MsNatalie Watt

With over two decades of clinical experience as an optometrist in the private and public sectors, Natalie accepted an academic position at Deakin University in 2018. Currently, Natalie is a lecturer in optometric clinical skills within the School of Medicine and is also the manager of the Deakin Optometry Pre-Clinic located at the Australian College of Optometry, which serves as the primary placement centre for Deakin optometry students.

Natalie is a dedicated university leader who values working collaboratively with colleagues to advance the quality of teaching and learning in the optometric profession. She has played a key role in leading curriculum innovation and design with the pre-clinic to ensure students are well-prepared for their first patient placement. Natalie’s leadership style is people-centred, aiming to foster an inclusive environment where her students and high-performing team of academics can thrive authentically.