OA Awards

Orthoptics Australia Awards and Honours 

Orthoptics Australia recognises the services and achievements of its members through its Awards program. 

 

CONFERENCE / RESEARCH AWARDS

Patricia Lance Lecture

The Patricia Lance Lecture is presented by a person ‘eminent in the field of vision. The Patricia Lance Lecture was inaugurated in 1988, following a decision by the Council of the OA in the previous year. The lecture is presented at the Orthoptics Australia Annual Scientific Conference by invitation by the Board of the OA.

More information available HERE

 

Emmie Russell Memorial Prize

The Emmie Russell Memorial Prize was initiated by Emmie Russell, one of Australia’s first and most highly regarded orthoptists. In order to encourage excellence in research among younger orthoptists, Emmie Russell initiated the prize in 1975. The award is presented to a graduate from one of the recognised Australian training schools for the best presentation at the OA Annual Scientific Conference. The presentation is judged on its value to the profession, scientific content and integrity, clarity and presentation. This award is sponsored by Device Technologies.

    

 

More information available HERE

Paediatric Orthoptic Award

The Paediatric Orthoptic Award was established to commemorate the work and commitment to paediatric orthoptics of three orthoptists from Western Australia: Bev Balfour; Megan Lewis; and Alison Terrell. It is awarded to the best paediatric paper presented at the OA Annual Scientific Conference. Peadiatrics is defined as birth to less than 18 years.

More information HERE

 

Best Conference Paper sponsored by Macular Disease Foundation Ausralia (MDFA) 

The Best Overall Conference Paper Award introduces a new general category to the conference awards that recognises excellent contribution to the OA annual conference by members more broadly. The award will be introduced for the first time in 2024.

            Eligibility:  

  • Papers presented by an OA member

  • Papers that are not eligible for the Emmie Russell Award

  • Authors that have a submitted abstract – not an invited speaker.

            Past Recipients: 2024 Lachlan Knight 

 

 

MEMBERSHIP RECOGNITION AWARDS

Zoran Georgievski Medal (Distinguished Service Medal)

The Zoran Georgievski Medal commemorates the life, professional career and outstanding commitment to the profession of orthoptics by Zoran Georgievski (committed to the profession of orthoptics between 1992-2011). The Zoran Georgievski Medal is an award which recognises a member of Orthoptics Australia for their substantial contribution to furthering the profession of orthoptics.

More information available HERE

 

Mary Wesson Award

Miss Mary Wesson D.B.O. (T) was a British orthoptist who had a great affinity with Australian orthoptists and a respect for our professional ability and development. The Mary Wesson Award was established in 1983 following a generous donation from Miss Wesson. The Award aims to honour and remember OA members for their outstanding contribution to the orthoptics profession. Members and fellows of the OA are eligible to receive the Mary Wesson Award. The specific contribution for which the award is granted may be in the field of either:

  • Education

  • Research

  • Administration

  • Clinical practice

  • Comprising several of these areas of expertise.

The award may be given every three years at the discretion of the Board of the OA. The form of presentation is at the discretion of the Awards Committee.

Past Recipients: 2023 Professor Kathryn Rose, 2020 Karen Mill, 2017 Keren Edwards, 2014 Mara Giribaldi, 2011 Zoran Georgievski, 2010 Elaine Cornell, 2008 Julie Barbour, 2004 Ann Macfarlane, 2001 Heather Pettigrew, 1998 Not Awarded, 1995 Margaret Doyle, 1992 Kerry Fitzmaurice, 1989 Not Awarded, 1986 Neryla Jolly, 1983 Diana Craig.

Nominations: The name and supportive documentation of any member or fellow to be proposed should be sent to the Awards Convenor. Documentation should include:

  • Supportive evidence in the area/areas mentioned above

  • Curriculum vitae of the proposed person

  • Completed nomination form

Proposers are responsible for the presentation of the nominee’s case as the Awards Committee will present this information to the Board of the OA and it is on this presentation that the decision depends.

Guidelines & Nomination Form: Mary Wesson Award Guidelines     Mary Wesson Award Nomination Form

Contact:  Orthoptics Australia T: 03 9586 6080  F: 03 9586 6099   E: office@orthoptics.org.au

 

Latrobe University Awards

J Ringland Anderson Prize

This prize is awarded annually by Orthoptics Australia to the student who gains the highest marks for the orthoptic components during the final two years of their qualifying program.

