Year 11 Experience Day
In July, working alongside Future Students, Program Authority Dr Vinod Maseedupally, A/Prof. Michele Madigan, and Dr Suki Jaiswal engaged Year 11 students in an introduction to the Optometry and Vision Science programs. The event offered students a full day on campus to experience what it’s like to study at UNSW.
Prospective students explored different areas within the discipline, participated in hands-on activities, and began identifying which degree best aligns with their interests and future aspirations.
National Youth Science Forum STEM Hub Event
In July, the School participated in the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF). Designed for students in Years 10 to 12, the STEM Hubs offer a broad introduction to the many study and career opportunities within STEM, encouraging young people to pursue further education in these fields.
Our School hosted an activity titled “What can ‘Eye’ do?” where students explored what the optometry and vision science professions are like. They had the rare chance to experience, firsthand, the work of an optometrist or vision science professional.
Students completed an online Stroop test to see how attention and cognitive processing operate in real time. They also explored vision–vestibular interactions, learning how the brain maintains balance and coordination when visual and inner-ear signals conflict. In addition, students measured vision, simulated short-sightedness on their peers to observe its effects, and even measured spectacle powers. The future students loved the event, and it was rated 4/5
Open Day
In 2025, UNSW held its Open Day on Saturday, 6th of September and welcomed more than 40,000 visitors to Kensington and Paddington campuses.
A/Prof Sieu Khuu delivered lectures for future students in the Rex Vowels Theatre for the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Clinical Optometry programs.
Throughout the day, future students had the opportunity to visit School of Optometry & Vision Science advisory centre desk with their program related enquiries. They also had the opportunity to meet, connect and ask questions directly with Dr Revathy Mani, Prof Lisa Keay, Head of School, Dr Suki Jaiswal, Dr Daisy Shu and the Optometry and Vision Science students to gain the insight of the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Clinical Optometry program. The School of Optometry & Vision Science allowed the future students to see the school’s teaching facility showcasing the Optometry Clinic and Pre-Clinic Labs. The school tour was guided by School of Optometry and Vision Science students as well as Dr Parthu Kalaiselvan.
Rural Health Pathways Showcase
On Monday, 8th of September 2025, our students, Halle Tree, Jennifer Lo and Patrick Hoang supported the Optometry NSW/ACT in the Rural Health Pathway Showcase workshop at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Darling Harbour, Sydney.
The Rural Doctors Network (RDN) partnered with health professionals to improve health outcomes for rural Australians. The Rural Health Pathways Showcase - an event designed to give high school students the chance to explore the exciting opportunities a career in rural health can offer.
Curriculum Redesign
Michele Clewett, Project Manager at the School of Optometry & Vision Science has been leading the redesign of the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Clinical Optometry curricula, as well as overseeing the transition of these programs to the new academic calendar. UNSW aims to introduce the new flex-semester calendar in 2028.
Giving Sight Event 2025
Giving Sight UNSW channelled their team spirit and passion for service in this event through a Bake Sale. They spread awareness of Giving Sight’s vision and the importance of eye health and rural healthcare advancement while creating many heart-warming moments and connections along the way.
Through a Lego Building event, Giving Sight UNSW partnered with the Fred Hollows Society spreading awareness of the importance of vision to the students of UNSW. With many incredible LEGO sets up for grabs and a raffle fundraiser on the side, teams of two were challenged to build a LEGO set with the absence of vision as a sense to emphasise its importance in day-to-day life. One person communication the instructions by word, the other following them attempting to build it.
Info Day 2025
On Thursday 18th December 2025, Program Authority Dr Revathy Mani and A/Prof Michele Madigan represented SOVS for UNSW’s Info Day. We had 18 enthusiastic students and parents visited our stall enquiring about the career pathway for optometry and vision science program. Many students enquired about pathways leading to ophthalmology after pursuing optometry.
