Prof Sutton hands over presidency at ‘best ever’ AUSCRS

This year’s Australasian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (AUSCRS) conference – described by many as the best yet – marked the end of an era as Vision Eye Institute’s Prof Gerard Sutton stepped down from his role as Co-President.

Held in Darwin from 15–18 July, the annual meeting brings together leading minds from across Australia and beyond to share ideas, innovations and camaraderie. It also served as a celebration of Prof Sutton’s significant contributions to the local ophthalmology community over the past several years.

A steady hand at the helm

When reflecting on how he came to be AUSCRS Co-President, Prof Sutton admits that he didn’t actually put his hand up for the role. Instead, it was ‘the classic tap on the shoulder’ by AUSCRS co-founder Graham Barrett, who by then had been President for an incredible 25 years.

‘Given Graham’s influence, I was appointed unopposed with Jacqueline Beltz in 2022,’ Prof Sutton says.

That ‘tap’ turned out to be a turning point for the society, which had managed to struggle its way through COVID.

‘There were some fundamental challenges that Jacqui and I faced from the outset,’ Prof Sutton explains. ‘COVID meant no income from face-to-face meetings for three years. Despite that, AUSCRS is now in its best financial position ever. We’ve had a steady increase in the number of abstracts submitted and growing interest from international speakers.’

Indeed, AUSCRS has hosted some of the world’s most prominent ophthalmologists, including Dr Cathie McCabe, the incoming President of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and Germany’s Dr Michael Knorz, who has attended an incredible 15 times.

Highlights and hijinks

As far as conferences go, the culture at AUSCRS is certainly unique.

‘The atmosphere is deliberately relaxed with plenty of good science and a lot of fun,’ says Prof Sutton.

‘There’s a real sense of friendship in our community. There’s trust and respect, and everyone wants to learn, push the boundaries of what’s possible, and have a bit of fun while doing it.’

When asked about his most memorable moment, Prof Sutton doesn’t hesitate. ‘Listening to Olivia Fox sing ‘We are Australian’ in both English and Wiradjuri to close my final AUSCRS as President was unforgettable.’

The next chapter

With his presidency handed over to Dr Andrea Ang (and Dr Beltz staying on), Prof Sutton isn’t slowing down.

Professionally, his passion for cataract and laser eye surgery remains strong. He’s also continuing as Project Lead for the BIENCO Corneal Bioengineering Project and is closely involved with the Gadigal Eye Clinic Project at Sydney Eye Hospital and the development of a statewide Indigenous eye service.

And any spare time will go towards touch rugby, ocean swimming and competing in the annual Noosa Triathlon.

A conference to remember

AUSCRS 2025 wasn’t just a milestone for Prof Sutton – it was also a standout event for the Vision Eye Institute team.

‘Not only is the AUSCRS community close-knit, but we also have our own VEI community within that. It’s a double bonus for us,’ says Medical Director Dr Lewis Levitz, who won best debate in the head-to-head session on intraocular lens choices.

Dr Tess Huynh presented her experience with the new ZOE extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) lens and also moderated the Zeiss Refractive ANZ User Group Meeting. She echoed the sentiments of many attendees:

‘Gerard called it the best AUSCRS so far, and we all agree. The speakers, the content, the discussions and the atmosphere were just exceptional.’

Other VEI doctors who attended and/or presented were Prof Colin Chan, Dr Uday Bhatt, Dr Ed Boets, A/Prof Tim Roberts, A/Prof Michael Lawless and Dr Simone Beheregaray.

For VEI orthoptists Michelle Duong and Opal Mai, it was their first taste of what makes AUSCRS so special. Stepping out of their comfort zone, they ran a masterclass for support staff (Refractive Realities: A Masterclass in Modern Vision Care).

‘Although I was nervous about presenting, the feedback from our masterclass has been so rewarding,’ says Ms Duong. ‘I really enjoyed connecting with like-minded clinicians, and the variety of talks gave me so many new perspectives and ideas.’

Opal Mai agrees and says AUSCRS was a ‘fantastic chance to hear about the latest work being done in the cataract and refractive space, both at VEI and externally.’

‘The atmosphere and candour that has been cultivated – to be able to freely challenge and probe the speakers without reservation – is incredible. The AUSCRS spirit is something that has to be experienced to be understood,’ she says.