Angela Aaraj, a recent graduate of University of New South Wales School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, has been awarded the 2026 mivision prize in recognition of excellence in social engagement.

Ms Aaraj, who was also awarded the Luxottica prize for Clinical Ocular Therapeutics, was one of 17 students recognised for excellence at the UNSW School of Optometry and Vision Science (SOVS) annual prizegiving in late March.

Ms Aaraj was inspired to study optometry by her own eye condition and those of her family.

“I grew up wearing glasses (and) I had relatives who were almost blind. There were a lot of eye conditions within my family, so I became interested in medicine and very intrigued by eyes,” she told mivision.

With “a lot of ambitions”, Ms Aaraj said having graduated optometry and completed Specsavers’ graduate program, she is now considering her career options. Specsaver’s Pathway Program is one of those options, and she has future plans to open her own clinic, and/or return to university to undertake a PhD.

Ms Aaraj said winning the mivision award for excellence in social engagement “means a lot to me, especially because it’s so focused on social engagement and giving back to the community”.

“It’s reflective of everything that I wanted to do and wanted to achieve. I feel like I have been able to make an impact in a small way and to be recognised within the community for this is really rewarding,” she said.

Angela Aaraj (left) with Maren Carson from mivision.