We have been changing the way we deliver postgraduate coursework and lifelong learning over recent years. In 2025, we partnered with the UNSW Lifelong Learning Unit to deliver a suite of three short courses, in addition to our new award course offerings.
Evidence Based Myopia Management admitted large cohort of learners from across the world as part of our formal collaboration agreement with the Asia Optometric Congress. The course was run by A/Prof Pauline Kang and Dr Nayuta Yoshioka and was specially designed to equip the 78 learners in attendance with in-depth knowledge and practical skills to effectively diagnose and manage progressive myopia.
Advanced Paediatric Eye Care was also delivered to cohorts of domestic and international learners (including AOC members). The evidence-based approach to paediatric eye care was delivered to inspire 79 learners throughout the year by Dr Amanda Lea (optometrist) and A/Prof Ann Webber.
Dry Eye Disease: Diagnosis and Management ran twice throughout the year. This course aims to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to confidently diagnose and sub-type dry eye disease and to differentially diagnose it from other conditions. A total of 53 learners were enrolled over the year. The course was proudly sponsored by ALCON and Optimel (gold sponsors). Additional sponsorship for this course was provided by CSL Seqirus, Inmode and Good Optical Services.
Ahead of 2026, we have converted our Graduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics into a series of four short course microcredentials. The new format delivers the same learning and professional outcomes for those seeking therapeutic endorsement in optometry but also opens new opportunities for focussed refresher training in any of the topic areas of ocular therapeutics: foundations, anterior eye, glaucoma, and clinical placements.
In addition to short courses, we also introduced our brand-new Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment. The program is a one-of-a-kind in Australia that was specially designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to make a real impact in the field of vision impairment.
Alongside the Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment, we continued to run our highly successful Graduate Diploma in Orientation & Mobility. This year, we introduced an advanced virtual low-vision cane training system the used head-mounted display (HMD) based virtual reality (VR). Below are some photographs from the intensive day where students engaged in a VR training exercise at UNSW Light Room.
