Ophthalmology Alignment Program Workshop: Optometrists and GPs

Community Optometrists and General Practitioners are invited to express their interest in our Ophthalmology Community Alignment Workshop.

By participating in this workshop, you will obtain the skills to be part of our community alignment program – connecting hospital specialists with community-based clinicians to improve the management of stable, low-progression eye disease closer to home.

As an aligned practitioner, you will play a key role in reducing pressure on hospital services by supporting patients in the community, while ensuring continuity of care through close collaboration with PAH’s Ophthalmology team.

Workshop agenda

• Eye in Crisis: Practical Approaches to Ocular Conditions – Dr Alexandra Manta (Oculoplastics Surgeon)
• In Focus: A Guide to Anterior eye Conditions and Care – Dr Joshua Hann (General Surgeon)
• Balancing the Pressure: Long-term Care for Stable Glaucoma – Dr Neharika Sharma (Glaucoma Surgeon)
• Retina Matters: Comprehensive Care for Retinal Health – Dr Sean Cheng (Vitreoretinal Surgeon)
• Concurrent sessions:
  • Gonioscopy Workshop – Dr Lily Ooi (Glaucoma and Strabismus Surgeon)
  • Foreign Body Removal – Terry Nguyen (Clinical Lead)

Catering is included and 5.5 hours of CPD points are available.

Eligibility criteria

Optometrists

• Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) including endorsement as qualified to administer, obtain, possess, prescribe, supply or use topical schedule 2,3 or 4 medicines for the purposes of the practice of optometry.
• Demonstrated experience and interest in clinical eye care (including binocular vision assessment and management as well as therapeutic management of glaucoma).
• Commitment to continuous professional development and adherence to best practice standards.
• Willingness to collaborate with PAH’s specialists and participate in training sessions.
• Maintain accreditation status by participating in the alignment program workshops at least every 2 years.
• The following equipment and competencies are mandatory:
  • Goldmann or Perkins applanation tonometer
  • Computerised Perimetry (HFA3.0)
  • OCT (including capacity to measure anterior segment would be preferred)
  • Gonioscopy and relevant assessments (workshop provided)
  • Topography (in management of anterior segment cases) – Pentacam, Medmont, Galilei

General Practitioners

• Practices must have the following equipment:
  • Slit lamp
  • Direct ophthalmoscope
  • Tonometer, contact or non-contact (eg. Icare)
  • Sodium Fluorescein
  • Foreign body removal equipment (20G to 30G single use needles, 0.4% Oxybuprocaine eye drops)
  • Visual Acuity Testing Chart (Snellen)

If you’re passionate about delivering collaborative, high-quality eye care and want to make a difference in your local community, we encourage you to express your interest in the program.