The Australian College of Optometry’s (ACO) interactive Therapeutics Refresher Day is returning on 19 May 2024.
Led by a diverse group of industry experts, the one-day course is said to be an invaluable opportunity for optometrists seeking to deepen their understanding of advanced therapeutic management practices for contemporary optometry.
Topics will include pathology testing, managing allergies, comorbidities, navigating atropine treatment and the use of AI technology for screening and management.
With insights from lecturers, peer discussion and interactive sessions, optometrists will gain practical skills to immediately enhance patient care including integration of pathology testing into therapeutic practice, master EpiPen use in anaphylaxis, and explore effective strategies for managing ocular allergies.
The course will aim to teach optometrists to navigate complexities in paediatric atropine treatment, including its discontinuation, and will explore clinical strategies for managing ocular co-morbidities.
Experts will also discuss the potential of AI in revolutionising eyecare diagnostics and treatment decisions.
Taking place on Sunday 19 May 2024, the in-person event offers optometrists over half of their required 10 hours of therapeutics CPD and 7.75T CPD points, including 2.75 interactive points.
This event is sponsored by CSL Seqirus and Customised Compounding.
WHEN: 9am-4pm, Sunday 19 May
WHERE: Australian College of Optometry, Carlton, VIC 3053
WHO: Designed for therapeutically endorsed optometrists to update and expand their therapeutics management practices for contemporary optometry.
PRICE: ACO members: $290AUD / Non-members: $340AUD
CPD POINTS: Up to 7.75T (2.75i)
INFORMATION: www.aco.org.au/therapeutics-refresher-day
REGISTRATIONS: https://go.aco.org.au/thera
Overview of lectures
Associate Professor Mark Roth will illustrate how optometrists can elevate their therapeutic practice with pathology, including how to incorporate blood testing into overall patient management and an interactive session on diagnostic swabbing of the conjunctiva.
As allergy rates rise among Australians, registered nurse Ms Kerrie Davies will educate optometrists on the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, as well as the safe and effective EpiPen use.
Corneal specialist and surgeon Dr Colby Hart will review immunology concepts that drive common allergic eye diseases, and will explore differential diagnosis for acute and chronic causes of eyelid swelling.
ACO general manager of city clinics Dr Nellie Deen will explore atropine treatment with focus on the clinical indicators and strategies to consider when and how atropine therapy should be discontinued in myopia management.
With an estimated 50% of Australians having at least one chronic disease, optometrists play a crucial role in managing ocular and systemic comorbidities to preserve vision. Leading eye specialist Dr Michael Shiu will discuss the common presentations, clinical prioritisation, and effective communication strategies for optimal patient care.
Associate Professor Peter Van Wijngaarden will explore the impact of AI on screening and managing conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and Alzheimer’s disease and will discuss how these innovations can boost screening rates, patient involvement and treatment compliance.
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