SciFest celebrating National Science Week at UNSW
UNSW hosted SciFest (A Festival of Science) on Friday, 16th August 2024, from 4-8 pm at the Roundhouse, as part of National Science Week (10-18 August). This initiative showcased groundbreaking advancements in science, medicine, and technology, offering an interactive and immersive experience for the general public and the UNSW community, including staff, students, alumni, donors, and partners. The festival catered to all ages with a diverse range of engaging exhibitions, installations, talks, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.
The School of Optometry & Vision Science presented an engaging showcase. Dr. Daisy Shu, A/Prof Michele Madigan, A/Prof Maitreyee Roy, Dr. Peter Wagner, and students Jack Gordon, Fergus McLellan, and Kelvin Huang led hands-on activities from the school and the Optics and Radiometry Lab (ORLAB). Visitors explored cardboard virtual reality glasses, uncovered the mysteries of vision through "Eye Wonder: What Do You See?" demonstrations, and enjoyed an engaging activity involving sticking the optic nerve to the eyeball.
Open Day
UNSW hosted its Open Day for prospective students on Saturday, 7 September 2024, drawing an impressive crowd of approximately 40,000 prospective students and their parents. The event was a resounding success, with the School of Optometry and Vision Science making a meaningful contribution, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of students, professional staff, and academic faculty.
A/Prof Michele Madigan delivered two widely attended lectures on careers in Vision Science and Optometry, captivating over 380 prospective students across both sessions and generating significant interest in the field. The Advisory Zone buzzed with activity, as students and staff engaged visitors with insights about career pathways and answered numerous queries. Clinic and pre-clinic lab tours at the Rupert Myer Building were another highlight, with nearly 100 attendees exploring facilities and observing equipment demonstrations.
Financial Fitness Masterclass
In September and October 2024, the School of Optometry & Vision Science conducted a three-week Financial Literacy Workshop designed specifically for first-year students enrolled in the Bachelor of Vision Science and the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Clinical Optometry programs.
The workshop aimed to empower students with essential financial management skills, equipping them to take charge of their finances and effectively navigate life’s challenges and opportunities. Developed by Dr. Natalie Oh from the UNSW School of Banking and Finance, the program was tailored to the needs of Optometry and Vision Science students, with input from current and former UNSW students to ensure its relevance and impact.
Masterclass: Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment
On Tuesday, 29 October 2024, second- and third-year Bachelor of Vision Science students were invited to attend the Masterclass: Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment. This insightful event was presented by renowned educators A/Prof Sieu Khuu and A/Prof Juno Kim, the School’s Postgraduate Coursework Coordinator.
The masterclass provided students with an opportunity to learn about a graduate certificate which can deepen their understanding of the effects of ocular diseases and cortical damage on vision. It also highlighted evidence-based approaches for effective vision rehabilitation, offering valuable insights into this specialised field of vision science.
Vision Science Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
The WIL placements for Bachelor of Vision Science students took place again during Term 3, 2024. The Vision Science WIL Program provides a unique opportunity for students to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical experience, applying their theoretical knowledge in real-world professional environments.
This year, nine industry partners hosted Bachelor of Vision Science students. Of the 18 students who submitted an expression of interest, 14 were successfully placed in leading organisations such as the Centre for Eye Health (CFEH), Zeiss, Rodenstock, nThalmic, Macular Disease Foundation Australia, Essilor, and the Brien Holden Foundation (BHF). These placements offered valuable hands-on experience and insights into the vision science industry.
Other events:
In February 2024, Dr Daisy Shu (ECR Cohort) and Ms Rehana Khan Tajuddin Mohamed Akthar Khan (HDR Cohort) were selected to join the UNSW STEMM Champions Program. This prestigious 12-month initiative provides leadership training, career development workshops, and networking opportunities, alongside a commitment to completing at least 10 hours of outreach.
As part of the UNSW STEMM Champions program, Dr Shu had the exciting opportunity to be featured in the CSIRO Future You Program, a nationwide initiative designed to inspire children aged 8 to 12 to explore careers in STEM. Future You provides free educational resources, activities, and engaging content to spark curiosity and interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. A special highlight includes a cartoon version of Dr Shu as an optometrist and eye researcher, along with fun STEM-themed activities like find-a-word puzzles aimed at making learning about eye research and vision science interactive and accessible for young minds.
In August 2024, Dr Sharon Oberstein represented the School of Optometry & Vision Science, along with other discipline leads from the Faculty of Medicine and Health, at the Rural Clinical Campus at Port Macquarie hosted an engaging Gateway Outreach Event, attended by over 100 students and staff. This event highlighted the power of rural and urban collaboration, bringing together dedicated teams from both Port Macquarie and UNSW Kensington campuses. Their combined efforts created interactive and engaging experiences for students from regional Gateway Schools and local Port Macquarie Schools, inspiring them to consider pursuing their studies at UNSW Medicine & Health, including optometry and vision science. Thanks to local optometrists Maxx Webb and Jane Kwon, and to Guide Dogs NSW/ACT and orientation and mobility specialist, David Latimore for supporting the interactive workshop.
As a part of university’s STEM showcase, the school participated in workshop sessions on High School Teachers Day in September 2024. Dr Vinod Maseedupally and A/Prof. Michele Madigan interacted with the teachers about possible collaborations and sharing teaching resources. The university received wonderful feedback from the attendees who have expressed keen interest to see this event return in 2025!
In early November 2024, A/Prof. Michele Madigan and Dr Revathy Mani, collaborated with School of Health Sciences in hosting Experience Days twenty Year 10 students providing them with insight into Vision science and Optometry programs.
In late November 2024 A/Prof Michele Madigan Dr. Revathy Mani and Dr Vinod Maseedupally, organised High School Immersion Days for Year 10 and 11 students from Presbyterian Ladies' College, Sydney and Tara Anglican School for Girls. The event highlighted the diverse opportunities available within Medicine & Health, featuring interactive sessions that engaged students in learning about the eye and the vital role vision scientists and optometrists play in the community.
Reported by:
Dr Vinod Maseedupally, Program Authority, Undergraduate Programs
Ms. Michele Wanandy, Teaching Support Administrator