On 2 November 2024, Dr Grant Raymond officially handed the presidential reigns to Professor Peter McCluskey.
The official handover occurred at the Graduation and Awards Ceremony & President’s Reception on Saturday evening, as part of RANZCO’s 55th Congress in Adelaide. In accepting the Presidency, Peter noted he intended to “lead and empower our Board, Council, Committees, SIGs, Branches and members to ensure RANZCO is well-positioned to influence and embrace the many changes that are coming. Together we must act to ensure RANZCO is on the front-foot to advocate for investment, research and change that benefits our patients and the profession of ophthalmology.” He encouraged all members to “create change that sees a future of equitable delivery of eye care in a culturally safe manner… I strongly encourage our newest members to start thinking about your professional development and understand the need to be an active college member. I hope you will join one of our 40 Committees, contribute to your local Branch and SIG, and aim to be standing here to take the helm in the not-too-distant future.”
In closing, Peter commended Grant on his role as President; “Grant’s considered manner has ensured the Board, in turn, carefully considers what is coming. He can see issues from all sides and is a master at ensuring all voices are heard. I have learnt a lot from him.”
Peter is Director of the Save Sight Institute at Sydney Eye Hospital and Professor and Chair of Ophthalmology at the University of Sydney. He has been Chair of the RANZCO Professional Conduct Committee, Professors’ Group, ORIA Research Advisory Committee, and a member of the Governance Committee, SIMG Committee and the RANZCO Council. Peter has been a RANZCO Director since 2019.