UWA Doctor Of Optometry Graduation 2023

“I solemnly promise to practise the art and science of Optometry with due care and with the conduct becoming an Optometrist”.

This was the first sentence read during the Declaration of Professional Dedication by the Doctors of Optometry, during the University of Western Australia Graduation Ceremony held on 18 December 2023 at UWA Winthrop Hall.

You could sense the anticipation and excitement in the room as it was the first cohort to graduate from the Degree of Doctor of Optometry in WA, alongside other graduates from the School of Allied Health and the School of Engineering.

The optometry graduates wore a black academic gown and an academic hood faced with peacock green silk, a distinct colour selected by Head of Optometry, Professor Garry Fitzpatrick. The look was complete with each student donning their black velvet mortar board, and the black tassel positioned to their left side.

And so it was, a special day for UWA, the graduates, their families, friends, Optometry Western Australia (OWA), and the optometry profession in Australia. As President of OWA, I was fortunate to be invited to be part of the stage party procession, to cheer on the 40 graduates as listed on the next page.

<< Back to Optometry WA home page                   To Optometry WA – Our resources >>

The Doctor of Optometry UWA 2023 Graduates

• Nuala Rose Boog
• Sophie Rose Bottega
• Linda Cai
• Sarah Agnes Mei En Chee
• Celine Chen
• Treyton James Coxon
• Nadine Adele D’Cunha
• Songhi Dang
• Thi Kim Loan Dang
• Blagica Danilov
• Hannah Caitlin Edgecombe
• Pariya Ghanbari
• Dante Mirzet Amelia Gillies
• Patrick Adams Elento Gutierrez
• Rachel Elizabeth Harvey
• Teresa Hong
• Rebecca Jade Howells
• Thi Anh Huynh
• Samuel Lap-Chun Koon
• Nikita Harish Kukadia
• Shakeeta Kumar
• Ismar Kumbara
• Vi Xuan Hoang Le
• Pey Yen Lee
• Rebecca Marie Liddle
• Yadanar Sharon Lynch
• Nettie Wanting Ng
• Janette Nguyen
• Georgina Moraa Nyakundi
• Nasteha Abdi Omar
• Caleb Jayakumar James Pandian
• Dushika Virendri Ekanayake Pathirana
• Jack Henry Samuels
• Ellie Louise Schneider
• Lydia Kate Thorne
• Divya Michelle Urs
• Joan Elizabeth Van Zyl
• Wewage Umeshi Shanilka Dep Weerasinghe
• Julia Bernadette Wilding
• Jordan Chun Lun Yip

On behalf of OWA, I would like to express my sincere congratulations once again on their achievement and welcome them to our wonderful optometric community that we have here in WA.

<< Back to Optometry WA home page                   To Optometry WA – Our resources >>

UWA Doctor Of Optometry Graduation 2023

Photo credits: The University of Western Australia, Csmith Photography, and GFP Graduations.

After the conferral of awards, I was invited by the Chancellor to the lectern, alongside the student representatives, Dr Sarah Chee and Dr Ismar Kumbara, and Professor Garry Fitzpatrick, to join the upstanding Doctor of Optometry Graduates, in reading the oath.

The Valedictorian for the evening was one of our own, Dr Pariya Ghanbari. In her address she shared four lessons that she learned from her university years.

Lesson number 1 is to embrace our fears and uncertainties (whilst taking a risk with a brand new course at UWA, and the challenges of COVID-19… it’s about moving forward).

Lesson number 2 is to take our failures as learning opportunities (quoting the singer Rihanna “Never a failure, always a lesson”, Pariya shared that mistakes are valuable moments for reflection and growth).

Lesson number 3 is to share our knowledge with others and learn to work effectively as a team (Pariya describes sharing knowledge as being like hosting a communal feast – everyone brings a dish, and we all leave richer for it, plus it’s way more fun).

And finally, lesson number 4: to realise the power of saying ‘Thank you’ (as it’s a celebration of appreciation and humility. Pariya reminded the audience to always carry gratitude in their hearts).

Pariya finished with a sunset metaphor to her peers that is too beautiful not to repeat: “As we leave UWA, let’s view it as a magnificent sunset, leading to the sunrise of our future adventures, filled with new challenges, achievements, and endless possibilities”.

Dr Pariya Ghanbari

Photo credits: The University of Western Australia, Csmith Photography, and GFP Graduations.

The Honorary Doctoral Degree of The University was presented to a local optometrist who was innovative and influential, in particular to the development of contact lenses worldwide. This distinguished award was created to give public recognition to individuals for outstanding achievements in any recognised field of endeavour with strategic connection or relevance to the University, either at the State level or beyond. The proud and humbled recipient was Mr Donald Ezekiel AM. Once again, I congratulate and applaud Don.

