eNewsletter 20 November 2019

 

  
   

Fortnightly eNewsletter – 20 November 2019

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Message from the President
 

Dear Colleagues,

This is my first newsletter as President and I would like to extend my thanks to members for your warm welcome during the conference. It is a privilege and honour to lead Orthoptics Australia as its 54th President. 

I am fortunate to work with a dedicated council who appreciate the significance of their responsibility and understand the work that needs to be done in the coming months. I am also grateful for the expertise of Elaine, Wendy, Cathryn and the rest of the team at Associations Professionals for their support as I transition into the role.

Thank you for all the positive feedback from what was an exciting week at the Sydney conference. It was wonderful to celebrate our 75th anniversary throughout the meeting and with such enthusiasm at the conference dinner! Conference planning starts more than a year before the event and it takes significant preparation from both the organising and scientific committees and I thank them for their combined efforts. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to complete the conference survey to provide valuable feedback for planning of the 2020 conference in Brisbane.

At the AGM held in Sydney, members voted in favour of resolutions 1-3 for Orthoptics Australia to change its legal structure, name and to adopt the new constitution. Support for Resolution 1 is the first step in the process of changing registration and over the coming weeks OA will go through due process with NSW authorities then make application to ASIC to register Orthoptics Australia Ltd. With the adoption of the new constitution, council is currently working towards the transition provisions set out in the constitution until the company is registered with ASIC. We will keep you informed of the progress. In the meantime, the priority for the governance committee is to work with council to develop governance documentation to support the new governance model.

Last week I attended my first Vision 2020 AGM in Melbourne on behalf of OA and met with Judith Abbott CEO, the incoming board and other Vision 2020 members. Next week, Marion will be joining me to attend the CEO Forum and Parliamentary Friends Group for Eye Health and Vision Care in Canberra. The CEO’s forum is a great opportunity to meet with the board and sector leaders and to hear Mr Peter Holland, CEO of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness about the World Report on Vision. The report will provide authoritative evidence on the magnitude of vision loss globally, as well as its prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. Whilst we are there, we are continuing our advocacy work through meetings with other parliamentary members.

At this busy time of year, we wish all the orthoptic students’ good luck as they sit their exams in the coming weeks, and I look forward to attending the LaTrobe University Student Clinical Education Conference next week.
 

Best wishes,

 
What's New

 

Is Your Professional Indemnity Insurance Due for Renewal?

Why not protect your livelihood with a policy in your own name and take advantage of an Orthoptics Australia member only, exceptional value offer?

Orthoptics Australia has partnered with Insurance House, to offer a Professional Indemnity insurance product with policy benefits and competitive premiums that are only available to OA members.   

 

Limit of Indemnity

Malpractice/Professional Indemnity:
$5 million for any individual claim and $15 million in the aggregate.

Public Liability and Goods Sold and Supplied:
$20 million for any individual claim and $60 million in the aggregate.

Insurance Costs
These competitive rates are only available to OA members, including students:
 

  • Premiums quoted are annual and inclusive of all charges
  • Premium includes a $15 administration fee to OA

Further information include Insurance Terms and Conditions are available here.

 

Please note: This is a summary only. For full terms and conditions please refer to the policy schedule, wording and endorsements issued by Insurance House Pty Ltd ABN 33 006 500 072. AFSL No. 24095. Orthoptics Australia does not hold an Australian financial services licence and members should consider obtaining their own financial advice about this product from a person who is able to give such advice under an Australian financial services licence such as Insurance House.

 

Rear Vision: Celebrating Australia’s Early Orthoptists
by Shayne Brown and Jill Gordon

To celebrate the publication of Rear Vision: Celebrating Australia’s Early Orthoptists which profiles the first 76 Australian orthoptists, a morning tea and presentation was given on Tuesday 12 November at the Royal Sydney Golf Club.

Over 75 people attended to hear facilitator Craig Brown interview Shayne and Marion (Rivers).  Marion stood in for Jill Gordon who sadly was unable to attend due to ill health.  The attendees included the guests of honour Lyn Brent (née Lipman), Judy Burfitt-Williams (née Davies) and Mary Eyres whose profile appear in the book; retired orthoptists Ingrid Atkins (née Simons), Mary Beaumont (née Roberts), Penny Britz (née Monteath), Sandra Clarke (née Inness), Helen Clugston (née Ward), Bev Devidas (née Ross), Elizabeth Duncan (née Hillsdon), Jane Ellis (née Pardey), Ann Hopkins (née Knoblanche), Julia Kelly, Barb Marshall, Faye Parker (née Elliott), Anne Phillips (née Walker), Kathryn Shanahan, Sandra Vicars (née Hudson-Shaw), Ros Woodhill (née Macintosh), Jan Wulff and Jeanette Yap; Canberra orthoptist MaryAnne Gregory;  Swedish orthoptist Agneta Rydberg; ophthalmologist, friend and colleague Professor David Mackey; relatives of some of those who feature in the book and friends.

