Presented by Associate Professor, Mark Roth

Did you know that therapeutic optometrists can access pathology testing such as blood tests and perform conjunctival swabs? Associate Professor Mark Roth will illustrate how you can take therapeutic optometry to another level. His presentation will cover integrating pathology testing into your therapeutic practice, including a step-by-step guide to establish a pathology portal, how to incorporate blood workups into your overall patient management, and an interactive session on diagnostic swabbing of the conjunctiva.

Presenter Bio: Mark Roth is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Optometry & Vision Sciences, Melbourne School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne with qualifications in both optometry and pharmacology. Associate Professor Roth has extensive experience in therapeutic education and received an Order of Australia (OAM) for services to therapeutic optometry in 2017.

Presented by Kerrie Davies, Registered Nurse

According to the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), almost 1 in 5 Australians have an allergic disease and the population prevalence continues to increase. Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction, and ASCIA also reports that hospital admissions for anaphylaxis (severe life-threatening allergic reaction) have increased four-fold in the last 20 years. This education session is designed to educate optometrists on how to recognise the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis. Pre-formulated adrenaline injectors (Epipen and Anapen) are now available over the counter, and this practical session is designed to provide instruction in the safe storage and administration of Epipen and Anapen. The importance of ongoing assessment and management of the patient until emergency services assume care of the patient will also be emphasised.

Presenter Bio: Kerrie Davies is a registered nurse who has been a critical care educator in Intensive Care Units (ICU), Critical Care Units (CCU) and Emergency Departments (ED) for the past 35 years. Kerrie has experience with anaphylaxis of adults and children and the education of medical and nursing staff, patients, parents and partners in the recognition and management of anaphylaxis.

Presented by Dr. Colby Hart

When over-the-counter allergy treatments fall short, frustrations arise for both clinicians and patients. Corneal specialist and surgeon Dr. Colby Hart will review the foundational concepts in immunology that drive the common allergic eye diseases including allergic, atopic, vernal, and giant papillary conjunctivitis. Discover valuable insights into advanced management strategies for complex allergy presentations, with due attention paid to the important differential diagnosis for acute and chronic causes of eyelid swelling.

Presenter Bio: Dr. Colby Hart, a fellowship-trained corneal specialist and surgeon, excels in managing anterior segment diseases including keratoconus and corneal dystrophies. With appointments to the cornea and general units at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, he also consults in private practice in East Melbourne and Brighton East. Dr Hart performs refractive laser surgery, as well as all forms of corneal transplantation, including endothelial grafts and keratoprosthesis surgery. Dr Hart has published and presented research projects in association with the CERA, Lions Eye Bank and Liverpool University.

Presented by Dr. Nellie Deen

Atropine therapy is widely used as an option for both myopia control and amblyopia. But when should Optometrists cease Atropine treatment? Dr Nellie Deen, General Manager of City Clinics at the ACO explores evidence-based approaches and highlights clinical indicators and strategies to consider when and how Atropine therapy should be discontinued. She will also explore potential implications or challenges associated with cessation of Atropine therapy.

Presenter Bio: Dr Nellie Deen graduated from SUNY College of Optometry before relocating to Australia in 2005. Since joining the ACO in 2007, Nellie has held various leadership roles, including Lead Optometrist for Clinical Teaching and Lead Optometrist of Paediatric Services, before taking over as the Head of Specialist Services and Clinical Care. Nellie now serves as General Manager of City Clinics, supervising 70 optometrists across 27 rooms.

Presented by Dr. Michael Shiu

Research spanning 2000-2019 reveals ocular comorbidities contribute to 1 in 1000 deaths in the US, with prevalent conditions including binocular blindness, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts (Huang et al., JAMA, 2023). The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports 50% of Australians have at least one chronic disease, with comorbidity increasing with age. Optometrists play a crucial role in managing ocular and systemic comorbidities to preserve vision and quality of life. Dr Michael Shiu will discuss common presentations, clinical prioritization, and effective communication strategies for optimal patient care.

Presenter Bio: Dr Michael Shiu is one of Australia’s leading specialists in the treatment of anterior segment eye conditions including cataracts, refractive laser surgery, pterygium and early keratoconus. Known for his world-class glaucoma management, he is a leading practitioner of the latest glaucoma therapies, including the microsurgeries required in Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgeries (MIGS). Dr Shiu is a former winner of the RACP Prize in Clinical Medicine.

Presented by Associate Professor, Peter van Wijngaarden

Professor Peter van Wijngaarden presents a lecture on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in eyecare. Delve into the latest technological advances in this rapidly evolving field. The talk will address emerging AI applications to screen for eye diseases including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Learn about advances in the detection of diseases of the brain and body with AI analysis of retinal images.

Presenter Bio: Peter van Wijngaarden is an ophthalmologist with research interests in retinal imaging and artificial intelligence. He is a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Melbourne and a Deputy Director of the Centre for Eye Research Australia where he leads the Ophthalmic Neuroscience Unit. Peter’s PhD studies were in the field of retinal angiogenesis and his post-doctoral research fellowship was in the field of regenerative biology of the brain.