Over 200 optometrists benefit from free training summit delivered by SpaMedica

Over 200 community optometrists joined SpaMedica in a free training summit, sharing the latest industry developments in optometry.

The UK’s largest provider of NHS cataract surgery took over the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, which saw more than 235 professionals attend upskilling sessions as part of their continuing professional development (CPD). They benefitted from sessions delivered by industry experts, including intraocular lens manufacturer Rayner, retinal imaging specialists Optos, and contact lens and eye surgery products supplier Bausch and Lomb.

SpaMedica’s Medical Director Dr Alex Silvester, who provided his expert insights into the future of cataract surgery at the event, said: “The conference was a huge success, with an excellent turnout of professionals from across the industry.

“It shows the commitment across optometry practice to achieving the highest standards and providing the best care for the nation’s vision – at SpaMedica, we’re really proud to support those efforts with ongoing CPD opportunities.”

The keynote speaker at the event was consultant ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon, Felipe Dhawahir-Scala, Director of the Acute Ophthalmic Services at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and the President of the British Emergency Eyecare Society. During his address, Mr Dhawahir-Scala discussed best practice ‘when eye problems become emergencies’.

Other speakers included optometrist Simon Browning, the first clinician to use ultra-widefield auto fluorescent imaging in practice.

Senior medical manager Burak Seder M.D, from Bausch and Lomb, and James Wolffsohn, Professor of Optometry at Aston University, also spoke at the conference. Dr Seder presented on ‘preservatives and the ocular surface’, while Professor Wolffsohn hosted a workshop on how to help patients get the best visual outcomes.

Each session awarded attendees up to three CPD points – with a total of twelve to be earned on the day – to help keep them up to date with the latest developments in optometry practice.

Nadirah Talati, a locum optometrist, said afterwards: “The event was brilliant. To have so many optoms in one room and run five consecutive sessions all day can’t be easy, but it was managed perfectly – a big thank you to all of the speakers.”