AUSCRS in Darwin a snapshot

The 30th annual meeting of the Australasian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (AUSCRS) was held in Darwin for four days. The theme for this year’s meeting was ‘Disconnect to Reconnect’. It was a vibrant mix of scientific presentations, spirited discussions and debates, all while maintaining the cherished AUSCRS tradition of presenters and moderators dressing up in outrageous, inventive and, occasionally, embarrassing costumes.

The Barrett/Wolfe Gold Medal Lecture was delivered by long-time AUSCRS contributor Professor Michael Knorz, who jetted in from Germany to speak on presbyopia-correcting IOLs.

Alison And Ben — Drs Alison Chiu and Ben Lahood embrace the ‘80s

Scientific sessions covered a broad range of topics in cataract and intraocular lens (IOL) surgery, including complicated cases, new surgical techniques, IOL power calculations, dry eye after lens surgery and long-term effective lens position. There was also a fascinating session on cataract surgery in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.

A significant focus was given to the latest designs of extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF), multifocal, trifocal and full-range-of-vision IOLs, with discussion about their comparative performance and patient outcomes. Additional sessions explored vitrectomy after refractive lens exchange and complications involving the macula and vitreous.

Malcolm, Jono And Nick X2 — Malcolm Lowrey, Jono Clements, Dr Nick Mantell and Nick Jackson

Eye Institute’s Dr Nick Mantell presented on the effectiveness of vitrectomy for treating vitreous opacities following trifocal and EDOF IOL surgery.

The laser refractive surgery sessions delved into kerato-lenticule extraction (KLeX), with presentations on outcomes using femtosecond lasers from Zeiss, Schwind and Johnson & Johnson, as well as on astigmatism correction, nomogram refinement and the influence of age on surgical results.

Yours truly presented on using multiple linear regression to develop a nomogram for small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) pro surgery, while Fendalton Eye Clinic’s Dr Zea Munro presented a vector analysis of astigmatism correction in high-astigmatism cases using SMILE and SMILE pro.

Fancy Dress — Prof Jod Mehta, Drs Aanchal Gupta, Zea Munro, Smita Agarwal, Lana Del Porto, Prof Colin Chan, Drs Kishore Pradhan, Alison Chiu and author Dr David Kent

Emerging innovations were also featured, including corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segments and tissue addition for hyperopia using KLeX lenticules. Additional presentations addressed sustainability in ophthalmology, the use of AI scribes for generating clinical documentation and surgical planning for both phakic and piggyback IOLs.

The gala dinner embraced the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, with spectacular costumes vying for the coveted grand prize – always an entertaining highlight of the meeting.

In closing, Sydney’s Professor Gerard Sutton announced his decision to step down as AUSCRS co-president. From 2026, Melbourne’s Dr Jacqueline Beltz will take his place, with Perth’s Dr Andrea Ang stepping into the role of vice-president. Next year’s meeting will take place at the Novotel Sunshine Coast.

Dr David Kent is a consultant ophthalmologist with Fendalton Eye Clinic and Christchurch Eye Surgery. He is a member of both the American and Australasian Societies of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and is the New Zealand AUSCRS council representative.