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In Australia, around 75% of primary eye-care is provided by optometrists, a profession which is currently going through significant changes because of improved knowledge of eye disease, the availability of new technologies and the trend towards co-management of patients.

Optometrists are now expected to play a greater role in diagnosing and monitoring eye disease, and for those who are therapeutically qualified, to help treat conditions such as glaucoma. This shift requires higher levels of skill, knowledge and access to specific diagnostic equipment. With continuing professional development (CPD) now mandatory for optometrists, there is an even greater emphasis on improving standards of care and CFEH plays a central role in this.

A key objective of CFEH is to help improve the overall standards of eye-care in our community, in turn leading to more timely management of eye diseases that might otherwise lead to unnecessary vision loss.

The Centre does this through supporting the ongoing development of current optometrists, and its next generation of practitioners. All registered optometrists are invited to attend the Series of Continuing Professional Education (SCOPE) events that are held regularly at the Centre. They are also sent the bi-monthly IMAGE newsletters which contain case studies and technology reviews.

Says Centre Director, Professor Michael Kalloniatis, “The Optometrists Association of Australia sets out universal competencies for all optometrists. This includes having access to sophisticated ocular imaging technology and being able to interpret the results. CFEH can help optometrists to comply with these requirements, providing state-of-the-art instrumentation and expert clinicians. We expect that more optometrists will begin to see the Centre as an extension of their own practice over time." 

SCOPE events address current and emerging trends in the early detection and management of eye disease and are delivered in lecture, workshop or masterclass format. Always well received and booked out, the feedback from attendees is positive with optometrists saying “What a fabulous resource” and “Very well run, thank you. I’m very impressed with the Centre’s setup and professionalism."

SCOPE events are also an excellent opportunity for eye-care practitioners to see first-hand the capability of the sophisticated technology and discuss issues with the highly skilled clinicians on-hand at CFEH. 

Optometrists are required to acquire a minimum of 40 continuing professional development (CPD) points each year for professional registration. SCOPE events offer between 4 and 12 CPD points and are held each month, during the week and also on weekends to cater to the needs of all optometrists.

For more information on forthcoming SCOPE call Leon Fernandes on 8115 0719.