A new professional networking group, Young Optometrists (YO) has launched itself with an inaugural event in the form of a Q&A seminar: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know But Were Too Afraid to Ask”.
YO describes itself as a group of newly graduated optometrists who are seeking to give voice and support to young optometrists who have been practising for 10 years or less.
The aim of the group is to facilitate networking between optometrists, promote the profession as a whole and “give rise to a side of optometry that is young and fun”.
YO spokesperson Ms. Carina Trinh said the inaugural event, held in Sydney in June, heard from a panel of professionals – Dr. Colin Chan, Mr. Will Robertson, Mr. Grant Hannaford and Mr. Steve Zantos.
The aim of the group is to facilitate networking between optometrists, promote the profession as a whole…
“It was great to see an enthusiastic gathering of young optometrists together, asking questions, learning, eating, gaining CPD points, and having a great time together,” Ms. Trinh said.
Mr. Christopher Pooley, one of the MCs at the event, said Dr. Chan, an ophthalmologist, advised seminar participants to always look for pigment dispersion syndrome, and to not be afraid to treat contact lens related keratitis.
Dr. Chan told the audience that ophthalmologists generally like a ‘heads up’ with respectful communication to ensure the best treatment for mutual patients.
Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association (ODMA) representative and dispenser, Mr Will Robertson urged the young optometrists to treat sales representatives with respect, building relationships that would benefit their optometry practice in the long term.
Mr Grant Hannaford spoke to the audience on his area of expertise as a spectacle lens designer, while optometrist Mr. Steve Zantos discussed the importance of mentoring, and provided some useful pointers on the Medicare system.
The YO thanked ODMA and the OAA NSW/ACT for their support.
YO is looking for new members. To contact the organisation, email y.optoms@gmail.com. The group is also on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/yoptoms
