Prominent Australian optometry academic Professor Sharon Bentley has been appointed the new dean of the University of California, Berkeley, optometry school after an international search.
Prof Bentley is currently the deputy dean of the Faculty of Health at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane where she is also director of the Centre for Vision and Eye Research. She will join UC Berkeley on 3 February 2025.
As the incoming dean of the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science, Professor Bentley will oversee the school’s academic programs, research initiatives, and community outreach.
She brings more than 25 years of experience in optometry, public health, and education.
“Her extensive background in strategic planning and program management, as well as her deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, make her an excellent fit for this position,” a UC Berkeley statement said.
“In addition, her research has focused on the effects of vision impairment on daily living and on the provision of low-vision services.”
Prof Bentley’s “exceptional leadership skills and dedication to creating a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere” influenced the decision to appoint her as dean, the university said.
“Professor Bentley has a proven track record of national leadership. She established the Leaders in Indigenous Optometry Education Network, involving heads of optometry schools from Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand, professional organisations, regulatory authorities, and Indigenous health groups,” the statement said.
“Her leadership in integrating Indigenous health into the optometry curriculum at QUT has set a benchmark for culturally safe education practices. Furthermore, Professor Bentley is a Diplomate of the Low Vision Section of the American Academy of Optometry.”
According to UC Berkeley, Prof Bentley also has extensive executive management and corporate governance experience. She has managed multi-million-dollar budgets, expanded metropolitan services to underserved populations, and partnered with state governments to enhance eyecare services in rural Aboriginal communities.
She has served as a Vision Australia board director, has been named one of the Women Research Pioneers in Australian Optometry, and received the Australian College of Optometry’s Honorary Life Membership.
Professor Bentley has a bachelor’s degree in optometry, a graduate diploma in special education, a master’s degree in optometry and a doctorate of philosophy in optometry & vision sciences – all from the University of Melbourne, Australia.
She also has a master’s in public health from Johns Hopkins University and is an associate fellow in Indigenous Knowledges with the Higher Education Academy.
More reading
Psychological strains of optometry
Educators unite to increase Indigenous optometrist numbers
Simulations and virtual care: Future of optometry student placements under review
