ANZEF Impact Report 2023

Streamlined Granting Strategy and Inaugural ANZEF Grant Round In 2023, the Foundation revamped its granting strategy to manage funding requests more sustainably and effectively, with an annual call for grants. Its dedicated selection panel draws from the extensive ophthalmic care, education and research experience of RANZCO Fellows and associates. It includes First Nations, rural, remote and global health perspectives and expertise, to ensure evidence-based decisions that are aligned with ANZEF’s mission. The projects selected in September 2023 through ANZEF’s first grant round reflect our core mission of promoting equitable access to eye care, innovation and sustainable solutions. An overwhelming response saw a combined $1.47M requested from diverse stakeholders leading innovation and advancements in vision care, including RANZCO members, international development organisations, healthcare workers and researchers for a wide range of equity-driven projects. Six grants totalling $185,000 were awarded across the region:

Sponsorship of Pacific Islands Participants for Microsurgical Skills Training: This project, led by A/Prof Graham Wilson, A/Prof Con Petsoglou and Dr Yves Kerdraon and administered by The University of Sydney, is opening doors for Pacific Island junior doctors to enhance eye care for their communities through specialised training in microsurgical skills.

“This call for grants has highlighted the vast scope of work being done in the region to contribute to improving equity and access in eye care. Their high calibre made clear how much opportunity there is for further investment. We’re thrilled and honoured to support these six selected projects that promise to deliver positive change for their communities.” — Paula Llavallol, Head of Foundation

Expansion of Support for Global Eye Health Workshop: With your support, this project led by Prof Mark Radford from Queensland Eye Institute, facilitates learning exchanges between RANZCO Fellows and colleagues from low-resource settings, offering enriching experiences and networking opportunities for ophthalmologists beyond Australia and New Zealand.

6 - ANZEF Impact Report 2023 - The Difference You Made

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