The Q&A session worked well, and many people commented later how much they enjoyed the session and just how much they had learned about orthoptics. Shayne was able to explain why and how the profiles came to be written, and Marion gave a detailed explanation of how Jill conducted the research which revealed much about the social history of our early orthoptists.  

A couple of quotes give the flavour of the success of the event “Congratulations on such a wonderful morning and writing such a detailed history of our colleagues. Your attention to detail and incredible research is amazing” and “Thank you for that wonderful session on the history and people of your fascinating profession.  What a delight to be part of such an interested and enthusiastic gathering.”

We hope to be able to repeat this event in Victoria in the New Year.

 

“Rear Vision” Purchase Your Copy Here

“Rear Vision” written by Shayne Brown and Jill Gordon, features stories of Australia’s Early Orthoptists and is available for purchase via the Orthoptics Australia Online Shop. 

Price: $36.36 (includes delivery to your home - excludes GST)

 

Orthoptics Australia Workforce Survey 2017 

Now published in the Australian Orthoptic Journal, the 2017 OWS provides a broad overview of the current orthoptic workforce and modes of practice in Australia. The survey results can be applied to workforce development and are available to government and health bodies for future eye health care planning - read more here.

 

InSight Magazine Call for Article Suggestions

As you may be aware, earlier this year InSight Magazine offered Orthoptics Australia its own regular column in the magazine.  It also undertook to post the magazine free of charge, to all current OA members.

OA members are now invited to submit article suggestions in relation to our 2020 monthly column contributions.

Please email your article suggestion to execofficer@orthoptics.org.au including all relevant contact details in relation to your suggestion.

Queries regarding this opportunity can be emailed to execofficer@orthoptics.org.au.

 

Australasian Ocular Oncology Summit – Save The Date

The second annual Australasian Ocular Oncology Summit is to be held in Brisbane, 12 – 13 June 2020 at the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute.  

Building on the success of the 2019 Summit, the 2020 meeting will bring together healthcare professionals, researchers and patients to focus on the latest advances in ocular melanoma detection and diagnosis, treatment, trials, support and care available in Australasia and internationally.

Abstract Submissions - Call for submissions due December/January
Registration – Opens early 2020

Further queries - contact the organising committee at aoma@masc.org.au or review the attached flyer.

The organising committee look forward to welcoming you to another great Summit next year!

Please “Save The Date” for this important free event.

Important note:  This is not an Orthoptics Australia event

 

2020 Ocular Motility Conference

Dr Ross Fitzsimons and Kristen Saba present:  Ocular Motility Conference “Preparation in Strabismus for RACE 2020”.

The 2020 Ocular Motility Conference is being held over the period 6 – 8 March at the UTS GSH Discipline of Orthoptics, Building 20, Level 8, 100 Broadway, NSW.

Further Information here...

Important note:  This is not an Orthoptics Australia event

 

2019 Annual General Meeting of The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital

Orthoptics Australia members are invited to the 2019 Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital AGM.

Further Information here...

 

eNewsletter Contributions

Do you have a story you would like to share with your fellow OA members? Please forward the content, links and any graphics to office@orthoptics.org.au so it can be included in our next eNewsletter.

 
 
ADVERTISE HERE - contact us to find out how!
2019 OA Annual Conference - At A Glance events-icon.png
That's a Wrap!

There is no better way to wrap up the 2019 OA Annual Conference than pictorially… Enjoy!

 

2019 OA Awards

One of the many 2019 OA Annual Conference highlights was the Awards Ceremony.   Congratulations to the following recipients:

Emmie Russell Prize
Shanelle Sorbello was awarded the Emmie Russell Prize for her paper entitled “Post stroke vision care in NSW: What are the care pathways and are they working?”

Paediatric Orthoptic Award
Navdeep Kaur was awarded the Paediatric Orthoptic Award for her paper entitled “Orthoptist-led Neurofibromatosis Type 1 clinic at The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne:  A strategy for impact”.

Zoran Georgievski Medal
Marion Rivers was the recipient of the 2019 Zoran Georgievski Medal.

 

Conference Partners

No annual conference summary would be complete without recognising the amazing support of our sponsors and exhibitors, without whom we would not have achieved the success we are enjoying today. Thank you to the following companies:

  • Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Ltd (Platinum Sponsor)
  • Alcon Laboratories (Australia) Pty Ltd (Gold Sponsor)
  • Johnson & Johnson Vision (Gold Sponsor)
  • OptiMed Pty Ltd (Welcome Reception Sponsor)
  • Designs for Vision (Name Badge and Lanyard Sponsor)
  • Zeiss (Session Sponsor)
  • Bowerhaus (Dinner Sponsor)
  • Glaucoma Australia (Exhibitor)
  • Good Optical Services (Exhibitor)
  • Guide Dogs NSW/ACT (Exhibitor)
  • Insurance House (Exhibitor)
  • Kids Eye Gear (Exhibitor)
  • Macular Disease Foundation Australia (Exhibitor)
 
Orthoptics Australia - Your Society - Your Conference!
 
