Australian Vision Convention (AVC), from 1–2 April, presents an exciting early opportunity for optometrists to build on their professional knowledge.
AVC 2023 registrations are now open. Themed Beyond the Horizon, this year’s Convention represents new beginnings in this post-COVID world.
This year our Optometry Queensland Northern Territory Education Committee has planned a clinical program that will provide up to 100% of optometrists’ CPD requirements.
Within a friendly, yet professional environment, experts will share their knowledge and vision, providing ample time for optometrists to ask questions and enter discussion.
Program highlights include Dr David Gunn with a presentation titled Keratoconus – Treatment Is Evolving! During this lecture Dr Gunn will explore advances in the treatment of keratoconus; how to approach patients with suspected keratoconus, and state-of-the-art technologies now available in Australia.
In a presentation titled, Red Eye in Paediatric Age Group, Dr Richa Sharma will explore the common and not so common causes of red eyes in children, what not to miss and when to refer for specialised care. Dr Sharma will provide tips and tricks on examining scared and/or poorly co-operative children, identifying red flags in children with red eyes that you can not afford to miss.
Nicole Carnt, Scientia Associate Professor at The School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW, will bring her Healthy contact lens wear roadshow to AVC 2023. During this roadshow, Prof Carnt will provide strategies that optometrists can use to encourage healthy contact lens wear behaviours among their patients.
As part of the glaucoma stream, clinical optometrist, Inez Hsing, will explore some of the key clinical differences between common presentations of glaucoma versus masqueraders of glaucomatous disease in a presentation titled Is this glaucoma? Honing your diagnostic spidey-sense.
Alongside plenary sessions, delegates can choose from eight workshops, which will provide interactive CPD hours. Workshop topics include Triaging ocular emergencies presented by ophthalmologist Dr Nathan Walker, who specialises in cataract, anterior segment, vitreo retinal surgery, medical retina, and age-related macular disease. Personalised treatment approaches to glaucoma, will be presented by clinician-scientist Dr Jack Phu who holds the position of Lecturer at the School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW.
Themed Beyond the Horizon, this year’s Convention represents new beginnings in this post-COVID world
IN PERSON AND ONLINE
While feedback from previous conferences confirms that optometrists, exhibitors, and speakers alike prefer a in person educational experience, we recognise this is not logistically possible for all. To ensure we meet the needs of optometrists around Australia and overseas who wish to take advantage of our clinical program, we have developed a new platform for the 2023 event. This custom-built platform seamlessly integrates the AVC experience for both in person and virtual delegates.
Additionally, all session recordings will be available on-demand for four months following AVC, allowing delegates to catch up with anything they’ve missed, at their leisure, with a personal login.
SOCIAL PROGRAM
One of the most enjoyable aspects of any conference is the opportunity to catch up with old friends and build new professional relationships.
This year we will host a relaxed networking event in the sold-out exhibitor area on the evening of 1 April, providing time to wind down and connect over cocktails and canapés.
NEW VENUE
To accommodate an increasing number of delegates, this year we have moved AVC to the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Broadbeach. This centralised location backs on to the famous food and nightlife precinct, is a stone’s throw from shopping and just 500 metres from the beach – making it the perfect place to bring your family as well.
For more information and to register please visit: optometryqldnt.joyn-us.app.
LOOKING BEYOND THE HORIZON
At the start of this year, the Optometry QLD/NT Board met for its annual strategic planning session. The directors left with an eagerness to bring forth new projects and initiatives for our members in 2023.
We are also excited to connect with newly graduated optometrists and look forward to guiding them through what is sure to be the beginning of an incredible career.
Cathryn Baker is the Chief Executive Officer of Optometry Queensland/Northern Territory.
