Vision Eye Institute offering more face-to-face, interactive CPD events for optometrists

Vision Eye Institute is offering more face-to-face, interactive CPD events for optometrists this year in direct response to demand.

To ensure that CPD events align with optometrists’ desired topics and format, last year Vision Eye Institute (VEI) conducted a survey of 826 optometrists and GPs to understand their CPD preferences.

“Although optometrists continue to appreciate the convenience of online CPD, it’s clear from our survey that they want more face-to-face and interactive learning opportunities,” VEI’s clinical relationships and education manager, Ms Sasha Kairouz, said.

“Optometrists have asked for more small group learning opportunities, so we are planning workshops and other interactive events that will allow them time to ‘pick the brains’ of our highly experienced ophthalmologists,” she said.

Each state will host a number of face-to-face events across the year.

“We have already locked in an OCT workshop in Victoria for February and are planning a refractive event in New South Wales and a gala dinner in South Australia later this year,” Kairouz said.

Despite the increased focus on in-person events, optometrists who prefer online learning will still be able to access quality CPD content.

“Our highly popular SHARED VISION national webinar series will return this year with two information-packed webinars – one in March, and one in September,” Kairouz said.

“The theme for this year is, ‘How optometrists can develop effective communication, improve their time management, and learn to deliver an accurate diagnosis more quickly’. “Wherever possible, we will apply for quality assurance from Optometry Australia, to ensure our CPD content is high-quality and relevant to optometrists.”

She said optometrists looking for free, 24/7 access to a regularly updated repository of self-directed learning activities should consider joining SHARED VISION.

“SHARED VISION is our online educational network. Members can learn from our specialists through a range of resources including case studies, articles, videos and our popular SHARED VISION podcast for CPD on-the-go. The topics covered are always highly relevant to optometric practice and span the full breadth of ophthalmic specialties.”

Kairouz said SHARED VISION members also receive early-bird invitations to CPD events, including VEI’s national webinar series.

“They have exclusive access to the webinar recordings, including previous years’ recordings, and they also receive a member-only newsletter,” she said.

Kairouz said Vision Eye Institute is committed to collaborating with optometrists and fostering a strong culture of clinical excellence through education.

“Co-management between optometrists and ophthalmologists is integral to delivering best-practice care to our patients. By providing clinically relevant educational content through our CPD program, our ophthalmologists strengthen these relationships that are so crucial to optimal patient care.”

Optometrists interested in attending Vision Eye Institute events should join SHARED VISION at https://visioneyeinstitute.com.au/healthcare-professionals/

More reading