Optometry's big weekend in Rotorua

Rotorua turned on its charm for the 95th Annual New Zealand Association of Optometrists (NZAO) Conference at the Distinction Rotorua Hotel & Conference Centre. The geothermal city, rich in our unique cultural heritage, provided the perfect backdrop for a weekend packed with learning and reconnecting with old colleagues and friends.

Themed ‘Advancing Optometry: Innovation, Ethics & Patient Care’, this year’s conference brought together 157 delegates from across Aotearoa and Australia, joined by our premier sponsors Alcon, Eye Institute and The Eye Clinic Wellington, whose ongoing support enables us to deliver such a high-calibre programme each year.

NZAO Friends — Reuniting members of the University of Auckland School of Optometry and VisionScience’s class of 2005

One of the most uplifting aspects of the conference was hearing about the incredible work being carried out by our colleagues from both within New Zealand and abroad. From outreach in underserved regions to community-based initiatives closer to home, it was inspiring to see how optometrists continue to make a tangible difference in people’s lives through service and skill.

Our keynote speaker, clinician scientist Associate Professor Jacqueline Chua, from the Singapore National Eye Centre, opened the programme with an engaging update on advances in OCT imaging and the exciting possibilities of OCT-A. Her session was both technically rich and forward-looking, illustrating how imaging will continue to shape the way we diagnose, monitor and understand ocular disease. She highlighted developments in artificial intelligence integration and how OCT-A may soon help us visualise the eye in even greater depth and detail, potentially transforming clinical practice as well as research and early detection. It was a reminder of how quickly our field continues to evolve and how vital it is to stay abreast of innovation.

Empathy and ethics

Dr Carlton Irving, director Māori Health and Consumer Te Tāhū Hauora, spoke on navigating leadership with kindness. His talk stood out for its simplicity and honesty. Leadership, he suggested, is not about authority or status but about how we treat people. His take-home messages were clear:

be kind
put your trolley away; a metaphor for being conscientious and doing the right thing even when no one is watching
stand up for injustice.

These deceptively simple principles resonated deeply. They reminded us that professionalism is built on everyday actions and that kindness and accountability can coexist powerfully within leadership.

Dr Jon Warren, a physiotherapist and former principal advisor on education for the Health and Disability Commissioner, challenged us to consider not only the decisions we make in clinical practice but the reasoning behind them. His talk sparked plenty of hallway discussions and reminded us that ethics is not confined to extreme dilemmas – it underpins every patient and person interaction, from consent and communication to follow-up care.

Hormones, dilation and debate

A particularly fitting presentation came from the University of Auckland’s Associate Professor Stuti Misra, whose presentation on female hormones, menopause and the ocular surface coincided perfectly with World Menopause Day. She discussed the complex interplay between hormonal changes and ocular-surface health and the need for greater awareness and understanding among clinicians and patients. A/Prof Misra’s talk was as heart-warming as it was educational, a reminder of the importance of empathy and open discussion in areas that can too easily be overlooked.

Auckland ophthalmologist Dr Riyaz Bhikoo delivered a good reminder about the importance of routine dilation in primary eyecare. He said adequate retinal assessment can make the difference between early detection and delayed diagnosis, particularly when it comes to life-threatening conditions such as ocular melanoma. His talk underscored the vital role optometrists play in early detection and the importance of close collaboration with tertiary care. It was a timely and practical takeaway for all clinicians: what may seem routine can, in fact, be life changing.

Debaters — Winners of the Alan Styles Memorial Debate 2025, Alex Petty, Claire Luoni and Andrew Sangster (aka 'The Flat Earthers') with the coveted trophy

After a few years in abeyance, the much-loved Alan Styles Memorial Debate – in honour of the late optometrist, passionate debater and motor sport enthusiast – made its return and did not disappoint. The moot: ‘Tele-optometry is the best solution for improving access to eyecare in rural Aotearoa New Zealand’. This set the stage for a lively and good-humoured exchange.

The opposing team, the Flat Earthers, was led by Alex Petty and included Andrew Sangster and Claire Luoni. The affirmative team, Ctrl+Opt+Del Barriers, was led by Adele Jefferies with Jason Kumar and Ryan O’Connor. After a fierce and entertaining debate, the Flat Earthers took the win; they received the coveted Alan Styles Memorial Trophy – a disc brake from his classic Mark 2 3.8 Jaguar. It was a wonderful mix of fun, tradition and tribute.

Looking back and ahead

This year also saw a special reunion for the University of Auckland class of 2005, marking 20 years since graduation. It was heartening to see so many familiar faces, with people making the trip from near and far to reconnect and reminisce. The energy and laughter spilling out of that group reminded everyone of how enduring those student bonds can be.

Hadyn Treanor handing over the presidency to Renata Watene

The NZAO council remains unchanged this year, with Renata Watene stepping into the role of president and Dr Hans Vellara as vice president. Their leadership and commitment will no doubt continue to strengthen the organisation as we move forward.

As many of us headed home, a little sleep-deprived after all the late-night catch-ups, there was a shared sense of pride and satisfaction in how well the weekend went. The conference was a true team effort – a huge thank you to the organising committee for their dedication, creativity and countless hours behind the scenes, and to the council for its ongoing hard work throughout the year and for chairing sessions across the programme.

The theme ran through every part of the event and was a reminder that progress in our profession is not just about new technology but about advancing how we think, connect and care. We look forward to seeing everyone again in Wellington 16 to 17 October this year.

Sandhya Mathew is a Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau optometrist and NZAO council member.