DOVS 2026 Seeing Beyond Lecture: Celebrating International Connections

On Thursday 10th September, the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences will host its second Seeing Beyond event in 2026, “Celebrating International Connections”.

This event will feature a plenary lecture about new technologies in eyecare from our international guest and long-time supporter of our Department, Dr James (Jim) Thimons, Medical Director at Ophthalmic Consultants of Connecticut, USA.

We will also hear from Dr Sena Gocuk, award-winning early career clinician-scientist in our Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences who is pioneering world-first research in female carriers of inherited retinal disease.

Please arrive for light refreshments and research poster viewing from 6pm, with lectures beginning in the auditorium at 630pm. The event has been approved for 1 hour of clinical therapeutic CPD.

When: Thursday 10th September, 6:30pm - 7:30pm. Check in, light refreshments and poster viewing from 6:00pm before lecture.

Where: Ian Potter Auditorium, Level G, Kenneth Myer Building, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville

Venue map: https://maps.unimelb.edu.au/parkville/building/144

RSVP: Please register your attendance for this is in-person only event by Thursday 3rd September 2026, 6.00pm

Contact: For all enquiries, please email [email protected]

About the Speakers:

• Dr James (Jim) Thimons is an internationally acclaimed speaker, educator, and an acknowledged leader in ophthalmic clinical education. He graduated from the Ohio State University College of Optometry, progressing into leadership roles at the Chillicothe Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Omni Eye Services in Fairfax, Virginia, and the State University of New York, where he developed The Glaucoma Institute, a clinical research center. In 2002, he co-founded Ophthalmic Consultants of Connecticut, New England’s largest multidisciplinary referral practice. Amongst his many awards and accolades, Dr Thimons has been awarded Optometry’s Top Educator, inducted into the Optometry Hall of Fame, and named in Newsweek America’s Best Eye Doctors list.

• Dr Sena Gocuk is a clinician-scientist with expertise in retinal diseases. Her research combines clinical practice and translational science, with a focus on understanding disease mechanisms, exploring treatment feasibility, and improving patient outcomes. Her Master's research examined how optometric care can be enhanced for patients with, or at risk of, age-related macular degeneration. Her PhD pioneered investigations of female carriers of X-linked inherited retinal diseases, earning the Dean's Award for Excellence in Graduate Research at The University of Melbourne and the prestigious Ezell Fellowship Award from the American Academy of Optometry.

Parking Information:

Street parking on Royal Parade, Berkeley Street, Barry Street, and Leicester Street

Photography Notification

By registering your attendance at this event, you are consenting to have your photograph taken, which may be used for future communications. Prefer not to have your photograph taken?

Email [email protected] prior to the event to arrange an exemption sticker.

For any queries about this event, email [email protected].

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