50 years of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Melbourne
In 2023, the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences (DOVS) is celebrating its 50th year anniversary.
As we reach this important milestone it is timely to reflect on our achievements and our evolution since 1973.
For half of a century, the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences has been at the forefront of excellence in optometry and vision science - educating the next generation of optometrists, performing internationally recognised research, and contributing widely to the advancement of our profession as an essential healthcare discipline. In our 50th year, we aspire to celebrate with our alumni, staff, students, staff, and partners, all of whom have contributed in so many ways to establishing and growing Optometry at Melbourne.
Our event series
We have an exciting schedule of celebrations planned across the year, including public lectures, a tour of our facilities, a special gala dinner and a nostalgic view through our history via social media.
Dates for your diary
- Wednesday 22 March 2023
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6.30-8.00pm
Seeing Beyond Lecture #1: Reflections and Refractions
Speakers: A/Prof Mitchell Anjou, A/Prof Mark Roth, Helen Robbins, Dr Carol Lakkis
As part of our 50th-anniversary celebrations, the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences hosted the inaugural "Reflections and Refractions" event. Esteemed alumni, including A/Prof Mitchell Anjou, A/Prof Mark Roth, Ms Helen Robbins, and Dr Carol Lakkis, delivered captivating presentations on the history of optometry in Victoria and its prospects. Stay tuned for more updates on our second lecture on 12 July 2023.
- Wednesday 12 July 2023
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6.30-8.00pm
Seeing Beyond Lecture #2: A Vision to the Future
Speakers: Prof Bang Bui, A/Prof Anthea Cochrane, A/Prof Michael Pianta, & Skye Cappuccio
Venue: Auditorium - The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, 3000 https://maps.unimelb.edu.au/parkville/building/248
- Sunday 10 September 2023
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6:30pm-10:00pm
DOVS Golden Anniversary Gala Dinner
Join us in honouring our history, celebrating our present, and looking forward to our future.
The night will be celebrated with a three-course dinner and beverages and an optional private tour of the Science Gallery. Explore the new, exclusive exhibition to be featured on the night, Dark Matters, an interactive tour presenting art and science projects that interrogate the undefinable, unmeasurable and unsettling phenomena that is dark matter.
50 years in 50 weeks
By linking up using social media, we will journey together back and forward through time to commemorate “50 Years in 50 Weeks”. Each week, we will highlight photos, stories and reflections from a single graduating year of Optometry from the University of Melbourne, from 1973 to today.
We invite you to celebrate with us by joining our in-person and online events using the hashtag: #DOVS50years
To make these reflections as complete as possible, we would love to hear from you!
Please share your stories, photos, or random facts via this link, and we will collate and share as many of these as possible. We are particularly keen to obtain any class photographs you may have, so please be encouraged to rifle through your photo albums!
And please check out (and follow!) our social media channels:
- Twitter: @UniMelbDOVS
- Facebook: Optometry and Vision Sciences at Melbourne
- LinkedIn: Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences
Enquiries:
A/Prof Christine Nguyen
Email: christine.nguyen@unimelb.edu.au
Ph +61 3 9035 3186