Insights and innovations from an international conference

The World Congress of Optometry was held in Melbourne last weekend, and CapitalEyes optometrists, Kevin & Leith were excited to attend a conference with world leading speakers.  There were multiple simultaneous lectures, so plenty of choice.  The presentations about myopia (short sightedness) management and dry eyes were very relevant to our Karori clients.   

The key speakers were world leaders in their field, including researchers and also some authors from the International Myopia Institute of the World Health Organisation, who have written the white papers of clinical guidelines and managements for people with myopia.  There is a lot of evidence regarding treatments to slow myopia progression in children and teenagers with the goal to reduce the likelihood of high myopia. 

Fantastic to hear Professor Mark Bullimore (USA) with his clear thinking and leading conversations about why myopia matters – we must do more in the short term to provide benefit for the longer term for our young patients.  Rather like sunscreen which is a short term intervention that not only prevents sun burn but reduces the risk of skin cancer.  Myopia management gives better uncorrected vision in the short term, but the long term benefit reduces the risk of eye disease and visual impairment as an adult. 

Our key takeaways are continuing the development of our myopia management eyecare, and also regarding dry eyes and how effective some simple treatments that help improve the tear film quality and a person’s quality of vision. 

Alongside the Congress was the largest optical trade fair in Australasia – wow!  There are so many exciting choices for new equipment, and to be able to compare different brands at the same time sure helps the decision making.  In the next few months we’re looking forward to having new exciting retinal imaging tech at Karori.

And such a wide range of eyewear – we have selected an exciting new Australian designed kids frame brand called Augie.  Classic shapes, good sizes and some fun colours - we’re looking forward to seeing what the kids think! 

The other “back to some-normal” was having a conference in person – wonderful to meet new people and catch up with old friends.  Like many industries, many people have been in optics for a very long time – like Leith and Kevin. To see how much innovation is happening and hear more of the exciting developments in optometry is refreshing.  From inside the consulting room, the research that comes before new eyecare and equipment, as well as the fun fashion side.  No wonder you can be an optometrist for 30+ years!