From left: Amanda Trotman, Carla Najdek (daughter of Sarah Najdek),Troy Rulz, Solaf Shiyab, Elias Helou, Professor Frank Martin, Madeline Calvert, Raisa Islam, Associate Professor Amanda French, Neam Alsamaani, and Natalie, Julian, and Dr Sophia Moshegov. Photos by Carlos Velasco.
In a night celebrating both academic achievement and professional legacy, the University of Technology (UTS) Sydney’s Graduate School of Health hosted its annual Orthoptics Awards evening, recognising outstanding students while honouring influential figures in the field.
In his welcome address, Head of School, Professor Toby Newton-John, spoke about the exceptional quality of the Orthoptics discipline at UTS, which has “graduated eight PhD students, expanding the orthoptic academic workforce and research capacity as a discipline”.
Troy’s mentorship truly changed my life, and I’ll always be grateful because I can’t imagine being anything other than an orthoptist
Triple Crown Achievement
The evening featured an impressive first for UTS, with graduating student Elias Helou achieving what Associate Professor Amanda French, Head of the Discipline, described as “the full hat trick” – winning all three graduate-end prizes. Mr Helou was awarded the Lance/Jolly Prize for highest average mark in the Master of Orthoptics programme, the Orthoptics Australia Prize for highest mark in professional practice subjects, and the ODMA Richard Grills AM Memorial Prize for highest cumulative mark in Clinical Management of Refractive Error and Therapy Management and Rehabilitation.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Helou expressed his “genuine, sincere gratitude to all those that have supported and inspired me”. He told the audience that his passion for orthoptics, “especially in the area of low vision care”, stems from “a deep desire to empower patients to live fuller, more independent lives”.
The Lance/Jolly Prize has a distinguished history, initially established in 2004 as the Patricia Lance Prize, honouring one of the founders of Orthoptics Australia who was a dedicated teacher and Head of School. In 2012, additional funds were contributed by Neryla Jolly upon her retirement after over 40 years of service to orthoptic education, leading to the prize’s current name.
Supporting Future Orthoptists
Several scholarships were awarded to students at different stages of their orthoptic education journey. First-year student Madeline Calvert received the Frank Martin Award, presented by Professor Frank Martin himself, for achieving the highest grade point average on entry to the course. Ms Calvert, who professed her passion for neuroanatomy, movingly described her dedication to her studies: “Exhaustion is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of purpose… To choose your challenge, to commit your energy to something that aligns with your values and dreams is a privilege.”
The Dr Con Moshegov Orthoptics Scholarships, established in memory of the late Dr Moshegov, were presented by family members Natalie, Julian, and Sophia Moshegov. Dr Sophia Moshegov spoke warmly of her father’s legacy as “a dedicated ophthalmologist, teacher, mentor, who devoted much of his career to supporting and inspiring students”.
These scholarships – awarded to a student with refugee background and a student from a rural, regional, or interstate area – were awarded to Neam Alsamaani, and Raisa Islam, respectively. Both recipients expressed profound gratitude, with Ms Islam noting the presence of her parents who had travelled from Melbourne that morning to attend the ceremony.
Inaugural Polaris Scholarship
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural Glenda Rutz Polaris UTS Orthoptics Scholarship to second-year student Solaf Shiyab. Troy Rutz, presenting on behalf of himself and his sister Sarah Najdek (who was unable to attend), explained that the scholarship honours their mother Glenda Rutz, who “devoted her life as a TAFE lecturer, making a difference, particularly to those who had endured hardship or had a disability”.
The scholarship’s name draws inspiration from Polaris, the North Star, which has “been a symbol of guidance and direction for centuries” and “represents limitless possibilities and infinite wonder”. Mr Rutz explained that Ms Shiyab was selected for demonstrating attributes that embodied “selfless acts of kindness, making a positive impact to others, a true beacon of hope and inspiration”.
In her acceptance speech, Ms Shiyab noted that the scholarship would bring her “closer to my goal of making a difference in the lives of those who need it most”, adding that she hoped “to draw inspiration from Glenda Rutz’s selfless values and continue to honour her legacy by giving back to society both through my work and in my personal life”.
Impact of Recognition
Previous award recipients also shared how the recognition had impacted their careers. Jesse Warner, recipient of the 2024 Dr Con Moshegov Memorial Scholarship, spoke of how the support had alleviated financial strain as he travelled for studies and clinical placements, while Christina Awad, recipient of the 2023 Lance/Jolly Award, reflected on her early career experience as an orthoptist, which began with a conversation with Troy Rutz.
“Troy’s mentorship truly changed my life, and I’ll always be grateful because I can’t imagine being anything other than an orthoptist,” she said, adding that the award “represents more than academic achievement. It represents the values of dedication, excellence, and service to the field of orthoptics.”
The evening concluded with Assoc Prof French thanking the donors for their generosity and congratulating all award winners on their achievements, before inviting attendees to continue networking over refreshments.
Amanda Trotman presenting the ODMA Richard Grills AM Memorial Prize to Elias Helou.
Madeline Calvert with Professor Frank Martin.
From left: Neam Alsamaani with Natalie, Julian, and Dr Sophia Moshegov.
Solaf Shiyab with Troy Rulz.
From left: Elias Helou, Solaf Shiyab, Madeline Calvert, Raisa Islam, and Neam Alsamaani.
From left: Monica Lette and Mirné le Roux (Seeway), Amanda Trotman (ODMA), Chris Farley and Urszula Prokopiev (Heidelberg Engineering), and Melanie Kell (mivision).
From left: Amanda Trotman, Carla Najdek (daughter of Sarah Najdek),Troy Rulz, Solaf Shiyab, Elias Helou, Professor Frank Martin, Madeline Calvert, Raisa Islam, Associate Professor Amanda French, Neam Alsamaani, and Natalie, Julian, and Dr Sophia Moshegov. Photos by Carlos Velasco.