Eligibility:  Student undertaking the Bachelor of Applied Science / Master of Orthoptics or Master of Orthoptics (La Trobe University).

Sponsor:  Orthoptics Australia

Past recipients:   2024 Marc Hsuen-Qi Eng, 2019 Stinoj Shaju, 2018 Elizabeth Leonard, 2016 Lachlan Wheelhouse Knight, 2015 Peter Mangiapane, 2014 Gareth Lingham, 2013 Ern Yong Lim, 2012 Rosanne Cahill, 2011 Nicola Dalton, 2010 Selina Webb, 2009 Katrina Lee, 2008 Fiona Richter, 2007 Karen Zhang / Nicole Mocnay, 2006 Josephine Leone, 2005 Lisa Jones, 2004 Bonnie Tocchet, 2003 Olivia Cera, 2002 Michael Sleep, 2000 Elizabeth McCamish, 1999 Jassy Sassine / John Varvarigos, 1998 Nerissa Bielenberg, 1997 Fleur O’Hare, 1996 Michelle Brackin, 1995 Lindsey Criddle, 1994 Nicholas Jones, 1993 Colleen Wilkinson, 1992 Karen Mill, 1991 Zoran Georgievski, 1990 Debbie Hilson, 1989 Andrea Farmer, 1988 Lucina Benich, 1987 Joanna McLaughlin, 1986 Tanya Phillips, 1985 Terry Couper, 1984 Moira Tangney, 1983 Mimi Leung, 1982 Gail Howey, 1981 Helen Wan, 1979 Jane Sullivan, 1978 Anne Romsbottom, 1977 Ellen Boag, 1976 Kaye Ferraro, 1975 Sally O’Donnell, 1974 Linda Santamaria, 1972 Jo Engwerda.

Contact:  The Scholarships Unit Division of Academic Services La Trobe University, Victoria 3086  T: (03) 9479 5075  E: scholarships@latrobe.edu.au

 

Leonie Collins Prize

The Leonie Collins Memorial Prize is awarded to the most outstanding final year student presentation at the La Trobe University Annual Orthoptic Clinical Education Conference.

Eligibility: Student undertaking the Bachelor of Applied Science / Master of Orthoptics or Master of Orthoptics (La Trobe University) presenting at the Orthoptic Clinical Education Conference.

Sponsor: Orthoptics Australia (Victoria Branch)

Past recipients:  2024 Melissa Innella, 2023 Naomi Dehigaspitiyage Dona, 2022 Ryan Spiteri, 2021 Amanda Moore, 2020 Shannon Brown, 2019 Daniel Tan, 2018 Minh Ong, 2017 Nevena Andric, 2016 Lachlan Wheelhouse Knight, 2015 Paula Freijah, 2014 Steven Lam & Kakeru Ode, 2013 Kirby Symes/Samuel Fielding, 2012 Jane Scheetz / Joanna Tsikkou, 2011 Ashleigh Rigoni, 2010 Lucy Dobson / Patricia Zelazny, 2009 Rebecca Page, 2008 Emily Caruso / Theresa El-Alam, 2007 Thong Le / Tin Nguyen, 2006 Naomi Hennessey.

Contact:  The Scholarships Unit Division of Academic Services La Trobe University, Victoria 3086  T: (03) 9479 5075  E: scholarships@latrobe.edu.au

 

Nicky Strang Prize

Awarded to the most outstanding final year student poster presented at the La Trobe University Annual Orthoptic Clinical Education Conference.

Eligibility:  Student undertaking the Bachelor of Applied Science / Master of Orthoptics or Master of Orthoptics (La Trobe University)

Sponsor: Orthoptics Australia (Victoria Branch)

Past recipients:  2024 Stephanie Dorian, 2023 Catherine Emily Rosero, 2022 Manjushri Lee, 2021 Jaimee Barclay, 2020 Madeleine Tillyer, 2019 Bradley Lai, 2018 Jon Luu

Contact:  The Scholarships Unit Division of Academic Services La Trobe University, Victoria 3086  T: (03) 9479 5075  E: scholarships@latrobe.edu.au

 

University Technology Sydney Awards

 

More detail on UTS Awards can be found on the UTS website here.

