2026 AUSCRS Conference: The Sound of AUSCRS was an amazing experience…

Set against the relaxed coastal backdrop of Novotel, Twin Waters, this year's meeting offered the chance to step away from daily practice and reconnect with colleagues, friends and international experts. As always, AUSCRS provided a unique environment for open discussion, practical insights and honest exchange on the challenges and innovations in cataract and refractive surgery.

Our 2026 program reflected the evolving nature of ophthalmology, with a strong focus on real-world outcomes, clinical decision-making and the complexities of modern practice. We were delighted to welcome an outstanding faculty of international and local speakers who continue to make AUSCRS such a valuable and engaging meeting.

This year was particularly special as we celebrated 30 years of AUSCRS. Over three decades, the meeting has grown into a respected forum known for Its independence, collaboration and willingness to challenge ideas. These qualities remain at our core today.

Our attending doctors, support staff, international speakers and exhibitors were the highest number on record in all categories…. For those who attended, it was an inspiring and dynamic gathering where innovation, collaboration, and excellence came together in perfect harmony.

Here is a snapshot of some our highlights:

Click here to view our gallery of the meeting….( if you wish to download any, the Pin number is 3713)

Click here to view our video montage…



A special thank you to AUSCRS…

2026 marked the 30th year of AUSCRS and also the 30th year that Jenny Boden was involved in the running of the AUSCRS association and conferences. And also her last year in this position.

Bonnie McMackin will take over the conference organising reins from Jenny and she will be a valued addition to the AUSCRS community, and AUSCRS is excited to work with her and her team as the meeting continues to evolve.

Jenny Boden will step back from the conference organising and continue in the role of Executive Officer providing providing strategic support, mentoring and continuity as AUSCRS enters its next chapter.

Here is a link to a special thank you from Jenny for what AUSCRS has meant to her over the years.

WEDNESDAY

1200-1730

Advanced Trainee Program

1500-1630

Alcon TropSat High Tea Symposium

1800-21.30

Welcome Reception & Official Opening of AUSCRS 2026

THURSDAY

0830-1730

Doctors’ Program
Support Staff Program

1730-1900

Rayner Pre-Dinner Reception

1900-2130

Hoya Dinner Symposium

1900-2200

Johnson & Johnson Dinner Symposium

Free evening for
everyone

FRIDAY

0645 - 0815

Bausch & Lomb Breakfast Symposium

0830-1730

Doctors’ Program
Support Staff Program

1730-1900

Device Cocktail Reception

Free evening

President’s Dinner

SATURDAY

0645 - 0815

Surgivision Breakfast Symposium

0830-1630

Doctors’ Program
Support Staff Program

1900-LATE

Gala Dinner

Final Program

Our 2026 program reflected the evolving nature of ophthalmology, with a strong focus on real-world outcomes, clinical decision-making and the complexities of modern practice.

Click here to view our Final Program

 

Our 2026 Advanced Trainee Program welcomed attendees to the real world of life as an ophthalmologist after training! “When you step onto that escalator of ophthalmology training, life is very straight forward with a clear pathway of tasks to complete, but stepping off that escalator into the wild unknown freedom of being a consultant ophthalmologist can be daunting”

The 2026 AUSCRS Advanced Trainee Day provided an opportunity to discuss the potential hurdles trainees may encounter after leaving the safety of their training nest. A panel of experienced ophthalmologists, industry experts and international guests provided insights and friendly discussion.

There were also practical skills session where trainees had a chance to learn how to handle refractive surprises in cataract surgery, and it wouldn’t be an AUSCRS advanced trainee day without plenty of time to network, mingle and meet our sponsors and guest speakers and participate in some amazing wet lab opportunities provided by Alcon and Rayner.

Our 2026 AUSCRS Advanced Trainees….

 

WHEN AND WHERE?

Wednesday, 15th July, 2026
1200 – 1700.

Novotel, Sunshine Coast.

CO-ORDINATOR:

Dr Ben LaHood, FRANZCO

WHAT WAS INCLUDED?

  • 5 nights’ accommodation in hotel room at Novotel, Sunshine Coast - Tues, Wed, Thurs, Frid, Sat nights.

  • Registration to the Advanced Trainee Program (Wednesday afternoon)

  • Wednesday lunch with the ‘team’

  • AUSCRS 2026 Welcome Reception on the Wed evening

  • Registration to the full AUSCRS program (Thurs, Frid, Sat)

  • Gala dinner ticket (Saturday night)


 

We are delighted to advise that RANZCO have approved AUSCRS 2026 with the following CPD allocation.

Barrett/Wolfe Lecture Presenter for 2026

Dr. Cathleen McCabe presented our 2026 Barrett/Wolfe Lecture.

Dr. McCabe is globally recognised leader in complex and premium cataract and refractive surgery. She advances ophthalmic innovation through clinical trials, leadership roles, awards, education, mentorship, and international outreach initiatives worldwide.

Lena Beckers

Germany

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Basak Bostanci

Turkey

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Banu Cosar

Turkey

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Kieran Darcy

UK

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Joaquin Fernandez

Spain

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Damien Gatinel

France

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Dylan Joseph

South Africa

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Cathy McCabe

USA

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Morgan Micheletti

USA

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Karolinne Rocha

USA

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Julie Schallhorn

USA

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Steve Schallhorn

USA

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Naren Shetty

India

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Paul Singh

USA

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George Waring

USA

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Blake Williamson

USA

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Many thanks to all of our 2026 Platinum, Gold and Silver and other partners.

Your ongoing support is greatly appreciated.


PLATINUM SPONSORS


GOLD SPONSORS


SILVER SPONSORS


ADVANCED TRAINEE PROGRAM SPONSORS

 
 
 
Advanced Trainee Program Sponsor
 
 

SUPPORT STAFF PROGRAM SPONSORS

 

MEDIA SPONSORS

mivision is the key communication portal for eye care professionals who live and work in Australia and New Zealand.Our aim is to enhance the patient pathway and influence optimum patient outcomes by sharing knowledge and improving communication within the eye care professions.

mivision is the key communication portal for eye care professionals who live and work in Australia and New Zealand.  Our aim is to enhance the patient pathway and influence optimum patient outcomes by sharing knowledge and improving communication within the eye care professions.

 

OTHER VALUED SUPPORTERS