School of Medicine

Harrison Weisinger

Position Foundation Director of Optometry Studies
Email harrison.weisinger@deakin.edu.au
Area School of Medicine - Optometry
Phone +61 3 52272555
Campus Geelong


Role and profile
Professor Harrison Weisinger is the Foundation Director and Chair in Optometry. Professor Weisinger holds vocational qualifications, and performs regular work, in both optometry and medicine. He completed his Masters and PhD at the University of Melbourne in the fields of visual neurophysiology and visual development.


Professor Weisinger has published in Nature Medicine, Science, PNAS and Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, and has been awarded national competitive grants and fellowships, including several from the NHMRC and ARC. He is an Associate Editor for one journal and a reviewer for several others in the field of vision science.


He is currently leading the development of Deakin University’s optometry program, which will enrol students from 2012. The course will feature teaching philosophies and methods currently used in medical education, including evidence-based practice, case-based learning and Team-Based Learning.



Teaching responsibilities
Professor Weisinger is leading the teaching and learning program for Optometry.


Research interests
Professor Weisinger has contributed to the field of functional visual development and the importance of diet. More recently, he has turned his attention to both optometric education and the state of eye health in regional Australian communities.


Awards and prizes
NHMRC Postdoctoral fellow – 2000-2002
ARC Postdoctoral fellow 2003–2005
High Blood Pressure Research Council Fellowship



Memberships
Australian Medical Association.
Optometrists’ Association of Australia.
Australian College of Optometry.
American Academy of Optometry.
Contact Lens Society of Australia.
Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.
Professional (Optometric) Advancement Committee (UK).



Service to the University, discipline or community
Medical officer, Djerriwarrh Health Service.
Regular columnist, commentator, radio and newspaper interviewee – Professor Weisinger is an advocate of accessible eye care for all Australians and works to increase awareness of the importance of eye care.

Deakin University acknowledges the traditional land owners of present campus sites.

15th June 2012