The Conference at a Glance - RANZCO NZ ASM 2026

The RANZCO Conference has a rich history, having been held 76 times—a testament to its continued relevance for delegates, speakers, and sponsors alike. Its success stems from a well-crafted programme featuring three plenary sessions and concurrent streams tailored for the ophthalmology industry. Delegates can expect world-class presentations from international experts, alongside exceptional contributions from local speakers.

The conference experience is enhanced by the popular Welcome Function and Conference Dinner, offering valuable networking opportunities in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Who Should Attend?
This conference is designed for ophthalmologists and ophthalmic nurses, registrars, technicians and scientists featuring plenary sessions with two tailored concurrent streams. Presentation durations range from 5 to 30 minutes, with extended sessions for keynote speakers.

What to Expect
Expect a welcoming and friendly environment with a smart casual dress code.

Hybrid Experience
The Hub, our innovative conference app, will be utilized again in 2026, continuing its success from past years.

Photography Notice
A photographer will be present during the conference. If you prefer not to have your photo published in future event materials, newsletters, or on the RANZCO website, please inform the photographer directly.

The theme of the Conference is "Remarkable Insight"; with a focus on:

Cataract and service delivery
Cornea and external disease
Ocular oncology
Paediatric ophthalmology

Our Keynote Speakers are:

Prof. Carol L. Karp, (USA)
Dr Jan Tjeerd de Faber (Netherlands)
Dr John Ellis (Scotland)
Dr Heather Machin (Australia)

Our invited speakers are:

Dr Muiz Mahyudin (Malaysia)
Dr Keith Small (New Zealand)

To view a speaker bio, visit the Speakers tab.

A note about our conference logo

Our logo was developed by the RANZCO designer. Before publication, it goes through a formal approval process. A key part of this process is consultation with Christina (Chrissie) Cowan ONZM, Chief Executive of Kāpō Māori Aotearoa NZ, to ensure we continue to honour the koru originally developed for the RANZCO Association.

With Chrissie’s permission, we are delighted to share her interpretation of the design:

“The mountains represent the mountains of all of the people who will be attending the conference; the eye represents the work of ophthalmologists; and the koru represents RANZCO.”

Queenstown is a location that's unique to New Zealand! A place where alpine beauty, adventure, and warm southern hospitality come together.

Nestled beside the crystal‑clear waters of Lake Whakatipu and surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range, the town offers an unforgettable blend of natural splendour, outdoor experiences, and vibrant local vibe.

Convenient and compact, Queenstown is easy to navigate, with a wide range of accommodation options within close proximity to the conference venue.

The 2026 Conference will be hosted at the QT Queenstown (formerly Rydges), the only venue in the region capable of accommodating an event of this scale. We have accommodation available at the hotel. You will come to the link when you register.

Make the Most of Your Time in Queenstown

With the conference ending late Saturday afternoon, it’s the perfect opportunity to extend your stay and enjoy everything the region has to offer. Whether you bring family or meet up with friends, Queenstown is an ideal base for an extended escape.

Getting There and Around

Queenstown Airport is a short drive from the town centre, with taxis, shuttles, and rideshare services readily available. Most places are within walking distance from the conference hotel.

Explore and Enjoy

Queenstown’s dining scene is exceptional, offering everything from lakeside fine dining to relaxed eateries and iconic local favourites. For those seeking adventure or relaxation, the region caters to every pace, from scenic walks, wine tours, and spa experiences to jet boating, biking, and gondola rides with panoramic views.

Visit the Eat, Drink, Visit tab for inspiration on how to make the most of your time in Queenstown.

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Conference Dinner, being held at the conference hotel. We will start the night with drinks and canapes served in 'Reds Bar' and then move to the dinner venue.

What’s Included?
Your ticket includes a complimentary drink on arrival, canapes, and a delicious two-course meal.

Who Can Attend?
The Conference Dinner is included in the registration fee for Nurses, providing a fantastic opportunity to connect with peers in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

In the unlikely event that dinner tickets sell out, the registration fee for these groups will be adjusted accordingly.

All other delegates are welcome to purchase dinner tickets, including options for a partner.

Dress Code
The dress code is smart, but there’s no need for a black tie, come ready to enjoy a relaxing evening!