Dr Frank Martin and Xanthe Harrison, awarded the 2019 Frank Martin Orthoptics Scholarship
The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Orthoptics Prize and Scholarship Evening recognised the dedication of students with prizes and scholarships awarded to high achievers.
Ophthalmologist Dr Frank Martin addressed the cohort and acknowledged the importance of orthoptists in the eye health industry. With technological advancements changing the nature of eye health, Dr Martin recognised the importance of students entering the industry with new skills and knowledge.
An Australian trained orthoptist is recognised for excellence not only nationally but internationally
“I rely on the orthoptists in my practice as do other ophthalmologists,” he said. “They have branched out into industry, because the industry realised the knowledge they have, and since then they have risen to managerial and executive positions.
“It’s a changed role and this course that you’ve just finished, and have been lucky to go through, has prepared you well. An Australian trained orthoptist is recognised for excellence not only nationally but internationally,” said Dr Martin.
Dr Martin presented the 2019 Frank Martin Orthoptics Scholarship to Xanthe Harrison for achieving the highest GPA on the most recently completed tertiary qualification.
“After completing a number of subjects focusing on visual perception I developed a keen interest in the eye and visual perception in the brain,” said Ms Harrison.
“The Master of Orthoptics at UTS felt like the natural next step in my studies – providing an opportunity to have a people focused career in eye health.”
Hayley Beale from Bathurst, New South Wales, was awarded the 2019 George Street Eye Centre Scholarship for achieving the highest GPA from a rural, regional or interstate area.
As well as scholarships, prizes were presented to 2018 graduates for their achievements throughout the course.
Georgia Rossettin received the 2018 Lance Jolly Prize for achieving the highest average mark in the orthoptics course, and Stephanie Retsas received the 2018 Orthoptics Australia Prize for achieving the highest mark in Professional Practice subjects (Clinical) in the final year of the Orthoptics course.
The UTS Faculty of Health looks forward to a new six story purpose built space that will cater for all disciplines, including a visual fields room, and an orthoptics research space with two clinic rooms.
“It’s wonderful to see that we are committed to what’s happening within the profession and providing our students with a really authentic experience of working with the equipment,” said Professor Joanne Gray, Head of School.