A remarkably bright future together

Alongside the main programme, the concurrent nurses programme provided valuable opportunities for learning, connection and professional development, reflecting the vital role nurses play in delivering high-quality ophthalmic care.

Equally inspiring was the calibre of research presented throughout the meeting. Contributions from registrars, medical students and colleagues reflected not only scientific excellence but also a commitment to improving care for the communities we serve. Particularly encouraging were presentations exploring equity in eye health, prompting thoughtful discussion about how we can continue to improve access and outcomes across Aotearoa. Beautiful waiata woven throughout the programme provided a uniquely New Zealand backdrop to these conversations, creating moments of connection and reflection that felt entirely at home within the meeting.

Creativity and communication also took centre stage through the video competition, Visual Symphony. The entries were beautifully produced and showcased the growing potential of video as a powerful medium for communicating scientific concepts in ways that are engaging, accessible and memorable. In a specialty as visual as ophthalmology, it felt like a glimpse into the future of education and knowledge sharing.

The Annual General Meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the New Zealand Branch korowai project following its endorsement by the branch’s executive leadership. Over the past year, the project has taken us on a thoughtful journey alongside the master weavers of Te Puia, exploring how we might acknowledge the unique identity of Aotearoa New Zealand within our binational college. The conversations have encouraged reflection on leadership, belonging, cultural identity and the place of ophthalmology within the communities we serve, while creating valuable opportunities for learning, connection and dialogue across the branch.

For me personally, the meeting marked the conclusion of a deeply rewarding three-year term as chair of the New Zealand branch. It was a privilege to hand the role to Dr Jesse Gale at the conference dinner. Jesse is an outstanding leader and I have every confidence that the branch will continue to thrive under his stewardship.

Meetings such as this do not come together through luck. My sincere thanks go to Dr Verona Botha for her leadership in delivering two exceptional scientific meetings and to Professor Charles McGhee for his longstanding stewardship of the scientific programme. Their dedication, together with the work of countless volunteers, committee members, staff and supporters, has helped create meetings that are educational, welcoming and distinctly New Zealand.

I step aside as chair with enormous optimism. The quality of our trainees, the strength of our fellowship, our commitment to equity and our growing confidence in expressing a uniquely New Zealand voice within our binational college leave me excited for what lies ahead. The future of ophthalmology in Aotearoa is bright.

Queenstown was a fitting reminder of what we can achieve when we come together.