UNSW School of Optometry & Vision Science marks 50 years of excellence

The UNSW School of Optometry & Vision Science celebrated its 50th anniversary on Saturday 23 May 2026, bringing together alumni, students, staff, stakeholders and friends to reflect on five decades of impact in education, research and eye care.

Held at Leighton Hall on the Kensington UNSW campus, the sold-out gala event welcomed generations of graduates and leaders from across the profession to celebrate the School's achievements and future ambitions.

Head of School Professor Lisa Keay said the anniversary was an opportunity to recognise the School's longstanding contribution to the optometry profession while looking ahead to the next chapter.

"Our students and alumni are at the heart of everything we do," Professor Keay said. "As we celebrate our history, we are also investing in the future through new educational pathways, research excellence and partnerships that will continue to shape the profession."

As one of UNSW's foundation disciplines, the School has played a significant role in educating the optometric workforce in New South Wales and across Australia. Over the past 50 years, it has contributed to major advances in clinical practice, research and professional development.

The celebration also highlighted several new initiatives that will help shape the future of optometry education, including a redesigned curriculum, expanded lifelong learning opportunities and the development of a new residency program to support early-career optometrists in specialist areas of practice.

Professor Keay said the School's strong partnerships with the profession and ophthalmic industry continue to create opportunities for students and graduates while advancing eye care nationally and internationally.

The School's international reputation is underpinned by its research excellence. Ranked second globally with leading optometrist researchers, the School has produced generations of influential clinician-researchers whose work has shaped eye care practice and policy around the world.

Guests were invited to explore a historical timeline showcasing key milestones and achievements from the School's history, while also learning about emerging areas of research and innovation, including artificial intelligence, retinal imaging, virtual reality and treatments for blinding eye diseases.

"The future is bright," Professor Keay said. "We are proud of the impact the School has had over the past 50 years and excited by the opportunities ahead for our students, researchers, alumni and the profession."

The anniversary celebration marked an important milestone in the School's history and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing eye health through education, research and partnership for decades to come.