Lance/Jolly Prize

This prize was initially established in 2004 as the Patricia Lance Prize, by donations from friends and colleagues of Patricia Mary Lance, MBE. In 2012, additional funds were contributed to the prize by Neryla Jolly on her retirement after over 40 years of service to orthoptic education. During this time the name of the prize was changed to the Lance/Jolly Prize. Both Miss Lance and Mrs Neryla Jolly held the position of Head, School of Orthoptics, at Cumberland College of Health Sciences and University of Sydney, respectively.

From 2016, this prize is awarded annually to the student with the highest average mark in the orthoptic course at the Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney.

Past recipients: 2024 Elias Helou, 2023 Christina Awad, 2022 Dan Uyen (Danni) Nguyen, 2021 Alana Braxton-Boal, 2020 Xanthe Harrison, 2019 Eleena Tran, 2018 Georgia Rossettin, 2017 Shanelle Sorbello, 2016 Aida Zeric, 2015 Felicia Adinanto, 2014 Devica Apriyani, 2013 Nicole Carter.

Orthoptics Australia Prize

The Orthoptics Australia Prize is awarded annually to the student with the highest overall mark in Professional Practice subjects in their final year of the Orthoptic course. One (1) recipient will be awarded the Prize each year.

Eligibility: The Recipients must:

  • have been a registered full-time postgraduate student in the Master of Orthoptics (C04299) in the year for which the award is made; and

  • be eligible for registration with the Australian Orthoptic Board.

Selection criteria: The Prize will be awarded to the student who received the highest cumulative mark in the subjects listed below.

  • Professional Practice 2 (96038), and

  • Professional Practice 3 (96075)

In the event that two students receive the same highest mark, the prize will be awarded to the student with the higher mark in Professional Practice 3.

Past recipients: 2024 Elias Helou, 2023 Taylor Truong, 2022 Dan Uyen (Danni) Nguyen, 2021 Tina Tao, 2020 Xanthe Harrison, 2019 Ashleigh Vrajlal, 2018 Stephanie Retsas, 2017 Genevieve Mooney, 2016 Mythili Ilango, 2015 Juno Cubelo

 

Discontinued Awards and Honours 

Diana Craig Prize

This memorial prize commemorates the contribution of Diana Craig to orthoptics and is awarded by the Orthoptics Australia (Victorian Branch) for the most outstanding research thesis undertaken in the orthoptics honours program.

Eligibility:  Students undertaking the Honours program of the Bachelor of Orthoptic & Ophthalmic Sciences (Honours) (La Trobe University) degree. This prize was awarded from 1993 - 2013.

Sponsor:  Orthoptics Australia (Victoria Branch)

Past recipients:  2013 Ern Yong Lim, 2011 Zanobia Ujjainwala, 2010 Rebecca Moorhead, 2009 Katrina Lee, 2007 Thong Le, 2006 Lisa O’Connell, 2005 Lisa Jones, 2004 Bonnie Tocchet, 2003 Adrienne Hall, 2002 Pam Garoufalis, 2001 Brent Hewitt, 1999 Fleur O’Hare, 1998 Suzane Vassallo, 1997 Konstandina Koklanis, 1996 Lindsey Criddle / Suzanna Talevski, 1995 Chi Dzung Luu, 1994 Karen Mill, 1993 Catherine Beaton.

Contact:  The Scholarships Unit Division of Academic Services La Trobe University, Victoria 3086  T: (03) 9479 5075  E: scholarships@latrobe.edu.au

 

 John Pockley/Patricia Lance Prize

This prize was awarded to the student with the highest general proficiency demonstrated in the Bachelor of Applied Science Orthoptics.

Past recipients: 2008 Aminah Hamdoun, 2007 Wing Yang Chow, 2005 Elaine Chan, 2004 Anthony John Lehner, 2003 Hewida Took, 2002 Johnny Mrljak, 2000 Liliana Makowski, 1999    Monica Agius, 1993 Alexandra Harris, 1992 Joanne Kirsty Mitchell, 1967 Deanne Croker (now Gilmore), 1966 Jane Massy-Greene (now Henderson), 1965 Fay Smith (now Clarke)

 

Patricia Lance Prize

This prize was established in 2004 by donations from friends and colleagues of Patricia Mary Lance MBE DOBA (died 2003). The prize was awarded annually to the student enrolled in Clinical Studies IV who demonstrated the greatest proficiency in clinical practice. This prize was awarded from 2005 – 2008.

Past recipients:  2008 Amanda French and Melanie Lai, 2007 Katrina Rogers, 2005 Heyem Metlej.