Save Sight Institute

23/02/2026

✅ Registrars' Conference 2026: done and dusted!

From 20–21 February, ophthalmology registrars and fellows from across Australia gathered to learn from Sydney’s leading ophthalmologists on uveitis, paediatric ophthalmology 👶 and neuro-ophthalmology 🧠

The conference program featured rapid-fire, RACE-style interactive case presentations and practical clinical insights from established consultants designed to sharpen exam readiness and real-world decision-making.

At the trade show, attendees also connected with the industry partners whose generous support made the conference possible. We sincerely thank BOQ Specialist, Device Technologies, Heidelberg Engineering, Medi Financial, Optimed, ParagonCare Vision and ZEISS Group for their time and commitment.

To our attendees, we hope the weekend provided meaningful insights and strengthened your confidence for the upcoming exams. We look forward to seeing you excel in RACE and beyond—indeed, the future of ophthalmology is bright 🌞

30/01/2026

Sun’s out — and so were the staff at the Save Sight Institute! ☀️

The SSI held its annual (albeit delayed) end-of-year celebration on 30 January at Cabana Bar, Martin Place. Against a backdrop of free-flowing drinks and a steady stream of delicious canapés, old and new faces came together to reconnect and reflect on a big year at the Institute.

We’re incredibly lucky to work alongside such intelligent, thoughtful and friendly colleagues. Until next year! 🥂

28/01/2026

Another new publication from the Corneal Research Group! 🤩

Published in the Eye Journal, their systematic review explores the Quality of Life (QoL) of patients with keratoconus without surgical intervention. They found moderate to significant impairments in several key QoL domains including emotional, social and economic well-being—all of which should be taken into account when managing keratoconus.

Read the full article in the comment below! 👇
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22/01/2026

The Save Sight Institute joins the community in mourning the passing of Professor Dame Marie Bashir, former Governor of New South Wales. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, leadership and excellence across both public service and medicine.

At the Save Sight Institute, we were fortunate to welcome Professor Bashir at several of our most significant milestones. During her tenure as Governor, she officially opened the Institute’s Billson Research Laboratory on the Sydney Eye Hospital Campus in 2011.

Later in 2013, Professor Bashir delivered the keynote lecture at our inaugural Coles Colloquium, an annual event held to commemorate the Coles family's enduring contributions to ophthalmology research. Finally, in 2014, she also graced the 50th anniversary of the University of Sydney’s Discipline of Ophthalmology and Eye Health held at the University’s McLaurin Hall.

The Save Sight Institute will always be deeply grateful to Professor Bashir for her generous support throughout her lifetime. We extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends and all those whose lives she touched.

09/01/2026

New year, new publication! 🎉

The Corneal Research Group at Sydney Medical School, the University of Sydney led by Professor Stephanie Watson OAM FARVO and Dr Ngozi C. Chidi-Egboka collaborated with a team of experts in the field to develop evidence-based recommendations for prescribing topical ciclosporin A in ocular surface disease. Their recommendations are set to inform clinicians and support improvements in Australian eyecare and research 👏

Read the article in the comments below! 👇

02/12/2025

Co-hosted by the University of Sydney and Keratoconus Australia, KeraClub 2025 brought together patients, researchers, and clinicians last 12 November for discussions on the latest advancements in keratoconus management. Speakers included:

💡Dr Himal Kandel: Latest insights from the Save Sight Keratoconus Registry
💡Martin Robinson: Practical tips and advice on contact lens wear for keratoconus
💡Larry Kornhauser OAM: 25 years of Keratoconus Australia: Reflections and impact
💡Ruby Chan: Social determinants in keratoconus
💡Tiffney Nesakumar: UV exposure and its impact on keratoconus
💡Ethan Wilkinson: Novel applications of artificial intelligence in corneal graft outcomes
💡Clare Smith: Living with keratoconus: A patient’s perspective
💡Professor Stephanie Watson OAM: New knowledge and resources for keratoconus patients
💡Amanda Craze: Supporting keratoconus research: How you can make a difference

If you missed the event (or would like to relive the highlights), you can watch the KeraClub 2025 recording in the comments below! 👇

28/11/2025

At this year’s Save Sight Institute Community Day, the theme was how inclusion can be better achieved.

Philippa presented on how professional support from NextSense can assist with navigating life transitions; Sue from NextSense Institute presented about embedded inclusivity in the Master of Disability Studies program; and orthoptist Cathie, representing National Braille Music Camp, spoke about the importance of shared interests to build peer connections.

It was a wonderful day of discussions & insights 🌟

17/11/2025

Missed our 13th Annual Community Information Day last 25th October 2025? We've got you covered— highlights are now up on our YouTube channel!

