Australian Society of Ophthalmologists

19/11/2025

Our A*O team had an incredible weekend in Melbourne at the 56th RANZCO Congress. The energy, connections, and enthusiasm from our members and colleagues made this event truly memorable.

Our CEO, Katrina Ronne, delivered a presentation at the Practice Manager's event alongside our valued member, Donna Glen, sharing insights on our A*O Practice Growth Calculator and best practices that resonated strongly with attendees.

At our booth, the response to our Super Eye Socks exceeded all expectations! We're particularly proud that 15% of every purchase will be donated to ANZEF, supporting vital eye health initiatives across Australia and New Zealand. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this wonderful cause while adding a bit of fun to their conference wardrobe.

Our AGM, which took place on Sunday morning, was also well received and allowed us to appoint our new Board executive and general members, review A*O's financial position and allowed members an opportunity to share any concerns and shape the future initiatives of the Society.

Sunday night's cocktail party, generously sponsored by Glaukos, was an absolute highlight of the weekend. The venue buzzed with conversation as members old and new came together to celebrate our shared commitment to advancing ophthalmology. The atmosphere was electric, with meaningful discussions flowing as freely as the refreshments.

One of the most exciting outcomes from this weekend was welcoming numerous new members to the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists family. The fresh perspectives and expertise they bring will undoubtedly strengthen our collective mission.

Thank you to everyone who visited our booth, attended our events, and helped make this weekend so special.

We look forward to building on this momentum and seeing you all at future events!

15/11/2025

Honouring Dr. Shish Lal

The Australian Society of Ophthalmology extends our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Shish Lal as he steps down after 16 years of dedicated service on the A*O Board, including three years as Secretary/Treasurer.

A respected eye surgeon and leader, Dr. Lal has been a tireless advocate for patient care, clinical independence, and the future of ophthalmology. His contributions, from strengthening advocacy to encouraging the next generation of ophthalmologists, have left a lasting mark on our profession.

👏 Please join us in celebrating Dr. Lal’s outstanding leadership and commitment. We are deeply grateful for his service and wish him every success in the next chapter of his journey.

*O

10/11/2025

This Remembrance Day, we honour the courage of those who served, and the medical pioneers whose wartime experiences continue to restore sight and change lives. 🕊️

During World War II, ophthalmologists like Sir Harold Ridley and Sir Benjamin Rycroft made discoveries that transformed the field of eye care.

Intraocular Lenses (IOLs):
While treating injured pilots, Sir Harold Ridley observed that fragments of aircraft canopy plastic lodged in the eye did not trigger inflammation.

This remarkable insight led to the invention of the first intraocular lens, revolutionising cataract surgery worldwide.

Treating war injuries:
Sir Benjamin Rycroft established units dedicated to restoring sight to wounded veterans through corneal grafting and advanced surgical techniques — innovations that laid the groundwork for modern eye trauma care.

From these acts of service and ingenuity, millions today see the world more clearly.

As we remember those who sacrificed for peace, we also reflect on how their courage shaped modern medicine and ophthalmology.

IMAGE: (Allen Greenwood, Military Ophthalmic Surgery, (New York: Lea & Febiger, 1917), 22.) - The Eye at War: American Eye Prosthetics During the World Wars – Nursing Clio}
"The soldier sat in front of the large magnet that pulled shrapnel out of the eyeball. While some soldiers lost vision in both eyes, more often they lost most or all vision in one eye, and as stories trickled back to the United States, concerned citizens offered aid in a most bizarre fashion."

*O

06/11/2025

👁️ Opportunity Alert for Ophthalmologists!

Bunbury and Busselton Eye Specialists in WA’s South West are seeking a General Ophthalmologist with a Glaucoma subspecialty to join their thriving team.

Step into an established role with the potential for future practice ownership, working alongside an experienced group of ophthalmologists across modern, purpose-built clinics.

🌿 Why apply?

-Two hours from Perth — close to beaches, wineries & national parks
-Modern, fully equipped facilities
-Support for international applicants (including visa & registration assistance)
-Excellent lifestyle and career balance

📩 Interested? Email your CV and cover letter to om@bandbeyespecialists.com.au

*OMembers

06/11/2025

04/11/2025

👀🎅 Looking for the perfect Christmas gift?
Slip into the festive spirit with our A*O Super Eye Socks – the ultimate stocking stuffer for the superhero in scrubs! 🧦

Bright, bold, and full of personality, these socks make a fun and meaningful gift for your favourite ophthalmologist, colleague, or friend who’s got an eye for style.

🎁 Available now at www.swankysocks.com/collections/aso
– get yours before they disappear faster than a Christmas pudding!

*OSuperEye *O

30/10/2025

Today, A*O CEO Katrina Ronne joined industry leaders and parliamentarians at the 2025 Parliamentary Friends Group for Eye Health and Vision Care Cocktail Function and Exhibition, celebrating 25 years of advocacy in eye health.

