News

Strong turnout at a recent professional development event suggests optometrists' value information about the latest news about eye imaging and the detection of eye disease.

They came, they saw, they liked it.

A recent professional development event for NSW/ACT optometrists has proven a popular success, attracting more than 100 attendees to the sold out event.

Hosted by the Centre for Eye Health, the June 20 event comprised workshops, talks and tours, and was the first in a Series of Continuing Ophthalmic Professional Education (SCOPE) events staged by CFEH.

Prominent ophthalmologists and optometrists gave presentations about current and emerging trends in detection and management of eye disease and ran workshops on ocular imaging and image-interpretation about leading eye conditions.

"The strong attendance was very pleasing and indicates strong positive interest in our services and a healthy culture of continuing professional development among NSW/ACT optometrists," said Centre Director Professor Michael Kalloniatis.

"We look forward to adding further to the knowledge base within the profession. We want to make these events as inclusive as possible and optometrists who were unable to secure a place at the first SCOPE event have been given priority for the next one."

Feedback from optometrists attending SCOPE indicated strong demand for further workshops with a hands-on component focused on interpretation of eye imaging results.

Attending optometrists earned 10 continuing professional development points and were given a tour of CFEH's facilities, which includes 24 state of the art eye testing and diagnostic instruments.

Optometrists must complete a minimum of 40 CPD points annually for continuing professional registration. A minimum of 12 points annually must be achieved through face-to-face education and no more than ten points may be obtained from courses hosted by suppliers and manufacturers of optical goods.

Centre for Eye Health is an initiative of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT and The University of New South Wales. CFEH aims to reduce preventable blindness within NSW and the ACT by offering state-of-the-art eye and visual system diagnostic services to everyone, in one location, at no charge.