Reunion tour like a time warp

Class of 1974, 40 years later (L-R) Richard Vojlay, Penny Thornton, Robert Zent, Beryl Twardy (nee Vinson), Kenneth Gregory, Carol Bartlett, Elaine Bryant (nee Martin), Evan Bryant, Andrea Murray (nee Creaser). Absent, Jane Ferguson, Barry Pettitt, Henry Kruszewski.
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Groups of alumni optometrists have returned for reunion tours, five, 20, 30 and 40 years after studying optometry at the University of Melbourne.

The head of the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Associate Professor Allison McKendrick, said it was the first time the department had run the tours. The tours in June showcased new on-campus training facilities, the expanded university Eyecare clinic and research laboratories.

Australian Research Council Future Fellow Dr Andrew Anderson hosted 12 alumni from the 2009 class, seven from the class of 1994, two—Dr Adrian Bruce and Ryan Rosario—from the 1984 class, and nine from the 1974 class.

Dr Anderson said the department had undergone many changes, including the move to the main campus, the launch of its Doctor of Optometry course, expansion of the Eyecare clinic and involvement in the Melbourne Brain Centre.

‘While much had changed, there were also many familiar people and things including several key pieces of practical laboratory equipment from the 1970s that are still in active service, and which were etched in the minds of many attendees.’

A class of 2004 reunion tour might be run later this year. The university plans to continue five, 10, 20, 30 and 40 year tours on an annual basis; and in 2015, invite the classes of 2010, 2005, 1995, 1985 and 1975 to the department.

Final year students in 1974 (L-R) Richard Vojlay, Jane Ferguson, Kenneth Gregory, Penny Thornton, Beryl Vinson, Robert Zent, Carol Bartlett, Elaine Martin, Evan Bryant, Andrea Creaser, Henry Kruszewski. Absent, Barry Pettitt.