Celebrating the Class of 2025

The Class of 2025 UNSW Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Clinical Optometry students returned to campus for their graduation on 24 March. The afternoon graduation ceremony was followed by the School of Optometry and Vision Science Annual Prizegiving Dinner, where the community came together to celebrate the resilience, achievements, and readiness of graduates to contribute to healthcare.

Head of School Professor Lisa Keay reflected on the journey of the graduating cohort, noting that many students commenced their studies in 2021 amid the disruption of the COVID‑19 pandemic. She acknowledged the determination and commitment shown by students in navigating these challenges while completing demanding academic and clinical training.

Professor Keay recognised the leadership of student representatives and OptomSoc for their contributions to student wellbeing and community building, as well as the dedication of academic and professional staff who supported students throughout their degrees. She also acknowledged the strong engagement of industry and community partners who support student placements, training opportunities and student prizes.

The occasion celebrated graduates across Optometry, Vision Science, Honours, Postgraduate Coursework and PhD programs. Professor Keay expressed confidence that the Class of 2025 is well equipped to work as clinicians and clinician‑scientists, and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and the broader healthcare system. She encouraged graduates to remain connected with the School as alumni and to maintain the professional networks formed during their studies.

Earlier in the day, at the graduation ceremony, Scientia Professor Fiona Stapleton delivered the Faculty of Medicine & Health Occasional Address, sharing a reflective and deeply personal message with graduates and their families. Drawing on her own experience as the first in her family to attend university, she spoke about graduation as a moment grounded in hope and about education’s power to transform lives, not only through knowledge gained, but through confidence, perspective, and the relationships built along the way.

Scientia Professor Stapleton reflected on her own non‑linear career journey, shaped by curiosity, unexpected opportunities, and moments of uncertainty. She spoke passionately about the importance of remaining curious and open to change, and about the people she described as “unicorns”- mentors, colleagues, and supporters who recognised potential, offered challenge and encouragement, and helped guide her path at pivotal moments. She encouraged graduates to seek out and value these individuals, and to play that same role for others as they progress in their careers.

In closing, Scientia Professor Stapleton shared four guiding ideas, likened to the leaves of a four‑leaf clover that have shaped her own journey: hope, curiosity, openness to opportunity, and the value of supportive relationships. She encouraged graduates to carry these with them as they move forward, confident that these qualities will help them navigate uncertainty, embrace opportunity, and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

The keynote address at the Annual Prizegiving Dinner was delivered by Lily Ho, at the request of the graduating students. Ms Ho reflected on her personal journey into optometry and the lasting influence of early patient experiences on her understanding of the profession. She highlighted the breadth and evolving nature of optometry, extending beyond vision correction to encompass healthcare, technology and long‑term patient relationships. Ms Ho encouraged graduates to embrace lifelong learning, view challenges as opportunities for growth, and value professional community as an essential source of support throughout their careers.

Ms Josie Wehbe, Vice President of the Student Optometry Society and University Medallist, spoke on behalf of her fellow graduates. She reflected on shared memories, celebrated academic and personal milestones, and acknowledged the friendships and sense of community built throughout their studies. As a gesture of appreciation, the Student Optometry Society presented the UNSW Optometry Clinic with a generous gift of an espresso coffee machine.

For full list of prizewinners, please see below:

The Stage 1 Optics Prize

The Stage 1 Optics Prize for the best performance in VISN1111 Geometrical and Physical Optics and VISN1221 Visual Optics

The prize winner is: Jie-Ning Chang

Prize Donor: Essilor Australia Pty Limited

The Stage 2 Clinical Optometry Prize

The Stage 2 Clinical Optometry Prize for the best performance in OPTM2133 The Clinical Environment and OPTM2233 Optical Dispensing

The prize winner is: Kelly Zhang

Prize Donor: BOC Ophthalmic Instruments Pty Ltd

The Stage 3 Ocular Diseases Prize

The Stage 3 Ocular Diseases Prize for the best performance in OPTM3105 Disease Processes of the Eye 1 and OPTM3205 Disease Processes of the Eye 2

The prize winners are: Ruth Chen and Zachariah Beydoun (shared prize)

Prize Donor: Essilor Australia Pty Limited

The Stage 3 Environmental Optometry and Dispensing Prize

The Stage 3 Environmental Optometry and Dispensing Prize for the best performance in Stage 3 Environmental Optometry and Dispensing

The prize winner is: Ruth Chen

Prize Donor: UVEX Safety, Australia Pty Ltd

The ParagonCare Vision Prize

The ParagonCare Vision Prize for the best overall performance in OPTM3201, OPTM3133 and OPTM3233 for excellence in applied vision science practice.

