OA is working on priority commitments to progress it’s 2040 strategy as O Qld/NT puts the finishing touches on AVC 2019.
OA
It is now a few months since we launched the findings of Optometry 2040 – Taking Control of Your Future. We are pleased to advise that we have already started working on a number of the ‘priority commitments’ presented in the report.
Most significantly, we have made progress in the area of applied research. We have identified new models of care on the horizon and we need to act now to ensure effective and efficient practice that will best serve the community.
We will ideally identify innovative models of research too, in order to engage practising optometrists
We will be convening a meeting of the Heads of School from the six universities here in Australia to begin developing a process to identify small but significant research projects that we believe will support the optometry sector. We will consider innovative funding and resources to enable relevant projects to be commissioned and undertaken in response to the sector’s needs. We will ideally identify innovative models of research too, in order to engage practicing optometrists by providing them with the opportunity to participate in research and contribute to the broader sector.
Big data is also on the agenda. We will be holding a roundtable to consider the most beneficial data sets and how we might begin working with our members to extract de-identified data which can be used in our advocacy to government and to drive continual quality practice.
Optometry 2040 presents the sector with a range of opportunities and we are pleased to be working with our members to ensure we all get the future we choose.
On the way to the year 2040, we will of course live through 2020. It is less than a year away and we are delighted to announce that Optometry Australia is declaring this the Year of Good Vision for Life! Building on our very successful consumer awareness campaign of the last few years, we will be collaborating with the sector to have a major push in this significant year and ensure that the community understands the value of optometry and that an eye examination should be a regular part of their preventative health regime.
O QLD/NT
With less than six weeks until the start of the much anticipated Australian Vision Convention (AVC) 2019, you’ll need to register now to avoid disappointment!
This year, AVC returns to the Marriott Resort Surfers Paradise on the beautiful Gold Coast from 13–14 April. The AVC committee has once again created an outstanding clinical program which incorporates great educational content in both plenary and workshop format. Delegates have the option to attend either the plenary session or one of five breakouts as part of Saturday’s program.
Highlights of the much anticipated clinical program include presentations by Dr Graham Lakkis on glaucoma diagnosis, herpetic eye disease, and corneal abrasions. Dr Tai Smith will present on thyroid eye disease, Dr Emily Pieterse on clinical cases of myopia control and Dr Lindsay McGrath will speak on cardiovascular drugs and the eye.
Breakout session topics include practical corneal scrapes and cultures; diagnosis and management of adenovirus conjunctivitis; near point testing and evidence based prescribing for kids; miniscleral contact lens fitting/problem solving for dummies; and using new technology in optical coherence tomography and refraction to improve patient experience.
Alongside the interactive program, AVC includes daily breakfast sessions, a generous sample of exhibitors, an exclusive conference dinner at Sea World, optional online assessment and complimentary child minding. With all of this and more, it comes as no surprise that AVC 2019 is proving to be a hit.
To view all AVC conference information and to register, visit www.optometryqldnt.org.au or phone (AUS) 07 3839 4411.
