CPD:

This session will cover the growing need for presbyopic contact lens solutions including breakthrough innovations in moisture retention, homeostasis and customised progressive lens designs. The importance of addressing specific patient needs including their ocular surface stability, versatility in lens wear and flexibility when prescribing a customised solution will also be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the scientific design and human vision factors in anatomical eye modelling for multifocal contact lens designs.

• Discuss the importance of supporting tear film integrity and maintaining homeostasis when wearing contact lenses.

• Discuss the importance of prescribing a customised solution for contact lens patients.

CPD:

Although the association between certain systemic diseases and the ocular surface has been long appreciated, recent research demonstrates that this relationship is both more intimate and evident across a broader spectrum of conditions than previously appreciated.  Advances in imaging and ocular surface analytics position the eye as a non‑invasive window into broader neurological and immunological health, enabling earlier detection and monitoring of systemic disease. These insights have important consequences for optometric practice, influencing screening strategies, referral pathways, and ongoing patient management through more integrated, multidisciplinary care.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify how clinical assessment of the ocular surface is helping to diagnose conditions such as diabetic neuropathy and how this could be extended in the future into other conditions from immune system disorders to traumatic injuries.

• Describe the implications these ocular surface changes have for patient management in clinical optometric practice.

CPD:

Australian optometrists play an increasingly critical role in diagnosing and managing a diverse range of glaucoma patients, particularly with development of professional pathways such as the Advanced Practitioner Recognition program. This presentation highlights the importance of optometry in collaborative care of glaucoma, particularly commonly encountered conundrums in detection and monitoring of disease as well as decision-making with respect to therapeutic management.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key diagnostic tests indicated in assessing glaucoma patients.

• Interpret and correlate results across a range of functional and structural diagnostic tests.

• Apply up-to-date therapeutics knowledge to glaucoma management.

CPD:

Join us for a debate tackling two everyday challenges in eye care: glaucoma and dry eye. Is it the silent threat of vision loss or the constant irritation impacting quality of life that demands more attention? Come for the debate, stay for the laughs, and leave with a fresh perspective on managing both conditions.

Team GLAUCOMA

• Inez Hsing

• Dr Nick Toalster

• Katherine Whittaker

Team DRY EYE

• Dr Katie Edwards

• Dr Sing-Pey Chow

• Luke Arundel

HOST

Dom Willson

Learning Objective:

• Compare and contrast the impact of glaucoma and dry eye management.

CPD:

In 2026, pterygium surgery and corneal transplantation continue to evolve toward more precise, tissue-sparing, and patient-centred approaches.

For pterygium management, excision with conjunctival autografting remains the gold standard, offering low recurrence rates and excellent cosmetic outcomes. Adjunctive strategies, including selective use of mitomycin-C and limbal stem cell–based techniques, are reserved for recurrent or high-risk cases, with growing emphasis on restoring ocular surface stability and long-term corneal health.

In corneal transplantation, there has been a clear shift away from full-thickness penetrating keratoplasty toward layer-selective procedures that preserve healthy host tissue. Endothelial disorders are now predominantly managed with DMEK or DSAEK, providing faster visual rehabilitation and lower rejection rates.

Together, these developments reflect a broader trend toward minimally invasive corneal surgery, data-driven decision-making, and emerging regenerative therapies aimed at reducing long-term reliance on donor tissue.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss current best practices in pterygium surgery, including techniques that minimise recurrence and improve patient comfort.

• Compare contemporary corneal transplantation approaches, with emphasis on layer-selective procedures and their clinical advantages over full-thickness grafts.

• Discuss emerging regenerative strategies and their potential impact on the future of corneal surgery.

CPD:

This presentation will discuss how the expanded scope of optometry practice in Aotearoa / New Zealand has been safely implemented to provide better access to health care for patients. Since 2014, NZ optometrists have been able to prescribe oral medications and then in 2023, an expanded surgical scope of practice was established to allow optometrists to perform laser procedures  We will review how these changes came to fruition, how it has impacted health care provision in the country and what may be on the horizon for optometrists in Australasia.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe how the expanded scope of practice was implemented.

• Discuss the benefits and considerations when implementing the expanded scope of optometric practice.