Wrapping up IOC 2025: innovation, inspiration and collaboration

The first International Orthoptic Congress (IOC) held in Australia in over 20 years certainly didn’t disappoint! With Brisbane playing host from June 27, this global event brought together over 300 delegates from across Australia and overseas, including Japan, China, the UK, Holland and Germany.

Vision Eye Institute supported IOC 2025 as the official Platinum Sponsor and was also represented by eight orthoptists, whose roles span clinical care, research, education, and leadership across the organisation.

‘It was an incredible privilege for Vision Eye Institute, which is the largest employer of orthoptists in Australia, to support such a high-quality event,’ says CEO Amanda Cranage. ‘We were also delighted that six of the eight VEI orthoptists in attendance were able to share their research on the global stage.’

Sasha Kairouz was one of those orthoptists, presenting a poster titled Patient reported sources of ophthalmic medical information and which sources they trust.

Ms Kairouz, who is one of two Clinical Relationships Managers for NSW, says she was proud to see so many orthoptists come together to celebrate the profession, present their research and discuss new ideas, or challenge others in a respectful manner.

‘Seeing the many different pathways my peers have taken as an orthoptist was quite inspiring – not only for myself but also for younger colleagues, who came away excited about the possibility of collaboration on future projects,’ she says.

Tram Nguyen, Senior Orthoptist at Vision Eye Institute Chatswood, gave an oral presentation: Using technology to drive practice change: how new technology may impact patient surgery selection. She says she was grateful for the opportunity, as well as the guidance from VEI colleagues in the lead-up to the Congress.

‘Meeting orthoptists from around the world and hearing about the incredible work being done globally was both eye-opening and motivating. I’m excited to carry these experiences forward as I continue to grow in my career,’ says Ms Nguyen.

The other VEI orthoptists who attended were Chris Hodge, Sophia Hadwani, Janine Hardy, Yuehan Guan, Allison Gozun and Kathryn Rizk.

Meanwhile, the VEI booth was also a hive of activity throughout the Congress, with attendees lining up to try our popular VR headset simulation and enter the daily draw to win a Frank Green water bottle—which quickly became a must-have accessory!

‘IOC 2025 really showcased the strength, diversity and future of the orthoptics profession,’ says Ms Cranage.

‘We extend our congratulations to the organisers and thank everyone who stopped by the VEI stand, connected with our team and contributed to the success of the event.’