
Optometry conference season continues in North Queensland and Tasmania.
Qld/NT
Cathryn Baker
Escape the cold this July and enjoy the tropical conference of the year, North Queensland Vision. The 2–3 July conference will see optometrists from across Australia and New Zealand come together at the Shangri-La Hotel in Cairns for a weekend of exceptional education with fabulous company.
The 2016 clinical program incorporates an excellent array of lecture topics to suit all practice types, while still delivering over 40 CPD points. Highlights include peripheral retinal degenerations and a retinal detachment update with Associate Professor Anthony Kwan and contact lens related inflammation diagnosis and management with Dr. Maria Markoulli. Ian Gutteridge will present on acute anterior uveitis and systemic considerations and Celia Bloxsom will troubleshoot rigid gas permeable contact lenses. Further speakers include Dr. Emily Pieterse, Michael Kalloniatis, Tim Fricke, Dr. Mark Chiang and more. To view the full program visit www.etouches.com/nqv2016.
This is a night not to miss
As in previous years, NQV is offering complimentary optional online assessment, an included gala dinner ticket for full delegates and two sponsored breakfast lectures. Delegates will also be treated to a night of fantastic live entertainment, delicious food and excellent company, all within an iconic Cairns location. This is a night not to miss.
An exhibition display will round out NQV, offering the chance for delegates to familiarise themselves with the latest in equipment, lenses, solutions, finance and more. To view the official NQV 2016 website including the program, conference dinner, accommodation deals and to register please visit www.etouches.com/nqv2016 or phone (AUS) 07 3839 4411.
Tas
Geoff Squibb
The 12th Tasmanian Lifestyle Congress (TLC) will move to a new venue and a new date this year. The conference will be held at the Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart from 2–4 September 2016.
All previous TLCs have been held at the Old Woolstore. Optometry Tasmania President Brett Jenkinson described the move to the larger venue as necessary due to increasing attendance in recent years. He was quick to point out, however, that TLC will retain the intimacy for which it is renowned, with the increased space providing greater comfort for delegates, in a classroom style setting.
Having a venue that could stage all components of the Congress, including the CooperVision Congress Dinner on the Saturday evening would overcome some of the logistical problems associated with moving from the main conference venue for particular events within TLC. The area for the trade display would also be expanded while remaining in close proximity to the lecture hall. It is expected that at least six equipment suppliers will attend TLC, giving Tasmanian business owners and optometrists access to the latest in equipment technology.
Optometry Tasmania’s Congress Program Director, Andrew Hogan, said this year’s list of speakers would match the high calibre of previous TLC presenters. NSW State Councilor and Cornea Contact Lens Society President Margaret Lam will present this year’s Keith Mackriell lecture as well as another presentation. TLC will again feature the Australian Low Vision Seminar with visiting New Zealand Low Vision specialist Naomi Meltzer as the keynote speaker. For 30 years Ms. Meltzer has provided low vision services and education in New Zealand. Additionally she is a member of a panel advising the Ministry of Health on publicly funded low vision rehabilitation services.
The Hotel Grand Chancellor, the Old Woolstore, the Henry Jones Art Hotel and Best Western Hobart are all offering special rates for TLC accommodation. The program and registration forms are available for downloading from Optometry Tasmania’s website: www.optometry.arg.au/tas