Dr Alan W Johnston AM in China

Historical Significance: Alan Johnston graduated in optometry at the University of Melbourne in 1963. He went into private practice but returned to do a Masters degree and then a PhD degree. He was a research fellow funded by the Australian Road Research Board in Professor Cole's ergonomics laboratory while enrolled as a PhD student. He was appointed lecturer in the Department of Optometry in 1974 and was well regarded as a clinical teacher and an expert in low vision. He served as Clinic administrator for some years and as Associate Dean Research in the Faculty of Science. He became an Associate Professor and resigned in 2000 to enter private practice. Associate Professor Johsnton's expertise in low vision caused him to be invited to China to lecture to Chinese ophthalmologists under sponsorship of the World Health Organisation on several occasions. He was made an Member of the Order of Australia for his work in low vision.