Quick Facts
Biography
James Sunter Muecke AM is an ophthalmologist working in Adelaide, South Australia, and 2020 Australian of the Year, having been South Australian of the Year.
Early life
Muecke was born in Adelaide, and trained as a doctor at the University of Adelaide.
Professional life
Muecke began his career in Kenya. He relocated to South Australia and became an eye surgeon and blindness prevention pioneer, starting both Vision Myanmar at the South Australian Institute of Ophthalmology in 2000, and Sight For All, a social impact organisation "aiming to create a world where everyone can see".
In the 2012 Queen's Birthday Honours, Muecke was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). He received the University of Adelaide's Vice-Chancellor's Alumni Award in 2019.
On being appointed the 2020 Australian of the Year, Muecke immediately advocated for a tax on sugary drinks in the fight against Type 2 diabetes.