TFOS Lifestyle report vice-chair Prof Monica Alves and chair Prof Jennifer Craig (centre), now TFOS chair, with former TFOS chair A/Prof David Sullivan at the TFOS Lifestyle Workshop meeting in Sicily in September 2022

The University of Auckland’s Professor Jennifer Craig has been appointed chair of the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society’s (TFOS) board of directors.

Joining the TFOS board in 2016, Prof Craig has been involved with the organisation since its inception 25 years ago. “I attended the original Lacrimal Gland, Tear Film and Dry Eye conferences in Bermuda and Maui and was a founding member of TFOS when Dr David Sullivan set it up in 2000,” she said.

Surprised, delighted and genuinely humbled to be voted in as chair, she says, “TFOS has had such an instrumental role throughout my career, so it’s a tremendous honour to be elected by my peers. Dr Sullivan’s had a phenomenal impact on the world of the tear film and ocular surface in raising awareness, facilitating collaborations between clinicians, scientists and industry and supporting ongoing research. It will be my privilege to contribute to ensuring the good work of TFOS continues to flourish.”

Asked if her appointment might highlight New Zealand’s scientific endeavours, Prof Craig said, “Eye researchers certainly haven’t allowed New Zealand’s small population or distant location diminish the contributions it can make on a global scale… this honour will, I’m sure, help draw attention to the meaningful difference researchers are striving to make for patients with dry eye disease, both in Aotearoa and beyond.”

With TFOS being global in nature, Prof Craig says she wouldn’t discount Auckland or her home city of Glasgow as possible future TFOS meeting hosts. “Both are fabulous cities, although future conference location choice will be a full board decision. Balancing the wish list of desirable locations against accessibility and affordability will be important to encourage attendance of both established and emerging researchers. So watch this space!”