Head of School end of year message
As we come to the end of 2025, it is time to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the school’s staff and students during the year.
The faculty’s December graduation ceremony is always a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the 2025 Bachelor of Optometry class and two of the school’s recent PhD students. These occasions are always a highlight of the year, showcasing the dedication and excellence of our students and the support of our staff across teaching, research, and clinical practice.
A standout achievement for 2025 was the successful accreditation of the Bachelor of Optometry programme by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ). The programme was accredited for the maximum period of eight years, with no conditions; an excellent result and a clear endorsement of the quality of our programme. This milestone reflects the hard work, expertise, and commitment of our entire team. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone – academic, clinical, professional, and technical – whose efforts made this success possible.
The SOVS blog records the many successes and events, highlighting the activities and achievements of our school community. These stories reflect the collective efforts that make our school such an outstanding place to learn, teach, and research.
I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to all staff for their outstanding contributions throughout the year. Your dedication continues to drive the success and reputation of the School of Optometry and Vision Science.
As we wrap up this year of achievements, I hope you take the opportunity during the holiday period to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with friends and whānau. Thank you for making 2025 such an exceptional year, and I look forward to what we will accomplish together in 2026.
Mā te mahi tahi ka ea ngā mahi – through collaboration the work will be completed
Noho ora mai
Dr Andrew Collins
Urumatua o te Kura | Head, School of Optometry and Vision Science
Head of School end of year message
As we come to the end of 2025, it is time to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the school’s staff and students during the year. The faculty’s December graduation ceremony is always a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the 2025 Bachelor of...
Ever Heard a Sound Behind You That Was Actually in Front?
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2025 staffing updates
The school welcomed a number of staff and postgraduate students this year: Staff Veeran Morar returned from parental leave Sanjay Marasini and Jordan Cooper took on casual roles assisting with dry eye clinics Alyssa Lie took up a new full time Lecturer position from 1...
Special events Semester 2 2025
Mihi Whakatau Tuesday 15 July A special occasion, to welcome staff and postgraduate students who joined the school in the previous nine months or so. Thanks to Jordan Cooper for replying on behalf of the manuhiri. Mānawa Mai Saturday 30 August A very important...
Staff profile: Misha Vorobyev
Photo: Misha Vorobyev Senior Lecturer Dr Misha Vorobyev has been captivated by the vivid beauty of the natural world from his childhood in Russia. This interest has evolved into a distinguished career exploring how animals perceive and use colour to communicate. His...
Major projects 2025
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Successes and celebrations from Semester 1 2025
Significant achievements included: New project: The Fehls agreed to support work on eye health care particularly for children, allocating ~$500,000 to Jo Black and Andrew Collins to support an implementation research project to design a pathway from school-based...
Blind Low Vision day visit February 2025
Photo: Dan Shepherd (GM Community & Inclusion) and Sarah Mitchell (Head of Employment & Youth Pathways) with Dan’s guide dog Ezra On Monday 24 February 2025, final-year Optometry students from the OPTOM 520 course participated in the Matarehu/Low Vision Day....
Other highlights and achievements
The school is undergoing the standard 10-yearly Academic Review; a lot of mahi went into preparing a portfolio reporting on all aspects of the school’s activities. The school gratefully acknowledges a bequest by the estate of Jocelyn Shackleton, given to support...
FMHS Teaching & Learning Showcase
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NZ Indian Central Youth Association Careers Expo
Photo: Optometry profession representatives at the Expo (from left to right: Bhavna and Jaishree speaking with a student, with poster of PhD Student Aan Chu in the background) The New Zealand Indian Central Youth Association proudly hosted its inaugural Careers Expo...
Media mentions
Members of the school have lent their expertise and commentary on topics related to vision. Some items which may be of interest are: Spinoff article: “Staring down the ‘silent epidemic’ of myopia in children”...