Amanda French

Associate Professor Amanda French serves as Head of Discipline (Orthoptics) and Course Director for the Master of Orthoptics in the Graduate School of Health at the University of Technology Sydney. With extensive experience in both teaching and research, she has established herself as a leading expert in orthoptic practice and vision science.

Dr. French's research focuses on ophthalmic epidemiology and eye healthcare services, with particular expertise in refractive errors, pediatric eye conditions, vision screening, and neuro-ophthalmology including stroke-related vision issues. Her work on the population-based Sydney Childhood Eye Disease Studies has gained international recognition, particularly her findings on the relationship between outdoor time and myopia development. She led the multidisciplinary evaluation of the NSW Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening (StEPS) Program, which informed national vision screening frameworks.

Her publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to understanding myopia development and prevention, with recent work focusing on intervention strategies including outdoor time recommendations and optical/pharmacological approaches. Her research has influenced clinical practice guidelines adopted by organizations including the Royal Australian New Zealand College of Ophthalmology.

• Learning & Teaching Award for Individual Teaching (High Commendation), 2021

As an educator, she has played a leading role in designing the UTS Orthoptics Curriculum and teaches across multiple courses including Binocular Vision, Ocular Motility, and Neurological Ocular Disorders. Her professional leadership extends to Orthoptics Australia, where she has served on the National Council, as NSW Committee Chair (2018-2021), Vice President (2020-2022), and currently as President (since 2023).