PROGRAM
Sunday November 16
Full program will be available soon.
AEST
8:45am-9:00am
Welcome and Acknowledgement of Country
9:00am-10:00am
Dr Bao Nguyen, Kerryn Hart and Prof James Armitage
Advancing optometric education: innovations and insights for the future
Clinical optometric practice has evolved rapidly over the past century towards evidence-based, patient-centred care. As graduate requirements have changed, so too has optometric education. This presentation will provide a snapshot of contemporary research, scholarship and practice in optometry education, compiled from across the globe for the first-ever Special Issue on Optometric Education in Clinical and Experimental Optometry journal. Original research studies, review papers and commentaries will be discussed that promote, influence, and inspire the future of optometric education.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the advances in optometric education worldwide through collaboration, contextual consideration, and expanded scope of optometric practice.
Discuss the importance of a holistic approach and use of technology to enhance optometric education.
CPD: 1
10:00am-11:00am
Taking inspiration from evidence – Integrating research into practice
Hear from a variety of experts from the fields of clinical practice, academia, and research and development to explore how innovations and evidence can shape prescribing decisions in contact lens practice. Discover how insights from TFOS DEWS III together with research in optical design and material performance influence and enhance the experience of today’s contact lens wearer.
The session also includes a special presentation by Professor Scott Read from QUT, who will share his latest research on near vision performance with digital devices, leading to meaningful improvements in functional vision and comfort in our visually demanding world.
Learning Objectives:
Identify key insights from TFOS DEWSIII to mitigate digital eyestrain.
Describe correcting even low levels of astigmatism can significantly improve patients’ visual function and comfort.
Describe the role of Alcon contact lens materials and optical designs in patient outcomes and success factors.
Helen Gleave and Prof Scott Read
Alcon Sponsored Session
CPD:
11:00am - 12:00pm
Stream 1
Jason Dhana
How far could your scope go?
Oral prescribing and beyond
This session explores the evolution and practical application of oral prescribing rights for optometrists in New Zealand, with insights from my role as an oral-prescribing hospital optometrist at Greenlane Clinical Centre. We will review the legislative pathway to becoming authorised prescribers, the impact on patient care - particularly in acute eye services - and the decision-making process behind choosing oral over topical medications. Through a series of real hospital case studies, I will illustrate how oral prescribing improves efficiency, accessibility, and outcomes, while also highlighting key safety considerations, evidence-based prescribing choices, and the broader implications for scope expansion in optometry.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the current scope of oral prescribing rights for optometrists in New Zealand and how it has evolved over time.
Identify key clinical scenarios where oral medications may be preferred over topical treatments in optometric practice.
Interpret the rationale and decision-making process behind oral prescribing for ocular and periocular conditions, using real hospital-based case studies.
Compare the evidence supporting oral vs topical antibiotics for conditions such as MGD and chlamydial conjunctivitis.
Recognise the systemic implications and responsibilities of oral prescribing, including drug safety concerns like QT prolongation and co-management of systemic diseases.
Describe how hospital optometrists collaborate in acute care services, including multidisciplinary cases involving neuro-ophthalmology, trauma, and systemic infections.
CPD:
Stream 2
Dr Lisa Nivison-Smith
AMD research: what’s new, what’s next?
This presentation will explore recent developments in AMD research, including the use of new large-scale resources such as the UK Biobank and the application of artificial intelligence to uncover new risk factors, predict disease progression, and personalise patient care. We will also examine research updates to clinical guidelines such as refinements to the AREDS risk score calculator incorporating reticular pseudodrusen and review emerging treatments for geographic atrophy, including recently approved pharmacological interventions. By the end of the session, attendees will have an understanding of how these innovations are shaping the future of AMD detection, prognosis, and treatment, and how this research may alter daily clinical practices relating to AMD.
Learning Objectives:
Evaluate how emerging research tools are transforming clinical management and treatment prospects for AMD.
CPD:
12:00pm-1:00pm
Astellas Sponsored Session
Adjunct Professor Hemal Mehta
Eye on GA: early signs, timely action
This session will discuss geographic atrophy, its impact on daily life, and available diagnostic tools and methods to assess disease progression and identify rapidly progressing cases. There will also be discussion of emerging treatments to slow geographic atrophy.
Learning Objectives:
Diagnose geographic atrophy using multimodal imaging.
Identify eyes at risk of rapid progression of geographic atrophy.
Discuss emerging treatments to slow geographic atrophy
Discuss referral pathways and shared care approaches for patients with geographic atrophy.
CPD:
1:00pm-1:30pm
REFRESHMENT BREAK
Stream 1
1:30pm-2:30pm
Jessica Patti
Information and tips on working
with children
This session will provide information and tips on working with children within an optometry setting. Working with children in clinical settings is very different to working with adults. In order to get valid results and ensure a positive experience for the client it can be helpful to understand their needs and make some simple modifications.
Learning Objectives:
Discuss the needs of children in the clinical environment.
Generate ideas about modifications that can be made to their practice to increase validity of their results and ensure a positive experience.
CPD:
Stream 2
Can optometrists correct for visual
onequity?
This presentation will provide an overview of the key determinants that impact visual outcomes, it will explore equity in provision of eyecare, offering examples, and provide a discussion of the role optometrists can play, personally and professionally, in responding to improve equity in eyecare.
Learning Objectives:
Discuss the role optometrists can play, personally and professionally, in bridging disparities in eye care for those settling as refugees.
Discuss how a range of factors can intersect to impact visual outcomes for a diversity of groups.
Discuss practical strategies to prepare optometric practices for inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive care delivery.
CPD:
Donya Eghrari
2:30pm-3:30pm
Essilor Sponsored Session
Session to be confirmed
CPD:
3:30pm-4:30pm
Stream 1
Nicola Lee
Taking pressure down a notch:
strategies for glaucoma treatment
escalation
Early detection and treatment is the key to preventing vision loss from glaucoma. But what options are open to practitioners when an existing treatment regime is no longer working and requires escalation? This webinar will discuss glaucoma progression and associated management options through the use of case studies collected through the CFEH Glaucoma Management Clinic (in collaboration with Prince of Wales Hospital) and the C-EYE-C Program (in collaboration with Westmead Hospital). A specially curated selection of cases will illustrate management strategies that were successfully employed to stabilise glaucoma progression, and guidance will be given on when best to employ each strategy for optimal control.
Learning Objectives:
Identify glaucoma progression using appropriate multimodal imaging.
Discuss the varying mechanisms of action of different glaucoma medications, and the potential synergistic effect when used in combination.
Recognise situations where glaucoma treatment escalation and/or onward referral for surgical intervention may be required for optimal control.
CPD:
Stream 2
Emmy Cui
Decoding myopia management:
strategies for pre-myopes and
progressive cases in children
This session will provide information and tips on working with children within an optometry setting. Working with children in clinical settings is very different to working with adults. In order to get valid results and ensure a positive experience for the client it can be helpful to understand their needs and make some simple modifications.
Learning Objectives:
Discuss the needs of children in the clinical environment.
Generate ideas about modifications that can be made to their practice to increase validity of their results and ensure a positive experience.
CPD: