Optometrists from around Australia will meet in Melbourne for Optometry Victoria’s annual education event, Southern Regional Congress, from 27–28 May.
Optometrist Malcolm Gin said he was looking forward to meeting up with almost 2,000 delegates expected to attend. His experience with SRC goes back to 1984 when he and approximately 100 other delegates attended the event at the Ringwood Civic Centre in outer Melbourne. At that time, he heard Trevor Sandy present on prisms and multifocals. Mr. Gin said his employers, Leunig and Farmer in West Gippsland, had instilled a passion for continuing professional education in all of their employees, which he has embraced.
“As an independent practitioner, it is important to stay relevant in the industry,” he said. “I also operate in a teaching capacity, with final year optometry students gaining work experience at my practice, so it is important to be able to practice and impart contemporary methods.”
The modern SRC has a focus on attracting high-calibre international speakers and Mr. Gin said he was particularly looking forward to hearing Dr. Jim Thimons speak at the 2017 event.
I loved the 80s theme at the 2016 conference. It was my era, I could bring out my old ties
“Jim is a regular visitor to Australia and an avid supporter of the industry in this country. He is well regarded for his contribution to having therapeutic qualifications endorsed in Australia,” said Mr. Gin. “Jim is a virtual encyclopaedia of optometry and I have often seen him present without notes or prompts.”
Alongside the lectures, Mr. Gin said he enjoys the social occasions and embraces the spirit of dressing up for the Saturday night gala dinner.
“I loved the 80s theme at the 2016 conference. It was my era, I could bring out my old ties, but I just can’t grow a mullet anymore!”
With SRC being a full weekend of lectures, he said, “first-time conference goers should plan ahead – look for presentations that are of interest to you and relate to your area of specialisation.
“Be open-minded about attending lectures that you may not have considered but will open you up to new ideas and emerging themes in the industry.”
To register visit www.optometry.org.au/vic/src
