Â鶹Éçmadou

The annual prizegiving and graduation event, held on 25 March 2025, was a memorable evening celebrating the achievements of our students and the support of our community.Ìý For the first time, the event took place on campus at The Lounge at Â鶹Éçmadou, attended by approximately 100 guests, including industry professionals, prize donors, key stakeholders, Faculty of Medicine & Health, and School of Optometry & Vision Science staff.

Following the graduation ceremony earlier in the day, a dinner was held to honour the 22 prize winners.Ìý Specsavers was a Gold sponsor of this event, significantly contributing to the evening's success.Ìý Head of School, Professor Lisa Keay congratulated the students on this milestone and reflected on the fact that their first year of study was 2020, when the pandemic was just starting to have an impact.  She also expressed gratitude to those who have supported the students, particularly in their clinical training and the community that welcomes them as they enter the optometry profession.Ìý 2024 OptomSoc President Justin McNamara, along with fellow students, acknowledged the School and shared cherished memories from their five years of study.Ìý The student leadership team has actively fostered a positive culture, supporting their peers through Exam Care Packages, social events, and mentorship.

In addition to the Master of Clinical Optometry graduates, we celebrated the achievements of three doctoral students:  Dr Nicole Liu, Dr Adam Samuels, and Dr Rene Cheung. Graduates from the Graduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics, Bachelor of Vision Science, and Graduate Certificate in Orientation and Mobility programs were also recognised for their hard work and dedication.Ìý

Professor Maree Toombs, Deputy Dean Indigenous, was the guest Faculty speaker and presented the prizes to students.Ìý In her speech, she shared some of her own story, discussed the importance of community leadership and her vision for Indigenous education in the Faculty of Medicine & Health at Â鶹Éçmadou and the aspiration for better access to healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.Ìý Dr Wilson Luu, Education Focused Lecturer at Â鶹Éçmadou School of Optometry & Vision Science, Â鶹Éçmadou Alumni and former OptomSoc president, delivered the keynote speech emphasising the importance of self-discovery.Ìý He underscored that exploring one’s identity involves a profound examination of personal values and purpose.Ìý Understanding who you are at your core, identifying your fundamental beliefs, and recognising your motivations are crucial steps.Ìý Instead of conforming to societal expectations, embracing self-awareness and authenticity allows individuals to lead a more fulfilling life.Ìý 

A/Prof Phil Anderton, current visiting academic at Â鶹Éçmadou SOVS, gave an inspiring talk about his time in regional NSW, including work with Indigenous communities and how he built a kitset red plane to service the northwestern NSW outreach areas. His daughter, Joanne Anderton, authored a book titled The Flying Optometrist in honour of his work in these communities. Phil paid homage to his mentor, the late Phyllis Dennis, Eye Health Coordinator from the Walgett Medical Service, who organized clinics for him in Moree, Inverell, Toomelah, Tamworth, and Walgett. He emphasised the importance of leadership in Indigenous health, exemplified by Phyllis. A highlight of the night was the unveiling of the original watercolours by Karen Erasmus from the book, donated by A/Prof Anderton.Ìý These will be displayed in the new multi-disciplinary clinic which will include a dedicated paediatric eye clinic, inside the Health Translation Hub set to open on the Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct in November 2025 ().

The evening was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the accomplishments of our students and to thank the many individuals and organisations who support our programs. We look forward to continuing this tradition of excellence in the years to come.

For the list of full prize winners, please see here.Ìý