Credit Destination Queenstown

Kia ora koutou. As convenor of the 76th RANZCO New Zealand Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM), I am delighted to invite you to join us in Queenstown 8–9 May 2026. The meeting will be held at the newly refurbished QT Hotel. With easy access from across New Zealand and Australia, plus Queenstown’s renowned food, wine and scenery just steps away, the setting is exceptional.

Bringing together diverse distinguished international speakers with their exceptional depth of expertise, plus an impressive line-up of local experts, the 2026 ASM will be a landmark event in advancing ophthalmic excellence. The programme reflects our theme ‘Remarkable Insight’ with focused sessions in cataract and service delivery, cornea and external disease, ocular oncology and paediatric ophthalmology. The scientific programme, curated by Scientific Programme chair Professor Charles McGhee, offers a compelling mix of cutting-edge research, clinical innovation and practical insights designed to inform and inspire.

Our international speakers are:

• Professor Carol Karp (US) – corneal specialist at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and pioneer of interferon therapy for ocular surface squamous neoplasia and ultra-high-resolution OCT as ‘optical biopsy’.

• Dr John Ellis (Scotland) – leader of the high-volume cataract service in Dundee with extensive research in training.

• Dr Jan-Tjeerd de Faber (Netherlands) – head of Paediatric Ophthalmology at Rotterdam Eye Hospital and founder of the campaign that led to the Dutch ban on consumer fireworks.

• Dr Heather Machin (Australia) – head of Lions Eye Donation Service and internationally recognised leader in ophthalmic nursing and eye banking.

The meeting will be preceded by a dedicated registrar training day Thursday 7 May from 10am–5pm, where our esteemed international faculty will provide focused teaching. Our video competition ‘A visual symphony’ returns with categories for Best Educational Film, Innovation in Ophthalmology, Public Health and Equity in Eye Care. For more, visit https://tinyurl.com/m2avm4yk

The social programme includes a welcome function on Thursday evening with the meeting dinner at the QT Hotel and pre-dinner drinks at Reds Bar.

We extend our sincere thanks to our industry partners, with Alcon returning as platinum sponsor. Catering will be served in the sponsors’ area, encouraging engagement with the latest ophthalmic technologies. The CPD team will also be available onsite.

Finally, my heartfelt thanks to the dedicated organising team whose year-round work makes this meeting possible: Drs Liz Insull, Logan Mitchell, Peter Hadden, Cheefoong Chong, Erica Doucet, Professor Charles McGhee, Renee Stapleton, Marie Taylor and Karen McLean.

Ngā mihi nui,

Dr Verona Botha, RANZCO NZ Branch ASM committee chair and convenor 2026