The beginning of the year marks a new group of students embarking on their final year of optometry, and this also means a new Optomsoc Executive Team. We recently had the chance to catch up with Winston Chau, President of Optomsoc and ask himsome questions about what he's looking forward to this year. 

Hey Winston, for our YO members who don't know, can you introduce yourself and what your main role/s are as Optomsoc President?

Hi everyone!

My name is Winston (most call me Wino), and I’m honoured to be the UNSW OptomSoc President for 2026 alongside an incredible team of passionate and hardworking executives.
As President, my goal is to help make university life as rewarding, enjoyable, and memorable as possible. Whether that means supporting students academically, professionally, or socially, I’m committed to creating opportunities that help everyone get the most out of their optometry journey.

Throughout the year, OptomSoc hosts a variety of events ranging from educational workshops and networking opportunities to social events that give students a chance to unwind, connect with their peers, and create long lasting memories. We’re also fortunate to have a fantastic team of Year Representatives across Years 1-4 who help us stay connected with each cohort and ensure students feel heard, supported and included.

Outside of event planning, I also work closely with industry partners and sponsors, who play a huge role in providing career development opportunities, educational resources, and valuable insights into the profession. Their support helps bridge the gap between university and the optometry industry, giving students access to experiences that extend beyond uni.

I’m excited for what’s ahead this year and can’t wait to see everyone at our events. If you ever see me around campus, please come say hello, I’m always happy to chat!  

What made you interested in becoming Optomsoc President?

What made me interested in becoming OptomSoc President was the positive impact that student societies can have on the university experience. Throughout my time at UNSW, I was involved with OptomSoc as a Year Representative for three years, which gave me the opportunity to work closely with students, organise events, and act as a voice for my cohort.

Over that time, I saw how much value these events and initiatives brought to students. I wanted to take on a larger role where I could help shape those experiences, support students throughout their degree, and continue strengthening the connection between students, the school, and the optometry industry.

Most importantly, I wanted to give back to a community that has contributed so much to my own university journey and help ensure future students have an even better experience than I did.

Do you have any goals you'd like to achieve as President for this year?

One of my goals as President this year is to continue building a strong sense of community within our optometry cohort. Optometry is a demanding degree, and I want every student to feel supported, connected, and able to make the most of their university experience.

I hope to expand the opportunities available to students, whether that's through educational workshops, networking events, industry engagement, or social activities. We are fortunate to have strong relationships with many industry partners, and I would love to continue creating opportunities that help students explore different career pathways and prepare for life after graduation.

Most importantly, I want OptomSoc to be a society that students genuinely enjoy being a part of. If we can create memorable experiences, support students throughout their degree, and leave people with positive memories of their time at UNSW, then I would consider that a successful year.

What drives your passion for Optometry?

My passion for Optometry is driven by the opportunity to connect with people and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Our vision plays such an important role in our everyday life, and I find it incredibly rewarding to help people see better, feel more comfortable and regain confidence in themselves.

I love that optometry allows me to build genuine and meaningful relationships with patients while combining healthcare with problem-solving. Whether it’s helping someone find the right pair of glasses, managing an eye condition, or simply improving their quality of life, it’s rewarding to know that even small changes can have a big impact on a person’s wellbeing.

Something you discovered about the uni not everyone may know?

The UNSW Kensington campus covers 38 hectares which is bigger than 70 football fields. Not that I’ve ever stepped on a football field…

What is your go to place for food at uni?

My love story with Soul Origin began in fourth year.

Like many great romances, it started unexpectedly. I was hungry, running late for class, and looking for something quick to eat. That's when I spotted Soul Origin. What began as a simple lunch stop soon became a weekly tradition, then a daily habit, and before I knew it, a full-blown commitment every break.

Some people have a favourite restaurant. I have Soul Origin. It's been with me through the highs, the lows, and every lunch break in between. At this point, I'm convinced I've spent enough time there to earn honorary staff status.

So if you're ever looking for me on campus, don't bother checking the clinic. There's a very good chance you'll find me at Soul Origin, continuing one of the most committed relationships of my university career.

Something others may not know about you:

My middle name (Vinh Phat) is the name of a popular Yumcha restaurant in Cabramatta.

I refuse to drink my morning coffee with milk. The only way is an Iced Long Black.

What do you usually do to de-stress?

I enjoy going to the gym and going on walks, especially if I can catch a nice sunset. I find it's a great way to clear my mind and take a break from studying or other commitments.

I'm also a massive foodie, and anyone who knows me knows that I love a good steak. A great steak is the quickest way to improve my mood after a long day!

Also… like many others, I can’t deny that I unwind by doom-scrolling on TikTok for a little longer than I probably should…

What song do you play that instantly lifts your mood?

Forever by Chris Brown

At the moment, do you have any preference with where you'd want to work/what you'd want to do after graduating? (eg. rural/metro/interstate, take a gap year before working etc)

When I graduate, I hope to work in a metro area, particularly within communities similar to the one I grew up in throughout Southwestern Sydney. Having seen firsthand that access to quality healthcare can still be limited for many families, I'd love the opportunity to give back to these communities and make eye care more accessible.

I'm particularly interested in paediatrics and myopia management, as I enjoy working with children and helping set them up for long-term visual health. As rates of myopia continue to rise, I'm excited by the opportunity to play a role in helping the next generation maintain healthy vision and improve their quality of life.

Is there anything you'd like to say/thoughts you have for future Winston at the end of this year?

I hope that future Wino can look back on this episode and appreciate how much I’ve grown over the past year not only as an optometrist but also as a person. The past years have given me more than just a degree, it’s provided me with lifelong friendships, unforgettable experiences, and opportunities that have challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone.

Most of all, I hope I never lose the enthusiasm that brought me into optometry in the first place. Whether it's helping patients, connecting with people, or making a positive impact in someone's day, I hope I continue to find purpose and enjoyment in the profession for many years to come.