Six extraordinary milestones will be celebrated at a gala dinner next year, to be hosted by the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of New South Wales.
Taking place on Saturday, 23 May 2026, the event will honour:
- 50 years since the founding of the School of Optometry (now the School of Optometry and Vision Science),
- 70 years since the first graduates from the part-time BSc (Optom Sci), with the optional Associate of Sydney Technical College add-on,
- 50 years since the Cornea and Contact Lens Research Unit (CCLRU) began within the School, laying the foundation for world-leading cornea and contact lens research,
- 40 years of NATA-accredited excellence at the Optics and Radiometry Laboratory (ORLAB), recognising its leadership in light, colour, and optical testing and measurement science,
- 35 years since the establishment of the Cooperative Research Centre for Eye Research and Technology (CRCERT), a pioneering research collaboration, and
- The 25th anniversary of the Lederer Award, recognising outstanding contributions to vision science.
Describing the School’s 50th year as “a remarkable achievement”, Professor Lisa Keay, Head of School, UNSW School of Optometry and Vision Science, said the celebration would honour “the visionaries who built our foundation, the alumni who have shaped eye care across Australia and beyond, and the vibrant community that continues to drive innovation”.
“Our commitment to world-class research and education has never been stronger, and together we look forward to shaping the future of optometry and vision science for generations to come,” she said.
Current staff and students, alumni, industry leaders, researchers, and clinicians are invited to attend the celebration
Mark the Date
The gala dinner will take place on the evening prior to Optometry Australia NSW/ACT’s Super Sunday conference. Current staff and students, alumni, industry leaders, researchers, and clinicians are invited to attend the celebration, which will commence with networking and canapés, followed by a formal gala dinner. For those who are interested, guided tours of the School including CPD accredited interactive workshops, will be offered just prior to the gala dinner.
Tickets will go on sale in January 2026, so mark your calendars and secure your place at this historic event.
If you are interested in becoming an Alumni Champion and assisting UNSW by reaching out to your old cohort, contact optomalumni@unsw.edu.au.
