Therapeutics Refresher Day

Recognising and managing TIA symptoms in primary care optometry

Presented by Dr. Mei Tan

Patients often describe their symptoms of blurred vision in variety of inventive and unique ways. How do optometrists separate out the refractive and incidental symptoms of blur from transient visual loss symptoms (TVL) which can have an impact on vision, systemic health and possibly a patient’s life? 

This presentation from Dr Mei Tan will guide optometrists through the comprehensive assessment of patients with TVL, including history taking, clinical investigations and options for onward referral for medical investigations depending on the suspected cause of TVL. Interactive case studies will illustrate the clinical progress of TVL patients from optometry to ophthalmology and beyond.

Preparing optometry for treatment of geographic atrophy 

Presented by Dr. Carla Abbott

The first treatment for geographic atrophy (GA) in Australia, pegcetacoplan (Syfovre), has been approved in January 2025, and optometrists need to be ready for the patient assessments and clinical data which will in future be required for patients to qualify for GA treatment. 

Dr Carla Abbott, senior research fellow at the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA), will share her expertise to guide optometrists through the anticipated process of screening and referring patients for treatment of GA. The need to prepare patients for possible future treatment will be discussed with an emphasis on clinical techniques to document progression of GA and the current advice that optometrists should share with patients on nutritional supplements and support services available.

Beyond monotherapy: combining atropine and contact lenses for enhanced myopia control

Presented by Jacinda Van

Explore the efficacy of using atropine eye drops in conjunction with contact lenses in myopia management. This session explores clinical evidence, patient selection criteria, and tailored treatment strategies for combining contact lens and atropine for myopia control. Gain insights into the benefits, and limitations of combining atropine with orthokeratology or soft lenses, alongside practical tips for monitoring and managing side effects.

Best practice prescribing in optometry: strategies for ethical and effective prescribing

Presented by Lucy Ainge

This session delves into inappropriate prescribing, its impacts on patients, communities, and the environment. The 12 principles of medication management will be outlined and the speaker will explore the critical role optometrists play in the quality use of medicines. Through interactive case discussions, participants will apply these principles and gain practical strategies to promote best-practice prescribing.

Managing complex dry eye in the context of autoimmune disease 

Presented by Varny Ganesalingam

Dry eye disease (DED) is a complex multifactorial disease that has local impacts on the ocular surface which can be amplified by an underlying autoimmune disease. Conditions such as Graves’ disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Sjögren’s syndrome among others can alter both the way that DED presents clinically and how it should be managed for best possible results for both the clinician and the patient. Varny Ganesalingam, Manager Cornea and Dry Eye Services at the ACO, will share her expertise and clinical insights to manage the course of DED involved with autoimmune disease through the successes and the challenges. 

This is an in-person event taking place at the Australian College of Optometry in Carlton.

Date: Sunday 25 May 2025

Time: 9am-4pm 

Address: 374 Cardigan St, Carlton VIC 3053