Orthoptics scholarships and prizes

Scholarships also allow students to focus on their studies and participate in university life by easing the financial pressures that they may encounter. 

The Glenda Rutz Polaris UTS Orthoptics Scholarship

This Scholarship is supported by the children of Glenda Rutz, an inspiration and guiding light to many. The Scholarship aims to celebrate passion and drive by supporting a high achieving UTS orthoptics student in their second year of study.

This award is in honour of Glenda Rutz, a beloved mother who made a positive impact on so many and was an inspiration to her family and friends. 

Glenda devoted her life as a TAFE lecturer, making a difference particularly to those who had endured hardship or had a disability. Her empathy and care which went beyond her teaching, positively impacted and influenced the path of individuals, provided purpose and empowerment which they themselves have continued to this day. This selfless care displayed by Glenda endured for decades, even when she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. 

Whilst Glenda has passed, she has left a powerful and honourable legacy with her family, which we wish to continue with this wonderful award. Troy Rutz, Glenda’s son, is a graduate from the USyd School of Orthoptics and Sarah Najdek her daughter both are an embodiment of her ideals. Having taken inspiration from Glenda, they both continue to honour her legacy by mentoring, supporting and inspiring others to spread kindness and strive to make a difference.

Introduced in 2025, successful recipients of this Scholarship demonstrate these attributes and will continue to make a positive difference to many for years to come.

Why Polaris?

The North Star, also known as Polaris, has been a symbol of guidance and direction for centuries. In ancient times, navigators and travellers used the North Star to determine their location and navigate the seas. It sparks of imagination from which dreams are formed, stars represent limitless possibilities and infinite wonder. Over the years, Polaris has come to be associated with direction and purpose, glowing bright to guide our heart’s true desires.

Find out more about the The Glenda Rutz Polaris UTS Orthoptics Scholarship

The Dr Con Moshegov Orthoptics Scholarships

The late Dr Con Moshegov's legacy is extraordinary.

He was an Honorary Associate in the UTS Discipline of Orthoptics and had a profound passion for mentorship, contributing significantly to teaching and nurturing of orthoptists in the workplace. He mentored UTS Orthoptics students as a clinical placement partner and through lectures in Ocular Pathology subjects, particularly in his area of expertise related to corneal disease and anterior segment conditions, cataract and laser eye surgery.

In recent online lectures, Dr Moshegov stated that he preferred to teach in person to provide students face-to-face interaction, but regardless of the mode of delivery, he allowed us all to experience his zeal for teaching. Those who met him were always taken by his charismatic, genuine, caring nature coupled with a brilliant mind and his skill as an Ophthalmologist.

Dr Moshegov was also instrumental in providing web-based experiences in clinical practice for future UTS Orthoptics students, showcasing how an orthoptist is an integral part of the ophthalmic workplace.

Dr Moshegov was himself a philanthropist, having established the George Street Eye Centre Scholarship at UTS in Orthoptics, supporting students from remote, rural or interstate Australia.

The Dr Con Moshegov Memorial Award in Orthoptics – UTS Fund contributions will ensure that the incredible impact Dr Moshegov had during his lifetime, continues for many years to come in the way of supporting UTS Orthoptics students commencing from 2022 who reside outside Sydney, rural, remote, interstate or with refugee background to succeed in this rewarding and vital field.

Additionally, the Ellex & Quantel Medical by Lumibird Compact Touch Ocular Ultrasound A-scan and B-Scan biometer has been donated from the Fund, which will significantly contribute to the teaching and research in the Discipline. 

Find out more about the UTS Dr Con Moshegov Orthoptics Scholarships.

Past Recipients: 2024 Jesse Warner (Geographical Disadvantage) and Romina Mahajer Oroumieh (Refugee Background), 2023 Sangjun (Samuel) Kim (Geographical Disadvantage), 2022 Mirai Al Kaed (Refugee Background), 2022 Maya Bujas (Geographical Background)

Frank Martin Orthoptics Award

The Frank Martin Orthoptics Award is given to the student with the highest grade point average (GPA) based on the most recently completed tertiary qualification. It is awarded to the recipient in their first year of study.

Find out more about the Frank Martin Orthoptics Award. 


 

Past recipients: Katherine Le (2024), Elias Helou (2023), Taylor Truong (2022), Melinda Mo (2021), Samaha Noor (2020), Xanthe Harrison (2019), Eleena Tran (2018) 

Katoomba Parke Scholarship

For the student who has demonstrated at application and interview, a passion to pursue an orthoptic career in rural and remote practice.

Parke Street Specialist Centre is located in the Blue Mountains and has been part of the community for over 10 years where Dr Paul Adler as founder alongside Dr Sophia Lahz have a wide range of dedicated specialists, clinical and administrative staff as part of their team, who provide services from the Blue Mountains and surrounding areas inclining Katoomba, Lithgow, Springwood, Penrith and Bathurst.

Lance/Jolly Prize

This prize awards the student with the highest average mark in the Orthoptics course in their final year of study. 

Find out more about the Lance-Jolly Prize. 

This prize was initially established in 2004 as the Patricia Lance Prize, by donations from friends and colleagues of Patricia Mary Lance, MBE.

In 2012, additional funds were contributed to the prize by Neryla Jolly on her retirement after over 40 years of service to orthoptic education. During this time the name of the prize was changed to the Lance / Jolly Prize. Both Miss Lance and Mrs Neryla Jolly held the position of Head, School of Orthoptics, at Cumberland College of Health Sciences and University of Sydney, respectively.

From 2016, this prize is awarded annually to the student with the highest average mark in the orthoptic course at the Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney.

Past recipients: 2023 Christina Awad, 2022 Dan Uyen (Danni) Nguyen, 2021 Alana Braxton-Boal, 2020 Xanthe Harrison, 2019 Eleena Tran, 2018 Georgia Rossettin, 2017 Shanelle Sorbello, 2016 Aida Zeric, 2015 Felicia Adinanto, 2014 Devica Apriyani, 2013 Nicole Carter.

Orthoptics Australia Prize

The Orthoptics Australia Prize is awarded annually to the student with the highest overall mark in Professional Practice subjects in their final year of the Orthoptics course.

 Orthoptics Australia is the national professional organisation that represents orthoptic members across Australia.  

Find out more about Orthoptics Australia. 
 

 

Past recipients: 2023 Taylor Truong, 2022 Dan Uyen (Danni) Nguyen, 2021 Tina Tao, 2020 Xanthe Harrison, 2019 Ashleigh Vrajlal, 2018 Stephanie Retsas, 2017 Genevieve Mooney, 2016 Mythili Ilango, 2015 Juno Cubelo

ODMA Richard Grills AM Memorial Prize

Donated by the Optical Distributors & Manufacturers Association (ODMA) in memory and recognition of the career-long contribution of Richards Grills AM to the eye care industry, including orthoptics. Richard delivered lectures in optics to our Master students and was a long-term member of the UTS Orthoptic Industry Advisory Board.

Awarded to the student who achieves the highest cumulative mark in two subjects: Clinical Management of Refractive Error, & Therapy, Management and Rehabilitation. 
 



 

Past recipients: 2023 Assmaa Ekila, 2022 Melinda Mo.

Read more:

• 2024 UTS Orthoptics Prize and Scholarship Evening (opens external site)
• 2021 UTS Orthoptics Prize and Scholarship Evening (opens external site)
• Clinical Excellence Awards
• Orthoptic Industry Advisory Board