Staff and students from the University’s Directorate of Orthoptics and Vision Science (DOVS) have been awarded the top three prizes in a photo competition organised for World Orthoptic Day (5 June).
Orthoptics is a profession allied to eye care profession whose primary emphasis is the diagnosis and non-surgical management of strabismus (eye misalignment), amblyopia (lazy eye) and eye movement disorders. Orthoptists are trained professionals who specialize in orthoptic treatment.
The International Orthoptic Association (IOA) is the global voice of the orthoptic profession which internationally is made up of 15 member national professional organisations and 6 associate member organizations.
Each year the IOA organise a photography competition and use the winning photos in posters and online. The theme this year was “Orthoptic science meets art” and the DOVS submitted five entries to be considered.
The photos were designed in collaboration between the staff and students in the DOVS and photographer Alan Bannister, from the University’s TEL support team. Of the five submitted three of them were awarded the top three prizes.
Below are two of the winning photos in the posters designed by the IOA. The third can be found at the top of this article.
The DOVS is the innovative, expert group responsible for the University’s Orthoptic education, training and research. The undergraduate programme is one of only three in the UK providing wide-ranging postgraduate and CPD opportunities.
Anna O’Connor, Senior lecturer, DOVS, said: “We are delighted to have won not just one, but three awards in this year’s competition.”
Dr David Newsham, Head of Orthoptics & Vision Science, DOVS, said: “Many people are unaware of the important role of Orthoptics in the eye care team. Our staff include acclaimed experts with international profiles in many fields of Orthoptics and ensure the latest research knowledge and practice are quickly incorporated into our courses.
“The Directorate plays a large role in contributing to the development of the profession. Members of our team hold key positions with the British & Irish Orthoptic Society, the professional body governing Orthoptists in the UK and Eire.”
For more information regarding the DOVS please visit https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/orthoptics/