Macular Disease Foundation Australia, in partnership with mivision, is delighted to announce ophthalmologist Dr Stephen Ong as the winner of the inaugural Eye Connect Healthcare Award.
Created to recognise healthcare professionals who go above and beyond for people living with macular disease, the award shines a light on the human side of eye care, and the reassurance and empathy that can make a world of difference to a person during an uncertain journey.
The response to the award exceeded all expectations, with more than 100 nominations submitted from communities across the country. Together, they painted a powerful picture of the extraordinary clinicians and clinic teams helping Australians navigate vision loss with confidence.
Winner Dr Stephen Ong
MBBS (Hons1), FRANZCO
Recognising exceptional care
Among those nominations was one from Elizabeth, a patient who has been under Dr Ong’s care for several years and whose story captured what the award was designed to celebrate.
Her nomination described a Saturday afternoon when she experienced worrying symptoms and reached out to Dr Ong for help.
“I probably phoned him four times and he rang me back, checking on me all through the afternoon and night when I am sure he was out to dinner,” Elizabeth recalled. “He was in constant contact with me and also spoke to staff and followed up the next day. That is dedication.”
A patient’s story of support and reassurance
For Elizabeth, that commitment has been evident since the day they met. When she experienced a bleed in her eye and required urgent treatment, Dr Ong travelled to her local day clinic to meet her for her first injection.
“From then on, I’ve been his biggest fan,” she said.
Over the years, she says his clear communication, professionalism and ability to put people at ease have helped her face the challenges of macular disease with confidence.
“He explains everything and answers any questions, so I know exactly where I stand with my eyesight,” Elizabeth said.
“I would like to thank him for giving me hope.”
Award Nominator Elizabeth
Why relationships matter in eye care
For Dr Ong, being named the inaugural winner was both unexpected and humbling.
“I was very surprised to hear that I was nominated, but humbled to think that one of my patients had said such kind words about me,” he said. “I was overwhelmed because there were so many other worthy finalists.”
Reflecting on what quality care means, Dr Ong said that treatment extends far beyond diagnosis and medical procedures.
“When you’re seeing someone every four, six or eight weeks over many years, you get to know them, their families and what’s happening in their lives.”
Those relationships, he believes, are essential to helping people manage the anxiety that often accompanies a diagnosis of macular disease.
“People are often really scared when they first come in,” Dr Ong said. “But when you’ve built trust and rapport, it makes it much easier for them to come back time after time. It relaxes the patient and helps them feel confident about their care.”
Celebrating excellence in eye care
Dr Ong’s story stood out among a remarkable field of nominees whose dedication and compassion were evident throughout the judging process. While Dr Ong was named the inaugural recipient of the Eye Connect Healthcare Award, we also congratulate this year’s other outstanding finalists:
- Emily Luu, Orthoptist, Save Sight Institute (NSW)
- David Shanahan, Optometrist, Fremantle (WA)
- Bundaberg Eye Clinic, Clinic Team (QLD)
Together, these finalists represent the extraordinary commitment of healthcare professionals across Australia who make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with macular disease.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination, and to our Community Reference Group for the care and consideration they brought to the judging process.
Read more on the finalists
Eye Connect Healthcare Award Finalists Announced
The finalists for the Eye Connect Healthcare Award have been announced following an extraordinary response from community members across Australia. More than 100 nominations recognised eye care professionals and clinic teams who have made a profound difference in the lives of people living with macular disease.
