Into the enchanted forest

This year’s EyeBall saw the New Zealand Optometry Student Society (NZOSS) transform the Auckland’s Maritime Room into a mystical wonderland. Themed ‘Enchanted Forest’, the ball’s venue came alive with green twinkling LEDs, butterfly lights and lush plants scattered throughout, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. A DJ kept the dance floor buzzing while a photobooth and roaming photographer captured the night’s magic.

With over 120 students in attendance, the EyeBall provided a rare opportunity for the optometry community to celebrate together outside the clinic. Guests enjoyed a buffet dinner and an open bar in a un and elegant atmosphere.

Eye Ball B — 2025 NZOSS executive team: back Mieke de Bruyn, Paris Shen, Joanna Cao, Olivia Park, Ryan Yu, Aaron George, Ved Mishra and front Shubham Gupta, Hana Shin, Angeli De Silva, Sarah Yang, Joshua Lobo

The night featured a wide range of prizes and light-hearted awards, with categories including Most Trustworthy Optometrist, Driest Eyes in Optometry, Best-Dressed Male, Best-Dressed Female and Best Duo from each year group. The lively competition made this a highlight of the evening.

This year’s event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We extend our gratitude to our diamond sponsor Specsavers, our silver sponsor EssilorLuxottica and our bronze sponsors Zeiss and the New Zealand Association of Optometrists. Additional prizes were kindly provided by Oscar Wylee, CooperVision and Optimed and included sunglasses, contact lens supplies and even an AlgerBrush!

Months of planning by the NZOSS executive team culminated in a night that truly lived up to its enchanted theme – a celebration of friendship, community and the shared journey through optometry.

Joanna Cao is the NZOSS president; Shubham Gupta is vice president