Annual Prizewinners Announced
2022 prizewinners were awarded at the annual prizegiving and graduation function held on 9 May 2023.
Published on the 01 June 2023 by Nicola Kapo
On May 9, 2023, we gathered to celebrate the annual prizegiving and graduation function with the graduating class of 2022 and younger year prize winners.
Earlier that day, the Class of 2022 received their Bachelor of Vision Science and Master of Clinical Optometry degree, joining us for the evening event along with Faculty, prize donors, key stakeholders, staff, other prize winners as well as their loved ones.
Professor Lisa Keay warmly welcomed everyone, congratulated the other cohorts that had also graduated earlier in the day including: Bachelor of Vision Science, Masters of Optometry, Graduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics and PhD’s. She acknowledged the challenges the cohorts faced during the pandemic emphasising the transformative nature of their education.
We were honoured to have Dr Kathleen Watt, Senior Lecturer and Director of Clinical Teaching, deliver the keynote address.
Kath shared her personal academic journey and offered valuable advice to the graduates. She encouraged them to embrace their future journey, emphasising the importance of planning, adaptability, enthusiasm for new challenges, and openness to diverse perspectives. Kath also highlighted the power of gratitude in navigating life's unexpected twists and turns.
The graduating class took part in the evening by handing out thoughtful gifts to all of our staff and comical prizes to their cohort. They also shared their annual video of which the audience loved.
This evening celebrated the remarkable talent, dedication, and excellence within our school community. We are thrilled to recognize those who truly shone in 2022.
Ngozi Chidi-Egboka Winner of the Brian Kirby Foundation Prize
Madeline Crow Val Whatham and Michael Yapp Winner of the Dr Andrew Whatham Prize at CFEH Sponsored by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
Josie Wehbe and Tony Cosentino Winner of the Stage 2 Clinical Optometry Prize Sponsored by BOC Instruments
Karuna Darvesh with Lisa Keay and Rebecca Ivers Shared Winner of the Social Engagement Prize Sponsored by Mivision
Astha Rai and Alexandra Clarke Best Performance in Clinical Ocular Therapeutics Sponsored by Luxxotica
Yi Wei and Astha Rai - Winner of the Stage 3 Ocular Diseases Prize Sponsored by Essilor
Vivian Tran and William Trinh Winner of the Ocular Therapeutics Prize Sponsored by OAA NSW/ACT
Michelle Phan and Lina Shen Winner of the Overall Prize for Excellence & University Medal Winner Sponsored by Specsavers
Madeline Crow with Anthony Chapman-Davies and Alexandra Clarke Shared Winners of the Research Project Prize Sponsored by OVRF
Madeline Crow Winner of the Designs for Vision Prize
Johnson Tran with Lisa Keay and Rebecca Ivers Winner of the ACO Prize
Melissa Allen with Julia Ho Winner of the ACBO Prize in Binocular and Children's Vision
Melanie Kell with Karuna Darvesh Shared Winner for the Mivision Prize in Recognition of Excellence in Social Engagement
Jack Choy with Michelle Phan Specsavers Award for Excellence in Patient Management