OLIVER MUNRO
BSC l BOPTOM (HONS) l TPA l CAA CERTIFIED EXAMINER
OLIVER (OLI) MUNRO IS A THERAPEUTICALLY QUALIFIED OPTOMETRIST AND CONTACT LENS SPECIALIST AT MORTIMER HIRST.
Oliver (Oli) completed a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Physiology at the University of Auckland in 2012. During this time, particular areas of interest included both psychological and psychophysical aspects of neuroscience as well as endocrinology. Originally from Christchurch, Oli has been involved in optometry through his own optical needs from a very young age. Oli’s previous studies, combined with a passion for healthcare, and some wonderfully influential optometrists, guided Oli to pursue a career in optometry.
Oli completed the Bachelor of Optometry degree at the University of Auckland, graduating with First class honours. Throughout this time Oli was awarded numerous awards for clinical, academic and research aspects of optometry. Oli received the New Zealand Association of Optometrists annual ‘Top student’ award, based on overall results, twice during the optometry programme. In addition, Oli received many first in course awards, notably including ‘Contact Lens Practice.’ In 2016 Oli was awarded the Snowvision Charitable Trust Scholarship for study at the State University of New York and the Senior Scholar Award in the Faculty of Medical and Health Science. The Senior Scholar Award is awarded to students with the highest overall grades in the Bachelor of Optometry degree programme.
In addition to clinical aspects, Oli is also heavily involved in research. Oli received a summer research scholarship from the School of Optometry and Vision Science in 2014. This research was for the University of Auckland Myopia Control Clinic, focusing on Contact lens methods for myopia control, a strong personal interest of Oli’s. The research focused mainly on Orthokeratology (Orthok) and Dual-Focus Soft Contact Lenses. Oli was a lead author in the subsequent research paper which was later published in the prestigious American Academy of Optometry, Optometry and Vision Science Journal in 2016.
Oli conducted further clinical research as part of his final year project, supervised by Grant Watters and Dr Phillip Turnbull. The focus of this research was Orthok and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Oli is still heavily involved in this research, now supervising another group of students alongside Grant Watters. Oli has previous teaching experience, including the role of teaching assistant to fellow students during his time at University.
Mortimer Hirst was the perfect place for Oli to begin his career in Optometry. In addition to working alongside industry leaders in numerous areas, Oli will be able to pursue the specialty areas which he has developed such a strong interest in already, including Orthok, myopia control, and complex contact lens fitting.
Oli is a current member of NZAO.