Myopia Takes Centre stage as Brien Holden Remembered

Delegates received a three-dimensional overview of the projected myopia epidemic, hearing not only about aetiology of myopia, but methods of slowing and controlling its progression, as well as what they can implement in practice.

Speakers included leading global myopia researcher from Brien Holden Vision Institute, Associate Professor Padmaja Sankaridurg, CEO, Professor Kovin Naidoo, and internationally renowned presenters Professor Kathryn Rose and Optometry Australia’s National President, Dr. Kate Gifford.

In addition to the academic program, delegates were also reminded about the work and passion of the Institute’s founder.

“If almost half of humanity will be myopic by the middle of the century, we’ve got to make sure we’ve got the treatments ready to prevent our children of today from reaching high levels of myopia and the category of increased risk of blindness,” said Institute COO, Yvette Waddell.

“One thing Brien repeated often was that this is a huge challenge for optometry, and research organisations like ours and the industry will need to work hard to provide better treatment options for practitioners and patients and to build on and disseminate the knowledge we have about the condition.

“We were delighted to continue in Brien’s footsteps to not only inform optometrists about what they can do, but also, what is happening at the research level  to ensure they have the tools they need to counter this global threat.”

In addition to lectures, delegates attended workshops on binocular vision and therapeutic drugs presented by the School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW Australia, and orthokeratology led by Margaret Lam of the Cornea and Contact Lens Society of Australia.

The Institute also showcased its latest research, and exhibitors included CooperVision, AFT Pharmaceuticals and ArtMost.

In total, delegates were eligible to receive up to 18 CPD points.

For more information about the ‘Myopia Management’ lectures visit: www.brienholdenlectureseries.net

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