RANZCO 57th Annual Scientific Congress

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) will bring its 57th Annual Scientific Congress to the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, from Friday 6 to Monday 9 November 2026.

Known as the “City of Sails,” Auckland offers delegates a setting where natural beauty meets urban energy. The city sits among volcanic cones between the Waitematā and Manukau harbours, with the ancient rainforest of the Waitākere Ranges to the west and the sheltered beaches and island sanctuaries of the Hauraki Gulf to the east. Day trips provide access to Waiheke Island’s wineries, Hobbiton and the geothermal landscapes of Rotorua.

Engineer and science communicator Dr Michelle Dickinson MNZM will open the Congress, drawing on her background in nanomechanics and technology strategy. Prof Robyn Guymer AM (Australia) will deliver the Council Lecture on functional outcomes in geographic atrophy trials. Prof Chris Hammond (King’s College, London) presents the Sir Norman Gregg Lecture on the genetics of age-related cataract, while Prof Robert Casson (Australia) delivers the Dame Ida Mann Memorial Lecture on retinal energy metabolism. Dr Gullapalli N Rao, founder of India’s L V Prasad Eye Institute, gives the Hollows Lecture on equitable, sustainable eye care models. Update Lectures will be presented by Dr David Chang (cataract, US), Prof Anthony Khawaja (glaucoma, UCL/Moorfields), Prof Valerie Biousse (neuro-ophthalmology, Emory), Prof Dan Martin (retina, Emory) and Dr Ik Hee Ryu (refractive, South Korea).

RANZCO has commissioned original artwork drawing on Ngā Hau e Whā, the four winds of Māori tradition, as its central concept for the Congress. The design, created by artist Chloē Reweti, uses the four winds as a metaphor for the diversity of voices, perspectives and knowledge that make up the ophthalmic community. The artwork reflects the Māori values of whanaungatanga (relationships and reciprocal responsibility) and kotahitanga (unity and collective purpose).

Early bird registration is now open.