
Dr Nisha Sachdev has become the youngest female ophthalmologist to receive the prestigious RANZCO Meritorious Award, recognising her extraordinary contribution to the profession over the past 13 years through her work with both the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) and the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO).
Dr Sachdev received the award alongside Professor Adrian Fung, with the two ophthalmologists becoming the first to receive the award within 15 years of fellowship while under the age of 50.
Early Starter
Dr Sachdev’s journey in College work began during her vocational training when she served as the Quality and Education Committee (QEC) representative for New Zealand trainees. This early experience sparked what has become an impressive commitment to advancing ophthalmology education, training, and professional development, at one point, serving simultaneously on eight committees.
“It’s a different type of ophthalmologist who wants to give up their spare time to be involved in College activities because it’s all pro bono work; you don’t get paid, you do it in your spare time,” Dr Sachdev explained.
However, she said, her work with the College and later with the ASO, has been both personally and professionally rewarding.
Reshaping Training
Dr Sachdev has been particularly influential in curriculum development, where she helped reshape how ophthalmologists are trained in Australia and New Zealand.
Flowing on from this, one of her most significant contributions has been her role in modernising surgical training through assisting the funding of surgical simulators which help solidify ophthalmologists’ surgical skills before they go into theatre.
“This has completely changed how a junior doctor is taught to be an ophthalmologist, and it means they have certain skills already before they’re actually coming to theatre,” she explained.
Having volunteered as a teacher, mentor and now an examiner, Dr Sachdev said she is beginning to realise “the impact that the changes to the curriculum and training have had, and will continue to have into the future”.
Business Skills Development
Through her work with the ASO, Dr Sachdev identified a crucial gap in ophthalmology training – business skills for new practitioners. In response, she initiated and developed the Business Skills Expo, addressing the challenges faced by newly qualified ophthalmologists transitioning into practice.
“You do all your training, and then all of a sudden you’re an ophthalmologist and you’re left on your own,” she said. “There’s a lot out there that you don’t get taught during your training – business skills, working out where you work, whether you join a practice, or whether to set up on your own, for instance.”
Her work has not only improved the training and education of ophthalmologists but has also contributed to creating a more balanced and sustainable career path for future generations
Health and Well-Being
As the first Co-Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Committee, Dr Sachdev has “made progress” in addressing mental health and work-life balance within the profession. “I think the good thing is that people are talking about it, whereas before people never talked about it,” she observed.
Additionally, she has championed support for female ophthalmologists, advocating for part-time training options and better work-life integration.
“We spend a lot of time training. You don’t finish your training until you’re in your mid-thirties, and for female trainees, it’s hard. When do you have a family? If you have a family during your training, that’s two or three years out of a five-year program.”
Beyond committee work, Dr Sachdev has also been involved in overseas development work through the Vietnam Vision Project.
Maintaining Balance
Looking back on her achievements, Dr Sachdev is modest about her contributions but acknowledges the positive changes she’s helped implement. “I feel very fortunate and blessed to be involved at a time of significant change,” she said.
As she steps back from some of her committee responsibilities, Dr Sachdev’s legacy is clear – she has helped create a more supportive, progressive, and inclusive profession. Her work has not only improved the training and education of ophthalmologists but has also contributed to creating a more balanced and sustainable career path for future generations.
True to her philosophy of maintaining balance, Dr Sachdev continues to run her private practice while pursuing personal interests including marathon running and ocean swimming. Her achievements stand as an inspiration to young ophthalmologists, particularly women in the profession, demonstrating that it’s possible to make a significant impact while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.