Vision Hospital Group (VHG) joined more than a thousand ophthalmology professionals at the 56th RANZCO Congress, maintaining its presence at the annual Australasian meeting.
The Australian-based group, which operates 11 ophthalmic day hospitals and sits under parent company Vision Eye Institute, used the event to connect directly with surgeons, nurses and sector partners.
CEO Amanda Cranage said the congress remains one of the most valuable points of engagement outside the operating environment.
“As the operator of 11 ophthalmic day hospitals – and the largest private ophthalmology provider in Australia through parent company Vision Eye Institute – we have a responsibility to engage meaningfully with the profession, share knowledge, support innovation, and contribute to the continuous development of clinical standards,” she said.
Cranage noted the scale of VHG’s surgical network makes opportunities for face-to-face dialogue particularly important.
“Over 100 ophthalmologists operate across our facilities, so I always appreciate any chance to have deeper conversations about ways to further enhance clinical outcomes and the patient experience. Events like this remind me how powerful collaboration can be in advancing eye health and why we do what we do,” she said.
Priorities as demand grows
Against a backdrop of increasing surgical volumes, rising technology expectations and growing clinical complexity, Cranage said VHG continues to invest in its workforce, governance frameworks and hospital infrastructure.
“Ophthalmology is where our strength and expertise have always been. We are unwavering in our focus on surgeon satisfaction, clinical excellence, operational efficiency and an industry-leading patient experience,” she said.
Ms Kylie Bennett, VHG’s national director of nursing and general manager of RiverCity Private Hospital in Brisbane, said the congress functions as more than a showcase event for hospitals.
“Hospital groups must offer more than just bricks and mortar. RANZCO is invaluable for understanding what’s happening broadly across ophthalmology and at an individual level for doctors, whether they operate with us or not,” Bennett said.
She added that the conversations held over the congress often help shape incremental improvements in clinical and operational support.
Spotlight on ophthalmic nursing
VHG also sponsored the parallel Australian Ophthalmic Nurses’ Association (AONA) conference, reinforcing the group’s focus on ophthalmic nursing development.
“Nurses in this field must keep their knowledge current and manage complex peri-operative situations with confidence,” Bennett said. “AONA had some excellent sessions on offer, including presentations by two of our VMOs, Dr Tess Huynh and Dr Jason Cheng, and insights into opportunities for change improvement.”
The group celebrated one of its own receiving formal recognition during the event, with Forest Road Day Surgery director of nursing Ms Gabriela Kalofonos awarded life membership to AONA for her longstanding volunteer contribution.
“That was a real highlight for us,” Bennett said. “Her life membership reflects years of service to the profession and to nurse development nationally.”
With RANZCO congress concluded, VHG said its focus returns to supporting surgeons and clinical teams across its facility network.
To learn more about Vision Hospital Group or arrange a confidential discussion about operating at one of its facilities, visit visionhospitalgroup.com.au.
