Women Research Pioneers in Australian Optometry
The changing face of optometry in Australia has seen our profession evolve from what was a male-dominated field up until the 1970s, to a more equal playing field today. This virtual issue celebrates women who have played a pioneering role in Australian optometric research.
One key paper published in Clinical and Experimental Optometry (or preceding journal name) by each of these pioneering women is highlighted. This is not an exhaustive list of every woman to have published a paper in Clinical and Experimental Optometry; there have literally been hundreds, and of course we celebrate the contributions of all women optometric researchers. However, the purpose of this virtual issue is to highlight those women who have made especially significant contributions, according to the criteria for inclusion as listed below:
1. Women with an optometric qualification who have gone on to make significant contributions to Australian optometric research.
2. Women who have achieved at least two of the following performance/esteem indicators: (a) included in the Global Optometrist Top 200 Research Ranking (www.optomrankings.com); (b) full Professor; (c) Head of School/Department of Optometry; (d) very senior profession/industry appointment; or (e) recipient of prestigious international research medals/awards (external to their own place of work).
3. Women who are Australian citizens; have graduated in Australia; have worked extensively in Australia; or have strong Australian research connections.
4. Women who have authored at least one original research paper or review paper in Clinical and Experimental Optometry (or a preceding journal name); one example is listed for each woman pioneer.
5. The journal Editor is the sole arbiter as to who is listed, and will consider any further nominations for inclusion.