Sustainability is one of five themes to be discussed at the forthcoming World Association of Eye Hospitals (WAEH) annual meeting, which will take place from 10–14 October in Melbourne and Sydney.
From waste minimisation to saving water, attendees will discuss the role hospitals have to play in addressing the threats related to global warming.
This year’s meeting will be hosted in Melbourne by the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, and in Sydney by the Sydney Eye Hospital and Presmed’s Chatswood Hospital
Additionally, the 17th WAEH annual meeting will focus on innovation, philanthropy, human resources, and quality and safety – themes that shape eye hospitals and ensure innovative and sustainable practices while delivering high-quality and safe eye care services.
This year’s meeting will be hosted in Melbourne by the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, and in Sydney by the Sydney Eye Hospital and Presmed’s Chatswood Hospital.
Five Themes
The themes to be discussed over five days and in three location are:
Innovation
To what extent can, or should tools such as ChatGPT be used in an eye hospital? What is the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on diagnosing eye diseases? What kind of robotics are already being used in your operating rooms and what can other eye hospitals learn from existing projects? Is patient care enhanced by using AI in the consulting room? How will patients react if they are screened by AI systems in their homes or at the office of the general practitioner?
Philanthropy
What is the role of philanthropy in an eye hospital? Why is an organisational approach to philanthropy essential to success? What is the role of the clinician in philanthropy?
Sustainability
What steps are being taken to support a more sustainable eye hospital? From waste minimisation to saving water we all have a role to play in this addressing the threats related to global warming. What impact will climate change have on global eye health?
Workforce
In an environment still impacted by COVID-19, recruiting and retaining key skills and talent in healthcare remains an ongoing global challenge. How can we best address issues such as an aging workforce, technological changes, burnout and skills gaps in order to build our workforce now and for the future? What role can career development, wellbeing, and diversity and inclusion play in maintaining an engaged and supported workforce? What emerging workforce trends should we be planning for in the next decade?
Quality and Safety
How can we improve quality and safety in eye care? How can we better address issues such as access to care, medication safety and what steps can be taken to ensure a standardised approach to quality of care? In what ways can we measure health outcomes? Discussion will also focus on patient flows to improve outcomes and any projects that have improved the quality and safety of the eye care delivered.
Network and Learn
The 17th WAEH annual meeting presents a unique opportunity to build authentic connections with other member eye hospitals from all over the world in a vibrant and stimulating environment.
