(Click here to view images from the WAVE 2011 Conference)
(Click here to view images from the Perth Scientific Conference Dinner)
While most of the major capitals in Australia were drizzled in rain, Perth presented a glorious early Spring day to welcome delegates to WAVE (Western Australia Vision Education) 2011. This year WAVE 2011 has moved to the Perth Convention Centre, a world class facility in the heart of the CDB with stunning views of the Swan River.
Darrell Baker, President of the Optometrists Association Australia (OAA), WA Division, officially welcomed a lecture hall full of delegates from around the country.
To learn new things, to relearn forgotten things, to develop new skills, to expand areas of expertise and to explore and develop new areas
Among the many new delegates to experience WAVE for the first time was Michael Knipe, the National President of the OAA.
In his opening address to the delegates of WAVE, Mr Knipe shared his insights into CPD and on-going education.
WAVE 2011
Dr Laura Downie registers for WAVE 2011
Michael Knipe, the National President of the OAA opens WAVE 2011
Professor Charles McMonnies opened the lecture series with his first presentation was on "Meibomian Gland Dysfunction"
Eyres at WAVE 2011
Shaan at WAVE 2011
Bausch and Lomb at WAVE 2011
The new home of WAVE, the Perth Convention Centre
Mondottica at WAVE 2011
Many graduating Optometrists, Mr Knipe shared, thought that when they graduated that it would be their end goal. Now that they have gotten their degree they have attained the definitive emblem of their genius.
But the reality is that learning never ends. No matter what you do, it isn’t enough. Once you graduate and spend a few years in practice you then realise what little you know, how quickly you forget, and you realise how much more there is to learn as the world of optometry changes around you.
And this, said Mr Knipe, is the point of CPD and the point of WAVE. To learn new things, to relearn forgotten things, to develop new skills, to expand areas of expertise and to explore and develop new areas. Mr Knipe’s final message. “I urge you to adopt life long learning and life long professional development. You and your profession will be the better for it.”
With 42 points on offer the educational program kicked off with the main plenary lecture by Professor Charles McMonnies. Professor McMonnies opened the lecture series with his first presentation was on “Meibomian Gland Dysfunction”. Immediately following was the five clinical workshops. Dr Laura Downie’s clinical workshop presented “Contact Lens Complications and Tx Management”. OCANZ Chairman Daryl Guest presented on “Neurological Disorders That You are Likely To See” and Roman Serebrianik presented “Why an I Crying? Common Disorders of the Lacrimal System and Their Management”. Matthew Wensor presented on “Advanced Perimetry Using the Humphrey Field Anayliser” and Mike Wertheim’s workshop focused on “Anterior Chamber Flare”.
Gearing up for the growth of WAVE, the OAA WA Division CEO Tony Martella, was more than happy with his decision to move the conference to the Perth Convention Centre.
The move to a significantly larger venue was made to cater for the needs of expected growth in future delegate numbers and also to cater requirements needed for a larger exhibition space. This WAVE attracted 39 exhibitors, which is the largest number of trade exhibitors to ever be present. This year six new exhibitors Optique Line, Mondottica, Optos, Ellex and CR Surfacing joined the regulars in the larger exhibition hall.
Delegate attendance was also strong. With a state membership of just over 300 people, a high percentage, almost 200, have registered as delegates for WAVE 2011. Mr Martella said. “We’ve also introduced electronic keypads which enable the delegate to log in and answer assessment question during the sessions.”
