Charles McMonnies DSc

Honorary Professor Charles W. McMonnies, DSCc, graduated from the School of Optometry, University of New South Wales: BSc (1966), MSc (1970). He practised as an optometrist 1966-2007 with special interests in contact lenses, dry eye disease, children’s vision and learning disabilities.

Professor McMonnies is a Member of Council for the International Society of Contact Lens Research; Member, Past President and a Fellow of the Cornea and Contact Lens Society of Australia; and Life Member of the Corneal and Contact Lens Society of New Zealand. He is Former Presiding Member and Member of the Board of Management for the Optometric Vision Research Foundation. Member of the Board of Directors, Brien Holden Vision Foundation.

Professor McMonnies was a lecturer, tutor, and clinical supervisor (Bachelor and Master of Optometry degrees) 1969-2000. He was formerly Adjunct Professor and currently is Honorary Professor in the School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of NSW.

Professor McMonnies is the author of 3 books, 6 text-book chapters and over 120 scientific and clinical papers. Keratoconus (25 publications) has been a particular interest. He has made contributions to ocular surface disease in the areas such as questionnaire use in screening and the diagnosis and remediation of blink inefficiency.

In 1999, Professor McMonnies was admitted to the Body of Fellows of The Contact Lens Society of Australia for having attained the highest level of theoretical and clinical knowledge and skill in the field of contact lenses.

In 1999, he was presented with a UNSW Jubilee Medal in recognition of his contributions to the university.

In 2002, the New South Wales Division of Optometrist's Association Australia awarded him the Joseph Lederer Award for excellence in clinical practice, undergraduate teaching and education, as well as enhancement of professional knowledge through clinical research and contributions to the scientific literature.

In 2003, the Australasian College of Behavioural Optometry awarded him the Keith Woodland Memorial Award in recognition of exceptional service and leadership to behavioural optometry in Australia.

In 2005, he received the Award for “Distinguished Research on the Corneal and Contact lens” at the University of Houston College of Optometry Contemporary Vision Symposium. In 2006 he was awarded the British Contact Lens Association Medal for contributions to contact lens related research.

In 2007 he accepted honorary life membership in the Cornea and Contact Lens Society of New Zealand and in 2017 he was awarded a Doctor of Science Degree.