Don expressed his gratitude for the University’s decision to confer the honorary degree and gave a lengthy speech about his journey and his life dedicated to the world of contact lenses.

He passed on life’s lessons to the graduates that day and finished with, “you may not progress along simple straight lines, but with determination you will make a contribution to the world, no matter how small or big that contribution may be, it will be your very own legacy, the most indelible of your steps along your journey”.

Pro-Chancellor, Ms Sue Murphy AO, who presented the award to Don, read the following citation:

“Mr Donald (Don) Ezekiel AM is an innovator, entrepreneur, healthcare professional and trailblazer. Don has actively sought out opportunities to extend his knowledge internationally and brought new skills and ideas home to Western Australia, where he quietly grew a productive export business selling contact lenses to the world.

Through leading a successful export orientated business, Don was able to introduce new specialised products to patients in Australia and in more than 20 countries.

Mr Donald (Don) Ezekiel AM and Pro-Chancellor, Ms Sue Murphy AO

Photo credits: The University of Western Australia, Csmith Photography, and GFP Graduations.

Don’s innovations include the use of rigid gas permeable materials for scleral lenses, which allows greater corneal oxygenation: the lenses therefore could be worn for longer. Through joint partnerships, he developed what was reputedly, the world’s first foldable intraocular lens made from a hydrogel material, the key advantage of which was that a smaller limbal incision was needed to insert the lens into the eye.

Don has made a significant and lasting contribution to the optometry profession and patients who benefited from more comfortable contact lenses and better protection for the long-term eye health of the wearer.

At the same time, Don maintained a family optometry practice, caring for patients and providing them with the best vision correction options. This award reflects the culmination of a lifetime of achievement that began when Don completed his Optometry Board of WA Diploma of Optometry through coursework studies at UWA in 1957.”

Don leaves his legacy to OWA member Mr Damon Ezekiel who runs Ezekiel Eyes, specialising in contact lenses, and continuing the high standard of service that his father provided.

I’d like to wish all optometrists the very best in their future endeavours. The association is there for you, for every step of your career. We look forward to meeting each of you in the upcoming OWA events, and in creating an environment for you to foster your skills and soar to new levels.

DOWNLOAD FULL PRESIDENT SUMMARY PDF

New Graduates are eligible for OWA Membership under the Immediate Graduate category, which offers 6 months free full time membership and PII .

Contact the OWA Office if you require further information and if you are a UWA new grad, check your inbox for your Welcome to OWA New Membership confirmation.

Stephanie Bahler, President
Optometry Western Australia

Optometry WA has an active group of members who are all within their first 10 years of their optometry career.  The Early Career Optometrists in WA have a busy calendar of events throughout the year of CPD and social nights.    2024 Dates Coming Soon 

(Doctor of Optometry)

I solemnly promise to practise the art and science of Optometry with due care and with the conduct becoming an Optometrist. I commit myself to serve humanity and to support the ideals and commitments of my profession. In pursuit of excellence, I pledge to enhance the well-being of my patients by upholding the following principles:

• I will maintain the highest standards of professional behaviour, promoting the values of global citizenship, ethical practice, and culturally safe healthcare delivery.
• I will abide by the professional code of conduct, consistently upholding the highest standards of ethical practice in all aspects of my work.
• I will treat each patient as an individual, showing them unwavering respect, empathy, and understanding. I will actively listen to their concerns with patience and compassion.
• I will act in the best interests of my patients, providing patient-centred care that is based on sound clinical judgement, current evidence, and aimed at achieving the best possible outcomes.
• I will strive to provide healthcare services that are inclusive. I will treat all those I serve equally, fairly, and with respect, without any discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, or political beliefs.
• I will empower my patients to make informed decisions aligned with their values and beliefs.
• I will uphold patient confidentiality and respect their autonomy in healthcare choices.

Professor Garry Fitzpatrick, Dr Sarah Chee, Dr Ismar Kumbara, and OWA President Stephanie Bahler

Photo credits: The University of Western Australia, Csmith Photography, and GFP Graduations.

• I will strive to continuously enhance my understanding and skills throughout my professional life by engaging in ongoing professional development and self-reflection.
• I will collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals, embracing a multidisciplinary approach to meet the complex needs of my patients.
• I recognise that optometry is a global profession and that I have a role to play in promoting the health and well-being of people around the world. I will advocate for the importance of preventative eye care, sharing my knowledge and experience to contribute to the growth and advancement of the optometry profession.
• In all my professional interactions, I will strive to be a role model for others, demonstrating the values of integrity, honesty, and accountability, whilst also working to promote the broader goals of public health and social justice.

Above all else, I will do no harm to my fellow human beings and especially to my patients. I make this declaration solemnly, freely, and upon my honour.

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES 

Optometry Students Western Australia (OSWA)

DOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY

Placement opportunities

Optometry WA acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Western Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures; and to Elders past and present.