Staff, students and recent graduates attended ARVO 2026, the world's leading vision research conference, where they shared research, explored emerging developments in eye health, and gained valuable insights from international leaders in vision science.
The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2026 Conference, held in Denver, Colorado, brought together thousands of researchers, clinicians and industry leaders from around the world to share the latest advances in vision science and eye care. Representing our School, staff, students and recent graduates participated in a week of presentations, poster sessions, workshops and scientific discussions covering a diverse range of topics including myopia, retinal disease, artificial intelligence, public health, patient outcomes and innovations in vision care.
Our staff made several notable contributions to the scientific program. Professor Lisa Keay presented a mini symposium on Designing and Implementing Responsible AI-Enabled Ophthalmology Services, exploring the opportunities and challenges associated with integrating artificial intelligence into eye care. Dr Tim Fricke presented a mini symposium on the Global Impact of Myopia Control Strategies, using modelling to estimate the impact of myopia prevention and control strategies in the community.
Professor Keay and Dr Jessie Huang-Lung also delivered a workshop titled Co-design for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Principles, Pitfalls and Stakeholder Roles. The workshop examined the critical role of co-design in developing and implementing AI-enabled healthcare solutions, fostering discussion among researchers, clinicians and other stakeholders on how to ensure these technologies are equitable and responsive to user needs.聽And behind the scenes, Dr Lisa Nivison-Smith contributed to the meeting as an elected member of the Annual Meeting Programming Committee. This role includes contributing to the review and allocation of the approximately 5000 abstracts that are submitted to the conference every year and allocating presenters to the 100+ conference sessions. Elected last year, Dr Nivison-Smith is the first Australian researcher to be a member of the retina section of the Programming Committee Meeting.
A particular highlight was the opportunity for students to experience one of the world's largest vision research conferences firsthand. Attending presentations from leading researchers and clinicians provided valuable insight into current and emerging areas of research, while discussions with fellow delegates offered broader perspectives on research approaches and clinical practice from around the world.
We were especially proud to have recent graduates Chi Hang and Carmen present a poster based on their 2025 Stage 5 research project. Supervised by Xiaona Ping and Professor Padmaja Sankaridurg, their work showcased the high standard of student research being undertaken within our program. Having their research accepted for poster presentation at ARVO so early in their careers was a significant achievement and demonstrated their commitment to advancing evidence-based eye care.
For all attendees, the conference provided valuable professional development opportunities, exposure to cutting-edge research, and the chance to engage with the international vision science community. Students gained confidence in discussing research, broadened their understanding of current challenges and innovations in eye health, and returned with new ideas to inform their future studies and professional practice.
ARVO 2026 was a rewarding and memorable experience that highlighted the strength of our students, graduates, and staff, while reinforcing the importance of research, innovation and collaboration in advancing vision science and eye care.
