Credit: University of Auckland

In the wake of funding cuts and restructuring, the University of Auckland’s Department of Ophthalmology has announced it will forgo this year’s Excellence in Ophthalmology and Vision Research Prize Evening.

It has been a year of significant change for the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, which continues to adjust to the impact of the recent restructure, said Professor Charles McGhee, department head. “I want to acknowledge that this period of transition has brought added pressure and uncertainty for many and I’m very grateful for the patience, flexibility and commitment staff have shown in continuing to support our work, our students and one another through a challenging time.”

The decision is not a reflection of the importance of the occasion or of the achievements of the department’s undergrad, postgrad or summer students, he said. “Their hard work and dedication are very much valued and their accomplishments are something we are proud to recognise.” Instead, the department will host a smaller internal event to honour the various prize winners, Prof McGhee said, adding he is hopeful that they will be in a position to hold the Prize Evening again next year.

The recent faculty restructuring has affected administrative and technical support functions and occurred within a constrained funding environment nationally and internationally, said Professor Warwick Bagg, dean of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. “In ophthalmology, as elsewhere, there has been no reduction in academic, teaching or research staff numbers. Despite the national context, research at the University of Auckland remains strong and well supported, with continued success in securing competitive health research grants and substantial philanthropic funding,” he said. There are no current plans that would reduce ophthalmology teaching capacity, research output, or academic staffing, he added.