Australasian ophthalmology: trans-Tasman ties.

Links between Australian and New Zealand ophthalmology began with peripatetic surgeons who worked in both countries. Links continued with the Intercolonial Medical Congresses which began in 1887. Ophthalmologists from both countries were involved in the founding of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons in 1927. There were combined meetings of the Ophthalmological Societies of Australia and New Zealand from 1962. Common training and qualification programs evolved. The culmination of ties occurred in 1997 when the Ophthalmological Society of New Zealand merged with the Royal Australian College of Ophthalmologists to form the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.