Katrina connected with key figures including Mr Sam Birrell MP – Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health, Libby Coker MP – Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Eye Health, The Hon Milton Dick MP – Speaker of the House, Professor Nitin Verma AM – Vision 2020 Board Member, Christopher Pyne – Chair of Vision 2020 Australia, and Carly Iles – CEO of Vision 2020 Australia.

The event provided an opportunity to hear from key advocates on the future of vision care and the collective efforts needed to close the gap and address inequities in eye health access across Australia.

*O

30/10/2025

👁️ The A*O is proud to launch Eye See You: a new feature spotlighting the innovators, educators and leaders shaping the future of Australian eye care.

Our first feature focuses on Dr Matthew McCartney, whose journey embodies passion, collaboration and dedication to the profession.

After completing subspecialty fellowship postings in Orbital, Oculoplastic and Lacrimal Surgery, Dr McCartney is returning home to Hobart to begin practice, bringing with him invaluable experience gained across both central and regional centres. His training has given him a deep appreciation for Australia’s diverse ophthalmic landscape and the importance of equity in access to care.

But his impact goes far beyond clinical practice. Dr McCartney is also the driving force behind a national Oculoplastic Teaching Network, which has rapidly grown to almost 250 members. The network connects registrars and senior consultants around the country, fostering education, mentoring and collaboration across the subspecialty.

His initiative has created a shared learning community that supports both professional growth and the next generation of ophthalmologists.

✨ Dr McCartney’s vision and leadership set the tone for what “Eye See You” is all about — celebrating excellence, innovation, and the people who keep Australian ophthalmology moving forward.

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*OEyeSeeYou

28/10/2025

The Courier-Mail has highlighted growing concerns about private health insurers’ lack of transparency, with Queensland ophthalmologists calling for stronger oversight to protect patients and practitioners alike.

A*O President Dr Peter Sumich said the latest Ombudsman report exposes a “growing accountability gap” within Australia’s private health system, reinforcing the urgent need for an independent authority to oversee insurers, hospitals and rebates.

📍 Courier Mail, Friday 24 October 2025

*O

27/10/2025

EXTRA, EXTRA 📣

The latest edition of the A*O Members’ Bulletin is hot off the press and filled with exciting new content for our members to enjoy!

Here’s a look at what’s inside ⬇️

👁️ President’s Message: Building the Future of A*O into 2026

A*O President Dr Peter Sumich outlines the Society’s key priorities as we move towards 2026 — focusing on advocacy, collaboration, and strengthening the voice of ophthalmologists in an evolving health landscape.

🗣️ CEO & Policy Report: Reflecting on 2025

Our new CEO Katrina Ronne reflects on her first months in the role, the challenges and achievements of 2025, and the policy directions that will guide A*O into a new era of leadership.

😴 Member Feature: The Perils of Untreated Sleep Apnea

An eye-opening look at the often-overlooked links between sleep apnea and eye disease — and why ophthalmologists play a key role in recognising the signs and protecting patients’ vision.

🏅 Member Recognition: Honouring Dr Shish Lal

We celebrate the extraordinary career of Dr Shish Lal, a respected leader whose commitment to patient care, teaching, and professional excellence continues to inspire our community.

🎓 RANZCO Update: 2025 Congress Set to Break Records

With record attendance expected, the upcoming RANZCO Congress is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet — uniting ophthalmologists from across Australia and New Zealand to share knowledge, innovation and inspiration.

💰 Finance Feature: What Ophthalmologists in Their 30s, 40s and 50s Should Be Doing With Their Investments

Cutcher & Neale’s financial experts break down smart strategies for every stage of your career — from setting up your first investment portfolio to planning for practice ownership and retirement.

🧦 A*O Campaigns: Super Eye Socks Step Out to the Public on World Sight Day

They’ve taken the ophthalmology world by storm — and now the Super Eye Socks are making their public debut! See how A*O members helped spread awareness and colour on World Sight Day.

….. and so much more!

💌 Want to get on our mailing list?

Email ellie@asoeye.org to receive future editions of the A*O Members’ Bulletin.
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26/10/2025

Snoring might sound harmless, but did you know sleep apnea can double your risk of eye disease and even shorten your life?

Dr Kate Reid breaks down the warning signs, screening tools, and treatments that can protect your sight and wellbeing.

👁️Read it in the October Members’ Bulletin: https://shorturl.at/KNKEG

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23/10/2025

Australians deserve transparency from their private health insurers.📣

The latest Private Health Insurance Ombudsman report reveals rising complaints and concerning “phoenixing” activity across the industry, where funds close and re-emerge under new names.

The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (A*O) is calling for stronger oversight to protect consumers and restore trust in the private health system.

🔗 Read our full media release: https://www.asoeye.org/index.cfm?module=news&pagemode=indiv&page_id=3161717