OA Workshops/Seminars education-icon.png

For further information and to register for all available OA meetings/events, please go to: ‘Education & CPD’, ‘Event Calendar’.

 

 

Orthoptics Australia Victorian Branch – End of Year Celebration

Orthoptics Australia Victorian Branch invites all OA members to join us them in celebration of another wonderful year.  Event and registration details are as follows:

 

Date/Time Friday 6 December from 6.00pm
Venue The National Hotel
344 Victoria Street, Richmond
Registration Register here by Thursday, 28 November 2019 
Queries events@orthoptics.org.au


Your registration includes finger food and a complimentary drink.

 

OA 2020 Education Opportunities

 

OA NSW Branch Continuing Education Weekend

Join us as we converge on our nation’s capital city for a weekend of learning!  Be prepared for exciting sessions filled with current research, quality presentations, workshops and interactive case study discussion and gain AOB accredited CPD points. It is also a fantastic opportunity to network with industry and catch up with old friends and colleagues at the official dinner.

Date 4 April & 5 April 2020
Venue The East Hotel
9 Canberra Avenue, Kingston ACT
Registration Fees Refer to the website for various fees 
CPD Points Saturday and Sunday – 8 CPD Points
Saturday only – 5 CPD Points
Sunday only – 3 CPD Points

 

Further Information here...

 

OA VIC Branch July Scientific Meeting – SAVE THE DATE!

Date Saturday 25 July 2020
Venue RACV Goldfields Creswick
1500 Midland Hwy, Creswick VIC
 
IOA Updates news-icon.png
IOA Congress Liverpool - June 20-23, 2020

 

Abstracts Closing Wed 27th November

The IOA Congress is held only once every four years and has an outstanding scientific program attracting expert speakers from all over the world. It is an excellent opportunity to network with international colleagues and hear the latest advances in our profession.  

Submit your abstracts here.

 
General News news-icon.png
Aussie rock star Kirk Pengilly joins Glaucoma Australia in its fight against eye disease

One of Australia’s most loved rock stars, Kirk Pengilly from iconic band INXS, is throwing his support behind Glaucoma Australia in its fight against eye disease. 

Kirk, who is instantly recognisable for his signature black-rimmed glasses, knows firsthand that eyesight is a gift to be cherished. His own experience of glaucoma is the driving force behind his new role as an ambassador for Glaucoma Australia.  

Further Information here...

 

Job Vacancies

Need a change? Job vacancies are regularly added to the OA website.

To see more details regarding all vacancies, go to the OA website, 'Resources', 'Job Vacancies', or

View here...

 

OA Online Shop

Have you visited the OA's Online Shop recently?  We have added a Clinical Essentials Pack to the range of products available...

View here...

 

OA Condition Brochures

Need information to hand out to patients? OA has four brochures with easy-to-understand information on the following conditions:

  • Amblyopia in Children
  • Eye Problems Following a Stroke
  • Normal Vision Development in Children
  • Vision Rehabilitation

Get a pack of 50 individual brochures or buy a bundle of all four. Visit the OA Online Shop to order.

View here...

 

OA Online Education

Education Lectures

All members have access to the OA online education lectures. There are eight lectures (2 CPD points/lecture) and questions online with more to come. Watch the video, answer the questions and keep a record for your CPD points. 

 

OA Members access lectures here...

 

JSM Presentations

2018

If you are a regional or interstate orthoptist, or you were unable to attend the OA VIC Branch July Scientific Meeting 2018, the playlist including 19 presentations is now available for purchase in the OA online shop. Don't forget to login to get the reduced price for members (AOB Accreditation Activity #19890 approved).

 

2014, 2016 & 2017

Looking for further CPD points? Gain access to 29 OA VIC Branch July Scientific Meeting Presentations from 2014, 2016 and 2017 - a total of 8 hours of viewing. The JSM video playlist is an accredited AOB activity with 2 CPD points per JSM Year (Activity #19339). Go to the OA Online shop. Be sure to log in to gain Member discount. Members can purchase the JSM 2014, 2016 and 2017 package for $20.

 

Journal Club

All members now have access to the journal club articles and questions online. Each month a new article (2 CPD pts/article) is uploaded to the website. To gain access, login with your username and password, go to membership tab, choose 'My OA Groups' and click on Journal Club. Read the article, answer the questions and keep a record for your CPD points'. Please contact the OA office at office@orthoptics.org.au if you require any assistance accessing the online educational content.