Flinders University
Assoc Prof Rod Watkins
Assoc Prof
Rod
Watkins
Flinders University
http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/rod.watkins
| Position/s: | Director of Strategic Development, Discipline of Optometry and Vision Science School of Medicine |
| Phone: | +61 8 82045731 |
| Email: | rod.watkins@flinders.edu.au |
| Location: | School of Medicine (4E:432.1) |
| Postal address: | GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, South Australia |
Biography
Rod Watkins lectured in Applied Optics in Optometry at the University of Melbourne before joining the Adelaide optical company SOLA International Pty. Ltd. He was a member of the Board of Directors of this company and held a number of senior management positions, primarily in technical areas. In 1987 he founded Scan Optics Pty. Ltd., a company which manufactures optical equipment for ophthalmology in developing countries, and served as Chief Executive officer until 2008. During this time the company supported prevention of blindness programmes in 120 countries and was widely recognised internationally for its work.
Qualifications
Ph.D.
Flinders University of South Australia
School of Physical Sciences, Department of Physics
Thesis: "A Finite Aperture Model of the Optical System of the Human Eye"
D.I.C.
University of London, Imperial College of Science and Technology
Department of Physics (Applied Optics)
M.App.Sc.
University of Melbourne, Faculty of Applied Science
Thesis: "Increment Thresholds in Defective Colour Vision"
B. App. Sc.
University of Melbourne, Faculty of Applied Science
L.O.Sc. Victorian College of Optometry
Honours, awards and grants
National Vision Research Institute of Australia: Fellow (2010)
Australian Government: Member of the Order of Australia (2005)
"For service to optics and optometry through the development and manufacture of ophthalmic equipment designed for use in remote locations throughout the world."
Flinders University of South Australia: Convocation Medal (2000)
For "substantial and significant contributions to the community, including an important contribution to the prevention of blindness in third world countries".
Australian College of Optometry: Fellow (1986)
Prince Philip Prize for Australian Design (1975)
In conjunction with the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Melbourne, for the "Combined Operating Magnifier and Indirect Ophthalmoscope"
Professional and community engagement
Memberships
1967 - 2008: Optometrists Association Australia
1967 - present: Australian College of Optometry
1972 - present: National Vision Research Institute of Australia
Appointments
1972 - present:
National Vision Research Institute of Australia
Board of Administration
Chairman 1989-97
1974 - 82:
Flinders University of South Australia
Member, University Council
Membership of six company Boards including four Board chair positions.
Membership including chair positions of various committees concerning global blindness, research administration and medical device standardisation.
Further information
Publications
Twenty one published papers on vision, ophthalmic optics and global blindness. One book chapter.
