Dr. Robert Augusteyn

Biography

Bob Augusteyn graduated with a PhD in Biochemistry from Queensland University in 1969. He spent years at the Harkness Eye Institute of Columbia University in New York, where he developed his interest in vision science. He joined the Biochemistry Department at the University of Melbourne and initiated a comprehensive program of research into cataract formation and lens biochemistry. In 1991, he became the Director of the National Vision Research Institute and continued lens research while introducing new programs concerned with the retina. After 11 years, he ‘retired’ to return to hands-on laboratory work. He was part of the team, led by Brien Holden, that established the highly successful Cooperative Research Centre for Eye Research Technology (CRCERT) and Vision CRC continuations at UNSW. He has contributed to studies on accommodation and presbyopia while training postgraduate students, and remains an active member of the research team at the Brien Holden Vision Institute. Bob currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at the School of Optometry and Vision Science at UNSW and as a Voluntary Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Miami, USA. He has been involved in vision science for 50 years and is a recipient of numerous honors and prizes, including the prestigious Kinoshita Lectureship from the National Foundation for Eye Research (USA) and the Subramanian Oration from the Indian Eye Research Group. In 2019, Professor Augusteyn was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his contribution to Vision Science.

Research Interests