Shelley Hopkins

Dr Shelley Hopkins is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Optometry and Vision Science at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). She coordinates the pediatric optometry clinic within QUT Health Clinics and lectures in the Master of Optometry course. Dr Hopkins provides outreach optometry services to First Nations communities across Queensland and refugee communities of Brisbane as part of her clinical and research work.

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Queensland University of Technology)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Clinical Optometry (University of Melbourne)
• Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Deakin University)
• Bachelor of Optometry (University of Melbourne)
• Professional Certificate in Paediatric Eye Care (Ulster University)

Dr Hopkins' research focuses on children's vision with particular emphasis on pediatric optometry, vision screening methodologies, and Indigenous children's eye health. Her work investigates the relationship between vision problems and academic performance in schoolchildren, with special attention to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. She has developed and validated visual acuity charts specifically for First Nations children and studies the effects of screen-based tasks on vision in school-aged children.

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward culturally safe optometry practices, Indigenous health equity, and the implementation of specialized vision screening frameworks for diverse populations. Dr Hopkins' work bridges clinical practice with educational initiatives to improve vision outcomes for children, particularly those from marginalized communities.

Scientific Awards:

• Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence (Mixed Research Team – Children's Vision Team, 2017)
• Vice Chancellor's Performance Award (Team - Optometry Clinic Outreach Team, 2017)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Dr Hopkins supervises students while providing outreach optometry services to First Nations communities across Queensland and refugee communities of Brisbane. Her teaching responsibilities include coordinating OPB557 - Binocular Vision and OPN163 - Primary Care Clinic 7, and lecturing in several courses including OPB201 – Foundations of Optometry and OPN161 – Optometry in Special Needs Groups. She has been instrumental in developing culturally safe optometry education frameworks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.

Dr Hopkins is affiliated with the Centre for Child and Family Studies and the Centre for Vision and Eye Research at QUT, where she collaborates on interdisciplinary projects focused on children's vision and health outcomes.