DR PETER BECKINGSALE – Leading the Way: Insights from the 2026 ANZCS Conference in Sydney

It was a privilege to recently welcome colleagues to Sydney for the Australian and New Zealand Corneal Society (ANZCS) conference. As the current Chair of the Society, I found this year’s gathering particularly energizing, offering a glimpse into a future where technology and surgical precision converge to significantly improve patient outcomes.
For our community of optometrists and GPs, these advancements represent a shift in how we will soon manage corneal disease and cataracts. Here are the key takeaways from our sessions held on March 5th and 6th.
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Global Expertise and Technical Precision
We were honored to host Dr. Alain Saad from France, a world-renowned expert in corneal surgery. His presentations on advanced transplantation techniques underscored how far we have come in refining lamellar procedures. The focus remains on “less is more”—replacing only the diseased layers of the cornea to speed up visual recovery and reduce rejection risks.
The Digital Frontier: AI and Robotics
The “future” of medicine felt very much in the room during a thought-provoking session by technologist Adam Spencer. We explored the burgeoning role of AI, not as a replacement for clinical judgment, but as a powerful diagnostic and predictive ally.
Perhaps most exciting was the discussion surrounding robotic surgery. We are approaching an era where technology will allow for:
• Continuous, real-time 3D analysis of the anterior segment using integrated OCT scanning.
• Instantaneous modulation of ultrasound energy during surgery.
• Full spatial awareness of critical structures like Descemet’s membrane and the posterior capsule.
This level of intraoperative guidance will make cataract and transplant surgery significantly safer by providing a “GPS” for the surgeon’s every move.
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A Milestone for Queensland
The latest data from the Eye Bank Association of Australia and New Zealand (EBAANZ) and the Australian Corneal Graft Registry (ACGR) brought some incredible news for our local network.
Corneal transplant rates are steadily increasing across the country, but Queensland is leading the charge. Our state now supplies more corneas for surgery than any other Australian Eye Bank. This is a testament to the dedication of our clinical teams and the generosity of donors, ensuring that patients in our region have faster access to life-changing surgery.
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Save the Date: Adelaide 2027
While we are still processing the insights from Sydney, it is never too early to look ahead. I am very much looking forward to our next meeting, which will be held in Adelaide on March 4th and 5th, 2027.
As we integrate these robotic and AI-driven tools into our practices, the partnership between ophthalmologists, optometrists, and GPs becomes even more vital. We aren’t just changing how we operate; we are changing how we monitor and maintain the long-term health of our patients’ sight.