A big thank you to Quantum RLV, NextSense, Guide Dogs Australia, Cure Blindness Australia, SeeWay and Braille by Luca for joining us at Info Day and sharing your expertise in supporting the low vision community 🙏

Watch the exhibitor showcase and other talks through the link in the comments below!
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10/11/2025

For the past 13 years, the annual Community Information Day has been a highlight of our event calendar at the Save Sight Institute 🗓️

This year’s focused on the theme of navigating key life transitions, from school to work and beyond, with the support of a strong and connected community 🤝 Attendees heard from:

🎨 Olivia Chapman, a double-degree university student, who shared how visualising and expressing her emotions through art helped her navigate the challenges of vision loss in high school
💼 Corporate professionals Salonee Goyal-Devaraj and Simran Goyal, who reflected on how their Eye Empower mentorship initiative has helped them build an empowering community that leads by example
🧠 Dr Chrissy Antonopoulos, a psychologist, who shared how being guided by her values helped her adapt to adulthood after being diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease

Jacqui Donnelly, Cathie Wiltshire, Dr Sue Silveira and Natalie Shearer also offered valuable perspectives on creating more inclusive learning environments—from training the next generation of specialist teachers to encouraging students with vision impairment to explore creative passions such as music.

On the research front, Professor John Grigg, Professor Robyn Jamieson, Associate Professor Elisa Cornish and Dr Alan Ma shared the latest updates in inherited retinal disease research and ongoing clinical trials.

By bringing together people, families, carers, educators and researchers committed to supporting those with vision impairment, we strengthen the connections that make navigating through life transitions possible.

Here’s to another year of learning from and celebrating this incredible community 💙 Video recordings will be posted soon!
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06/11/2025

Two weeks to go—learn about the power of language at Eye Empower this November 💬

Eye Empower is a peer-led group for young people aged 12–25 who live with or are impacted by vision-related conditions. Supported by the Save Sight Institute (SSI), the group is co-led by Salonee Goyal-Devaraj and Simran Goyal—two young professionals passionate about creating equal opportunities for people of all abilities 💪

Hear from activist and motivator, Daniel Searle, on how words shape and impact our identities. The first in a series of powerful conversations, learn about how language and the way we speak about ourselves has the ability to shape and transform our experiences. Daniel’s presentation will be followed by a Q&A with the session participants.

Session details:
Title: The Power of Language
Date: 21 November 2025 (Friday)
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: Online | Teams

Registration link below! 👇
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06/11/2025

Less than one week to go before the KeraClub 2025 ! Register through the link in the comments ⬇️

Two weeks to go until the 10th annual KeraClub webinar, a community event for patients with keratoconus and their carers, to be held on Wednesday, 12th November 2025, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm (AEDT), just days after World Keratoconus Day on 10th November.

Co-hosted by The University of Sydney and Keratoconus Australia, KeraClub 2025 will bring together patients, researchers, and clinicians for discussions on the latest advancements in keratoconus management.

The speakers include ophthalmologists, invited optometrists, researchers and patients with lived experience of keratoconus.

Speakers and topics:
💡 Dr Himal Kandel Kandel: Latest insights from the Save Sight Keratoconus Registry
💡 Martin Robinson: Practical tips and advice on contact lens wear for keratoconus
💡 Larry Kornhauser OAM: 25 years of Keratoconus Australia: Reflections and impact
💡 Ruby Chan: Social determinants in keratoconus
💡 Tiffney Nesakumar: UV exposure and its impact on keratoconus
💡 Ethan Wilkinson: Novel applications of artificial intelligence in corneal graft outcomes
💡 Clare Smith: Living with keratoconus: A patient’s perspective
💡 Professor Stephanie Watson OAM: New knowledge and resources for keratoconus patients
💡 Amanda Craze: Supporting keratoconus research: How you can make a difference

Registration is free but essential. Click the link below or scan the QR code to register 👇
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Keratoconus Australia

05/11/2025

Last Wednesday, 22nd October, the Save Sight Institute held the first-ever Corneal Stem Cell Club webinar! 🌟

The webinar brought together leading corneal stem cell research experts and clinicians to explain corneal stem cells, challenges and opportunities in corneal stem cell research as well as provide valuable patient perspectives on corneal stem cell therapy.

Speakers included:
💡 Professor Neil Lagali from Linköping University, Sweden
💡 Professor Stephanie Watson OAM FARVO, Head of Ophthalmology and Head of Corneal Research Group, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, and Head Corneal Unit Sydney Eye Hospital
💡 Professor Nick Di Girolamo PhD FARVO, Director Ocular Diseases Research, UNSW
💡 Dr Mojdeh Abbasi, Sydney Medical School
💡 Dr Maria Cabrera Aguas from the Sydney Medical School

Watch (or rewatch!) the inaugural Corneal Stem Cell Club through the link in the comments ⬇️
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