UMOSS

An update from the University of Melbourne Optometry Student Society (UMOSS).

2017

Last year culminated with the most enchanting of Eyeball’s held at The Park (Albert Park), which saw white-coats traded in for a sophisticated evening of gowns, dancing, party suits and even a special 2D celebrity guest appearance. We thank the UMOSS committee of 2017 many times over for their tireless efforts and enthusiasm in providing a more than memorable year for all, and wish the best of luck to the graduated class of 2017 as you kick-start your exciting new careers.

During December, three members of the OD class of 2018 (Lanka Wickramaarachchi, Menaka Wimalarathna and Erica Barclay) participated in a volunteer outreach eye camp to Sri Lanka, in partnership with Global Hand Charity. The team, consisting of both Australian and Sri Lankan optometrists, OD students and charity staff performed vision screenings, basic refraction and dispensing services in four separate underprivileged village locations. Over the week, 2000 patients were seen and 2400 pairs of spectacles were prescribed. Despite the days being very long and hot, seeing the immediate difference which could be made to the quality of life for so many, and the incredibly warm Sri Lankan hospitality made it an undeniably worthwhile venture. Congratulations to all involved!

OD4 Class of 2017 in their final week

2018

The UMOSS committee of 2018 is endeavouring to make this year equally outstanding as those past. We have been reaching out to industry more than ever in the hope to connect our peers with the wider optometric community as best we can. Plans are underway to hold the first ever joint event with Deakin University’s Optometry Student Society (DOSS) which could mark the beginning of a new era of collaboration with all optometry schools nation-wide. Furthermore, the committee has secured a SSAF grant with the industrious help of Dr Kwang Cham to promote the inter-professional development and networking of medical and allied health students within MDHS, as well as employment opportunities within individual job markets. Keep your eyes peeled for updates!

Amongst the return of annual student-favourite events, continuing in 2018 will also be the ever-growing Big Brother Big Sister (BBBS) program coordinated by OD2 students, expansion of the D15 colour vision project with Dr John Parkes to include making the Adam’s and H16 tests more commercially available, and the return of the rising DOVS futsal team in search of their inaugural piece of silverware.

Along with the department, we have warmly welcomed the new OD1 students with a BBQ during O-week and cannot wait to move for-wards and upwards with you all in 2018!

Best Regards,

Scott Panozza | UMOSS President 2018