Welcome to the real world of life as an ophthalmologist afer 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 will provide an opportunity to discuss the potential hurdles trainees may encounter afer leaving the safety of their training nest. A panel of experienced ophthalmologists, industry experts and international guests will provide insights and friendly discussion.

There will also be a practical skills session where trainees will have 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.

Scholarships for 2026 will include full registration fees, and accommodation for the duration of the meeting. The Advanced Trainee Day will be held on the afternoon of Wednesday 15th July prior to the main opening event.

Applications are open to all Australian and New Zealand ophthalmology trainees on a formal training program including fellowship year with preference given to more senior trainees and first time attendees.

WHEN AND WHERE?

Wednesday, 15th July, 2026
1200 – 1700.

Novotel, Sunshine Coast.

CO-ORDINATOR:

Dr Ben LaHood, FRANZCO

WHAT IS 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)