The University of Technology Sydney’s Master of Orthoptics program has celebrated its 10th year.
A media release said that close to 500 graduates had completed the degree, with many going on to work across metropolitan, regional, and remote settings.
It said UTS alumni could be found in clinics and hospitals from Perth to Adelaide and Brisbane, as well as in communities such as Broome, Townsville, Alice Springs and Darwin.
Some graduates had found roles overseas, contributing to eyecare teams in the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, Malaysia, and Norway.
At a event on November 6 to celebrate the milestone, Professor Toby Newton-John acknowledged the foundational work of Professor Kathryn Rose to build a high-quality, person-centred and evidence-based learning experience for future orthoptists, and the ongoing leadership of Associate Professor Amanda French.
The release said the program’s growth had coincided with increasing demand for skilled orthoptists, and its research profile had also gradually strengthened over the decade, supported by staff and student engagement.
“UTS has seen eight PhD graduates from the discipline, with several higher-degree students currently progressing research tied to orthoptic practice and patient care,” it said.
Prof Rose’s appointment as Australia’s first professor of orthoptics was acknowledged as a milestone for the discipline and a step towards greater academic recognition in the field.
The celebration event recognised the clinical partners who supported student education each year.
This year’s awards highlighted those contributions across different sectors:
- Sydney Eye Hospital – Public Health Service Award (1,044 hours of supervision provided by Ms Melanie Lai and Ms Kirsty Somerville McAlester).
- Ms Kristina Knezović, Retina and Eye Consultants – Private Health Service Award.
- Mr Cem Oztan, Vision Australia – NGO Sector Award (284 hours of supervision).
The annual Clinician Award, as voted by final-year students, was shared between Oztan and Somerville McAlester.
Students described their supervisors as supportive, patient, and committed to building their confidence in practice.
