For the first time, the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) is opening its annual Skills Expo to members and non-members of the Society.
Set to take place in Brisbane from 31 May to 1 June, the 10th ASO Skills Expo aims to support ophthalmologists in private practice in navigating the business of ophthalmology.
we are doubling seats this year and welcome our peers from across the healthcare landscape to join us
ASO CEO Katrina Ronne and ASO Members and Partnerships Manager Sandra Reed at The Westin Brisbane
ASO Chief Executive Officer, Katrina Ronne, said the Society’s ability to bring members together to network and share experiences is a key advantage of membership with the ASO.
“Knowledge is power and can come in many shapes and forms,” Ms Ronne said.
“At the ASO Skills Expo, knowledge is gained from others’ experiences and insights, which allows our members to review and consider changing their strategic directions in business to achieve success.”
Day One for Members
Day One (Saturday, 31 May) of the event, is exclusive to ASO Members and will comprise a full schedule of clinical updates, business skills training, and health policy insights.
Topics on the table for discussion include the role and medico-legal considerations for artificial intelligence in ophthalmology practice settings, how to improve business financial literacy to ensure success in private practice, retirement planning, and why ophthalmologists should consider owning medical real estate.
“No two Skills Expo are ever the same, as we continue to evolve with the times and respond to the issues most important to our members,” she said.
“If you want to come along and are not yet a member of the ASO, sign up now and gain the benefit of membership until June 2026.”
Day Two for All
Non-members of the ASO are able to attend the Leaders Breakfast Forum on Day Two (Sunday, 1 June), now in its third year.
ASO President, Dr Peter Sumich, said the Forum has become an important platform for Australian healthcare thought leaders and advocates to come together and unpack the issues most troubling to the industry.
“As the Forum has grown, so has interest in it,” Dr Sumich said. “In response, we are doubling seats this year and welcome our peers from across the healthcare landscape to join us,” he said.
Ramsay Health Care is sponsoring the Leaders Breakfast Forum, which will include prominent panellists, such as Ramsay Surgical Centres National CEO Claire Thurwood, AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen, AMA Vice President A/Prof Julian Rait OAM, RANZCO Vice President Dr Diana Conrad, and Aller Consulting Managing Director and Health Advisor, David du Plessis.
Dr Sumich said before the panel discussion begins, over breakfast, a keynote presentation will be delivered by Dr Jana Pittman — an Australian World and Commonwealth athletics champion turned OBGYN registrar.
“Having entered medicine after a career change, there is much we can all learn about striking the balance between work and family, with our goals still firmly in sight and within reach, despite the hurdles along the way,” he said.
Hosting the Brisbane event are local Queensland ophthalmologists, Dr Bill Glasson OA and Dr Louise Robinson.
Dr Louise Robinson is a Gold Coast-based ophthalmologist and the Queensland representative on the ASO Board of Directors, who is a strong supporter of local trainees and new fellows.
Dr Bill Glasson OA is a widely renowned leader in Australian medico-politics, having served past tenures as a President of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO), Australian Medical Association (AMA), AMA Queensland, and the ASO.
Find Out More and Register
The 10th ASO Skills Expo will take place at The Westin Brisbane. Find out more about the programme, register to attend, or become a member of the ASO here.
