Optometrists across the Northern Territory and beyond will soon have access to high-quality, hands-on professional development closer to home, with Optometry Queensland and Northern Territory (OQNT) set to host its first-ever Interactive Series event in the NT.
Darwin Interactive, taking place from 18–19 April 2026, is a boutique, face-to-face CPD conference designed to deliver practical, case-based learning through immersive clinical sessions and peer discussion.
The milestone event aims to address long-standing gaps in access to interactive CPD for optometrists working in regional and remote Australia, where travel to major city conferences can be a significant barrier.
OQNT’s President, Nancy Atkinson, said bringing the Interactive Series to Darwin is a deliberate and forward-thinking move to support the local NT workforce.
“This is a landmark moment for the Interactive Series and for optometrists in the Northern Territory,” said Ms Atkinson.
“Clinicians in regional and remote areas have had to travel significant distances to access interactive CPD. Hosting this event in Darwin is about making high-quality learning more accessible and more equitable.”
The significance of the event will be underscored by the attendance of Optometry Australia’s newly appointed CEO, Mark Nevin, who will officially open the conference.
Ms Atkinson said Mr Nevin’s presence reflects a broader commitment to building a stronger, more connected eye care workforce across Australia.
“Having Mark in Darwin to deliver the opening welcome sends a clear message that regional and remote optometry matters,” she said.
“It highlights Optometry Australia’s commitment to ensuring all members, regardless of geography, can access meaningful, practical professional development.”
Having Mark in Darwin to deliver the opening welcome… highlights Optometry Australia’s commitment to ensuring all members, regardless of geography, can access meaningful, practical professional development
Practical Learning Grounded in Real Clinical Cases
Known for its immersive format, the Interactive Series focuses on real-world clinical scenarios, encouraging active discussion and practical application rather than passive lecture-style learning.
Across the 1.5-day program, sessions will explore in-demand clinical topics, including glaucoma management, oral therapeutics in ocular disease, macular conditions, and medico-legal risk, all delivered through case-based approaches designed for everyday practice.
“This is CPD that directly translates into clinical confidence,” said Ms Atkinson.
“Case-based learning allows optometrists to work through complex scenarios they actually encounter in practice, which makes the education far more relevant and immediately useful.”
The in-person format also supports interactive hours aligned with CPD standards, enabling meaningful peer-to-peer engagement and reflective learning.
Speaker Highlights
The program features a strong line-up of local and interstate experts delivering clinically relevant sessions tailored to contemporary optometric practice.
Key speakers include:
- Janelle Scully, Manager of Ocular Disease and Diagnostic Services at the Australian College of Optometrists, presenting interactive sessions on glaucoma in practice and oral therapeutics
- Dr Susith Kulasekara, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Royal Darwin Hospital and Darwin Eye Surgeons, leading a session on differentiating causes of macular oedema
- Sophie Koh, Director of Professional Services at Optometry Australia, sharing real-world insights on complaints, compliance and professional risk
- Georgia Bennett, experienced remote eye health practitioner, presenting on collaborative care and service delivery in rural and remote NT communities
Strengthening Regional and Remote Workforce Capability
The Darwin event reflects OQNT’s broader commitment to strengthening workforce sustainability and supporting clinicians delivering care in underserved communities.
“Regional and remote optometrists play a critical role in improving eye health outcomes, often in complex and resource-limited settings,” said Ms Atkinson.
“By delivering high quality, practical CPD locally, we’re investing directly in the capability, confidence and retention of this essential workforce.”
She added that the event is also about connection as much as it is about education. “Opportunities to come together, share experiences, and learn from peers are incredibly valuable, particularly for clinicians practising outside major metropolitan centres.
“Darwin Interactive creates a space for collaboration, knowledge exchange and professional support that ultimately benefits patient care.”
For more information about Darwin Interactive or to register your attendance, visit Darwin Interactive 2026 – Optometry Australia.
