Dry Eye Association NZ Public Education & Networking Event 2025

Dry Eye Association NZ Event Draws Full House

The New Zealand chapter of the Dry Eye Association held its second Public Education & Networking Event on 18 May 2025, in the foyer of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at the University of Auckland. Led by Professor Jennifer Craig, the Ocular Surface Laboratory hosted the event in partnership with Re:Vision Laser and Cataract, with sponsorship from Bausch + Lomb and BioRevive. The event brought together a lively crowd of people living with dry eye and their supporters for a day of education, discussion, and connection. The Dry Eye Association NZ was set up with a mission to improve the quality of life of those affected by dry eye by raising awareness, building community, and offering education, support and hope. Although still currently in its start-up stage, guided by a steering group comprising both patients and academics, the long-term objective is for the Association to become a by-patient, for-patient organisation that maintains strong ties to both the academic and eye care professional communities.

At the most recent patient-focused event, held at The University of Auckland, relevant expert public education was delivered by guest speakers, Dr Jay Meyer and Associate Professor Stuti Misra from the University of Auckland, and clinical optometrist, Adele Jefferies, as well as Dr Ally Xue and Jordan Cooper from the Ocular Surface Lab. Topics ranged from hormonal influences and light-based therapies to the impact of cosmetics on the ocular surface. Dry Eye Association NZ Chair, Bas Crutzen, closed the session with a moving account of his personal journey with dry eye.

Importantly, the day also offered valuable insights from those affected into some of the most commonly faced challenges, with direct feedback offered by those most profoundly impacted. During the small-group discussion session, attendees shared personal experiences with dry eye. Common themes included difficulty accessing care, especially in rural areas, limited public funding for treatment, and a need for better coordination between optometrists and other health professionals. These conversations underscored the importance of patient voices in shaping more empathetic and effective eye care systems.

Attendees also enjoyed lunch and networking, visiting sponsor booths, and learning about current research from the Ocular Surface Lab team. An interactive blink test led by PhD candidate Catherine Jennings added a fun, competitive twist to the afternoon, followed by myth-busting with Dr Kalika Bandamwar and a live ocular exam demo from Professor Craig.

The day wrapped up with an enthusiastic call for future events. For all who attended, it was truly a day to remember!

FEATURED IMAGE – Teamwork makes the dream work!
(L–R, front row) Dr Kalika Bandamwar, Nicholas Atmadja, Catherine Jennings, Dian Zhuang
(L–R, back row) Nusha Mirza, Prof Jennifer Craig, Bas Crutzen, Adele Jefferies, Dr Jay Meyer, Assoc Prof Stuti Misra, Jordan Cooper, Julie Cullen (Absent: Dr Ally Xue)