The University of Western Australia has appointed Associate Professor Khyber Alam as the new Head of the Department of Optometry and Vision Science.

Associate Professor Alam is an experienced higher education leader, researcher and clinician with skills in accreditation, lecturing, curriculum mapping and organisational development.

He brings a broad range of expertise to the role, where he will continue to shape the future of higher education, academic governance, health and medical education, research and community engagement.

Associate Professor Alam’s approach to leadership is not only centred around academic excellence but also a commitment to advancing social justice, inclusion and global citizenship.

“I see the world as a small home where we all need to learn with each other, collaborate, and support one another,” he said.

“My understanding of leadership is shaped by the belief that access to quality education and healthcare is a fundamental right for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.

“I’m dedicated to improving the lives of those from underrepresented and marginalised communities.

“I have a deep love for poetry, science, medicine, research and literature in general.

“As Carl Sagan, the renowned astronomer and science communicator, famously said: ‘for small creatures such as we, the vastness is bearable only through love’.

“My philosophy mirrors Sagan’s sentiment as I believe through compassion, understanding, and mutual respect, we can build a more inclusive, just world.”

Born in Pakistan to Afghan refugees, Associate Professor Alam’s early childhood was marked by displacement due to the Soviet-Afghan war and subsequent conflict following the September 2001 attacks.

His family fled Afghanistan when he was young and eventually settled in Australia.

As a child in Afghanistan, he experienced firsthand the harsh realities of war, including the loss of loved ones and the trauma of violence.

He recalls studying under a tree during summer and in a tent during the cold winter months.

After completing his Bachelor of Vision Science and Master of Optometry, he went on to complete a PhD, Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching and Master of Business Administration.

Associate Professor Alam is committed to improving eye health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and co-authored the Vision 2030 report, that outlines the aspirations of Indigenous health professionals for the future of eye care.

The report led to the formation of the First Nations Eye Health Alliance, a peak body for driving eye care initiatives across Australia and New Zealand.

In addition, Associate Professor Alam co-designed the Indigenous Strategy and Cultural Safety curriculum for various UWA health courses, which aims to increase the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in higher education.

He helped to establish permanent eye clinics in collaboration with Aboriginal organisations across WA, providing essential vision care to under-served communities.

“I’ve been part of the UWA community for the past four years and am proud to lead a program grounded in the principles of excellence, innovation, and comprehensive evidence-based patient care,” Associate Professor Alam said.

“As a team, we are committed to providing high-quality education and clinical services across various metro and rural clinical sites, including Crawley, Midland, Geraldton, Broome, and Bunbury.

“The Inreach Refugee Clinic, an initiative designed to provide essential eye care services to individuals from refugee backgrounds operates in collaboration with Associate Professor Hessom Razavi from the Lions Eye Institute and other local community organisations.

“It offers comprehensive eye examinations, treatments, and follow-up care to refugees who may otherwise struggle to access such services.”

As part of his leadership responsibilities on the Learning and Teaching Committee, Academic Board, Academic Council, and Board of Studies, Associate Professor Alam has demonstrated his commitment to excellence and fostering an environment where academic programs thrive and adapt to the evolving needs of the healthcare sector and society in general.

Besides his leadership responsibilities at UWA, he is a research supervisor for PhD students, has received grants, and continues to teach in various units.

His research interests include neurodegenerative diseases of the retina, health economics, public health, vision impairment and its impact on quality of life and the evaluation of healthcare and educational services.

In 2019, he received a Young Alumni of the Year Award from Deakin University for outstanding contribution to the community and profession.

Associate Professor Alam’s journey from a young refugee to a leader in higher education and vision science is a testament to the power of knowledge and hopefulness.

“No matter where we come from, we share a common purpose and an interconnected destiny to uplift each other, strive for greater understanding, and advance justice and equality for all,” he said.