The much-anticipated Excellence in Ophthalmology and Vision Research Prize Evening may have been knocked back by the Covid-19 pandemic, but the 2020 awardees are still being recognised and will be invited to receive their awards at a special, celebratory event later this year.
Professor Charles McGhee, chair and head of ophthalmology at the University of Auckland, said it’s been two years of upset for the awards unfortunately, with last year’s 20-year anniversary celebrations cancelled following the Christchurch terror attack. The awards still went ahead, but were a sombre event given the effect of the attacks on many at the university.
But now a new event is being planned, “hopefully” in September, said Prof McGhee, to truly celebrate the excellence awards 23rd anniversary and the growth and success of the expanded department as it notches up its 21st. It will also celebrate all past award winners, including this year’s, he said. “We never envisaged the Department of Ophthalmology would grow so rapidly, nor the number of truly outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate research students that would pass through our hands, but this now numbers more than 100, many of whom are now in national and international leadership roles.”
Prof McGhee congratulated this year’s award winners who have all been notified. They were all very worthy recipients whose work and commitment to ophthalmology continues the strong legacy of the awards and the department, he said. “Year-on-year, the standard of our students increases exponentially and this year, many exhibit outstanding academic credentials alongside impressive sporting, music and other achievements. Indeed, it makes me glad I am not competing for a career as a young doctor in 2020 as I might struggle in such an exemplary epoch!”
The Calvin Ring Prize – Shin Jee Tang
