Dr Eric Papas: New Director of Postgraduate Studies

Dr Eric Papas has been announced as the new Director of Postgraduate Studies for the Vision CRC, Institute for Eye Research and International Centre for Eyecare Education. Dr Papas takes up his position from Associate Professor Fiona Stapleton, who is now the Head of School of the UNSW School of Optometry and Vision Science.

Dr Papas (PhD BSc MCOptom DipCL) is also Executive Director of Research and Development at the Vision CRC and IER, and Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the UNSW School of Optometry and Vision Science. Formerly Director of Clinical Research and Principal Research Optometrist at the CRC for Eye Research and Technology and the Cornea and Contact Lens Research Unit, Eric Papas qualified as an optometrist in the UK and spent several years in private practice there. After a period in charge of the UK research clinics of first Hydron and then Allergan, he moved to Sydney in 1992. He completed his PhD on “Vascular activity in the region of the limbus during soft contact lens wear” in 2001. Dr Papas is a highly respected researcher, and has published 29 papers and holds 6 patents.

In welcoming Eric to his new role, Professor Deborah Sweeney said, “Eric’s experience and dedication will be an enormous asset to our students and our postgraduate research, and I look forward to his contributions.”

Professor Brien Holden, Deputy CEO of the Vision CRC, also paid tribute to the previous Directors of Postgraduate Studies in CRCERT and Vision CRC - Mark Willcox and Fiona Stapleton.

“Over 60 PhD students have been recruited, guided, reviewed, and successfully completed the highest levels of research qualifications awarded through the dedication, empathy, diplomacy, skills and knowledge of Mark and Fiona”, said Professor Holden.

“That is an incredibly legacy and contribution to the careers and personal development of many diverse, talented, at times difficult, and I am sure, very grateful former students. Mark and Fiona have made lasting contributions to postgraduate education and the research output of these students, CRCERT, Vision CRC, the School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW and many other Schools and Universities.