection and management of eye disease.
“I look forward to commencing this exciting new role at LEI/UWA, and to contributing to the goal of earlier detection and improved management of eye disease in the community,” Professor McKendrick said.
The LEI UWA Chair in Optometry Research complements a dedicated strategy by the Lions Eye Institute and UWA to invest in translational ocular research, with the two organisations also partnering to develop the Ian Constable Chair in Discovery and Translational Ophthalmic Science. This role will establish a dedicated vision neuroscience group in Western Australia.
