RANZCO Eye Camp
Start your training program with the right skills
Induction for new trainees begins following selection into the RANZCO Vocational Training Program (VTP) and continues throughout the first six months of training.
An important part of this journey is RANZCO Eye Camp, a compulsory program designed to welcome our newest trainees, help them develop essential skills and prepare them for the exciting years of ophthalmology training ahead.
Eye Camp brings together new trainees from across Australia and New Zealand, providing a wonderful opportunity to develop practical and clinical skills, meet fellow trainees and begin building connections that will support them throughout their training.
The program includes the two-day RANZCO Induction Program and the three-day Microsurgical Skills Course, delivered by the University of Sydney.
Together, these components provide hands-on microsurgical training, clinical skills development and interactive sessions covering communication, cultural safety, professionalism, examination and study preparation, and an introduction to the RANZCO training program.
2027 Eye Camp Dates
Eye Camp 2027 will be held in Sydney in January, with the following dates:
- Microsurgical Skills Course – Group 1: Saturday 16, Sunday 17 and Monday 18 January 2027
- RANZCO Induction Program (Eye Camp): Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 January 2027
- Microsurgical Skills Course – Group 2: Thursday 21, Friday 22 and Saturday 23 January 2027
All trainees will attend the two-day RANZCO Induction Program and be allocated to one of the three-day Microsurgical Skills Courses, completing five days of training in total.
What Will You Learn at Eye Camp?
By the end of Eye Camp, new trainees will have had the opportunity to:
- Develop practical microsurgical skills and confidence in foundational ophthalmic surgical techniques.
- Become familiar with the RANZCO Vocational Training Program, including the curriculum, assessments, training requirements and expectations.
- Build foundational clinical skills and knowledge to support their transition into ophthalmology training.
- Explore the importance of effective communication, professionalism and culturally safe care in ophthalmic practice.
- Gain helpful advice and practical strategies for preparing for examinations, studying and navigating the demands of training.
- Meet fellow trainees, RANZCO staff, Fellows and educators, and begin building friendships and supportive networks that can continue throughout their training journey.
Logistics
All components of Eye Camp are compulsory for new RANZCO trainees.
Eye Camp is held annually in January or February, with dates scheduled to avoid the Australia Day (26 January) and Waitangi Day (6 February) public holidays.
Program Fees
There are separate fees for the two compulsory components of Eye Camp:
- RANZCO Induction Program (2 days): Trainees will be invoiced directly by RANZCO for this component.
- Microsurgical Skills Course (3 days): This course is delivered by the University of Sydney. Trainees will receive registration information and be invoiced separately for this component.
Accommodation and Travel
Trainees are responsible for arranging and covering the costs of their own accommodation and travel for both the RANZCO Induction Program and the Microsurgical Skills Course.
Optional Networking Dinner*
An optional networking dinner will be held on the evening of Day 1 of the RANZCO Induction Program.
This is a lovely opportunity for trainees to get to know one another and connect with RANZCO Fellows and College staff in a more relaxed and informal setting.
A co-payment applies for the dinner and will be invoiced directly by RANZCO.
Further Information
Successful applicants selected for the RANZCO Vocational Training Program will receive further information about Eye Camp, including program details, registration, fees and guidance on how to prepare for and attend.
We look forward to welcoming our newest trainees to Eye Camp and supporting them as they begin their ophthalmology training journey.
For any questions about Eye Camp, please contact Tessa Hayward at thayward@ranzco.edu.
Our Supporters
RANZCO sincerely thanks Roche for their generous support of Eye Camp 2027.
We are grateful for their contribution to helping us welcome the next generation of ophthalmologists and provide a valuable and engaging introduction to their training journey.