The prize winner is: Ruth Chen

Prize Donor: ParagonCare Vision

The CooperVision Prize in Contact Lenses

The CooperVision Prize in Contact Lenses for the best performance in OPTM6411 Contact Lenses in Stage 1 of the Master of Clinical Optometry program

The prize winner is: Kelvin Huang

Prize Donor: CooperVision

The Optometry NSW/ACT Prize in Ocular Therapeutics

The Optometry NSW/ACT Prize in Ocular Therapeutics for the best performance in OPTM6413 Anterior Eye Therapeutics and OPTM6243 Therapeutics and the Posterior Eye in Stage 1 of the Master of Clinical Optometry

The prize winner is: Kelvin Huang

Prize Donor: Optometry NSW/ACT

The Dr Andrew Whatham Prize for Stage 5 CFEH Clinical Excellence

The Dr Andrew Whatham Prize for Stage 5 CFEH Clinical Excellence for the best performance in the Centre for Eye Health (CFEH) Stage 5 Clinical Rotation (Master of Clinical Optometry Stage 2)

The prize winner is: Brendon Yue

Prize Donor: Centre for Eye Health/Guide Dogs NSW/ACT

The Research Project Prize in the Master of Clinical Optometry

The Research Project Prize in the Master of Clinical Optometry for the best overall mark in the research project in the final year of the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Clinical Optometry program

The prize winners are: Rita Bayadh, Merna Matti and Rebekah Nehme (shared prize)

Prize Donor: Optometric Vision Research Foundation

The Luxottica Prize for Clinical Ocular Therapeutics

The Luxottica Prize for the best performance in OPTM8513 Clinical Ocular Therapy 5A and OPTM8523 Clinical Ocular Therapy 5B (Master of Clinical Optometry Stage 2)

The prize winner is: Angela Aaraj

Prize Donor: Luxottica

The Mivision Prize in Recognition of Excellence in Social Engagement

The Mivision Prize in Recognition of Excellence in Social Engagement to recognise students that have demonstrated excellence in communication, advocacy or in promoting eyecare to the community or other professions

The prize winner is: Angela Aaraj

Prize Donor: Toma Publishing Pty Ltd

The Specsavers Prize for Excellence in Patient Management

The Specsavers Prize for Excellence in Patient Management by a student in the final year of the Bachelor of Vision Science, Master of Clinical Optometry Program

The prize winner is: Emily Field

Prize Donor: Specsavers Pty Ltd

The SOVS Dry Eye Clinical Care Prize

The SOVS Dry Eye Clinical Care Prize for the best performance in the clinical care of dry eye patients within OPTM8513 and OPTM853 Clinical Ocular Therapy 5A and 5B.

The prize winner is: Emily Field

Prize Donor: UNSW School of Optometry & Vision Science

The ODMA Richard Grills Low Vision Prize

The ODMA Richard Grills Low Vision Prize for the best performance in the Low Vision strand in OPTM6421 Binocular Vision, Paediatrics and the Low Vision strand in OPTM8511 Clinical Paediatrics, Low Vision and Colour Vision

The prize winner is: Timothy Choong

Prize Donor: Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association of Australia (ODMA)

The SOVS Myopia Control Clinical Care Prize

The SOVS Myopia Control Clinic Care Prize for the best performance in the clinical care of myopia control patients within OPTM8511 Clinical Paediatrics, Low Vision and Colour Vision.

The prize winner is: Kate Nguyen

Prize Donor: UNSW School of Optometry & Vision Science

The Brian Kirby Prize for Research Excellence in Optometry

The Brian Kirby Prize for Research Excellence in Optometry for the Doctoral student in Optometry with the best thesis

The prize winner is: Dr Shyam Mishra Baishnab

Prize Donor: The Brian Kirby Foundation

The Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Prize for Excellence in Orientation and Mobility

The Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Prize for Excellence in Orientation and Mobility for the best performance in the Graduate Diploma in Orientation and Mobility program (5420)

The prize winner is: Emma-Jay Campbell

Prize Donor: Guide Dogs NSW/ACT

The Australian College of Optometry (ACO) Award

The Australian College of Optometry (ACO) Award for outstanding efforts and to acknowledge the importance of commitment to the profession

The prize winner is: Catherine Bui

Prize Donor: Australian College of Optometry

The ACBO Prize in Binocular and Children’s Vision

The ACBO Prize in Binocular and Children’s Vision for the best overall performance throughout the Master of Clinical Optometry program in Binocular and Children’s Vision

and The SOVS Paediatric Clinical Care Prize

The prize winner is: Josie Wehbe

Prize Donors: Australasian College of Behavioural Optometrists (ACBO) and UNSW School of Optometry & Vision Science

The Specsavers Prize for Overall Excellence in the Bachelor of Vision Science Master of Clinical Optometry Program

The Specsavers Prize for Overall Excellence in the Bachelor of Vision Science Master of Clinical Optometry Program for the best overall weighted average mark (WAM) in the Bachelor of Vision Science, Master of Clinical Optometry program

The prize winner is: Josie Wehbe

Prize Donor: Specsavers Pty Ltd

University Medal Award Winner: Josie Wehbe