The UNSW School of Optometry and Vision Science has set an ambitious goal: to raise over AU$2 million by May 2026 to fund its optometry residency program and empower the next generation of eye care leaders. The critical funds will ensure that graduates receive advanced clinical training, preparing them to innovate and transform eye care across Australia and beyond.

“Residency programs are where theory meets practice,” said Professor Lisa Keay, Head of School and an internationally recognised leader in optometry education and research. “They give emerging optometrists the confidence and expertise to manage complex cases, lead multidisciplinary teams, and drive change in eye care.”

Under Prof Keay’s leadership, UNSW has become a global powerhouse in optometry education, ranked among the top programs worldwide for research and clinical excellence. Her vision for the future is clear: to create pathways that produce clinicians who are not only skilled but also adaptable and innovative in a rapidly evolving digital healthcare landscape.

ALIGNING WITH HEALTH TRANSLATION HUB

The UNSW program aligns with the opening of a world-leading integrated medical, research, and health innovation centre at UNSW Sydney. The UNSW Health Translation Hub connects pioneering research and education with public health, private industry and community – the first of its kind in Australia to operationalise translational health at scale.

The 35,600 m2 facility was developed in partnership by UNSW Sydney and leading infrastructure developer Plenary. Its opening, late last year, marked a major milestone in the state government’s $1.5 billion Randwick Campus Redevelopment; one of the largest health infrastructure projects in NSW.

The UNSW Health Translation Hub offers a uniquely interdisciplinary student experience, connecting future health professionals directly with industry, clinical communities and the public. Students are able to engage in every aspect of care – from medicine to allied health, population health, and biomedical engineering – working side-by-side with researchers and practitioners on real-world projects. The facility’s immersive, collaborative environment enhances patient care and community participation while cultivating the leadership and problem-solving skills needed to shape the future of health.

At the opening of the Health Translation Hub, from left: Professor Lisa Keay, Dr Tim Grant, Professor Padmaja Sankaridurg, Jane Ross, Yvette Wadell, and Craig Stamp.

Photo by Cassandra Hannagan.

Last month (January), a new optometry clinic opened within the Health Translation Hub, offering eye care alongside a range of health and wellbeing services. The multidisciplinary service enables inter-professional clinical training for UNSW optometry students alongside medical and allied health students. While the UNSW Optometry Clinic on the main campus continues as a student led clinic, the UNSW Health Translation Hub offers a unique opportunity to integrate eye care with other services, innovate in healthcare delivery, and have a lasting impact on community health.

Residency-trained optometrists working in this facility are expected to become the profession’s future leaders, leading advanced clinics in glaucoma, myopia control, and care of complex comorbidities, contributing to new models of care, and advocating for overall better patient outcomes.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHAPE THE FUTURE

By supporting the UNSW fundraising for the residency campaign, donors will help shape a future where preventable blindness is reduced, and patients receive world-class, interdisciplinary care.

With increasing demand for optometrists to take on enhanced scope roles, every contribution will bring the university closer to training leaders at the forefront of innovation.