Eye Care in Focus Conference 2023

19 September 2023

The ICO Eye Care in Focus Annual Conference for the extended eye care team will take place at The Gibson Hotel in Dublin on Tuesday, 19th September from 8am-4pm.

The College invites ophthalmologists, general practitioners, optometrists, dispensing opticians, orthoptists, ophthalmic nurses and technicians working across the private and public service to join us for this unique, 1-day clinical education event for the extended eye care team.  

CME Accredited - 6 CPD Points

Programme Overview

Key sessions

Refractive Surgery - the assessments and options for patients

Glaucoma - the care pathways across community and hospital

Vision Impairment and Supporting Your Patients - NCBI practical talk on how to help and support visually impaired patients in the clinic

Demonstration of Healthlink - the national health messaging web service 

Keynote Speaker: Ian McKinley

"SCNF - Second Chance Never Forget"

Former international professional rugby player, Ian McKinley, who lost vision in his left eye as a result of an on-pitch incident in 2010 will share his inspirational story as keynote guest speaker at this year’s conference.

Through incredible determination and resilience, and the development of special goggles to protect his right eye, Ian returned to the game following the incident, playing for Treviso in Italy and eventually getting the call up for the Italian National team.

Ian retired from international rugby in 2021 and has continued to be an advocate for protective eye wear in the sport.   

Dr Robert Harper Optometrist, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital will be among the guest speakers at the Glaucoma session

Dr Harper is Honorary Professor of Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester and a Visiting Professor in Optometry at City, University of London.

In his talk 'Capacity in glaucoma services: Engaging with primary care optometry'  Dr Harper will discuss the primary eyecare glaucoma service (PEGS) model and referral care pathways for low risk patients in the community. 

Delegates will also hear an overview from Ms Elaine Brennan of the Clinical Nurse Specialist led glaucoma clinic in operation over the past 12 years at Beaumont Hospital Eye Department. 

Dr Margaret Morgan, Consultant Medical Ophthalmologist, will discuss the establishment of the glaucoma patient care pathway between the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital and eye clinic in CHO7.   Glaucoma assessment clinics have been running in the Community since November 2021. 

Prof. William Power Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital and past president of the ICO will present at the Refractive Surgery session on the options and different procedures available to patients.

Ms Gillian O'Mullane, Clinical Specialist Orthoptist at CHI, Temple Street will discuss orthoptic considerations in refractive surgery. and evaluation of patients pre refractive surgery..

Guest speakers from the NCBI and Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLO) will discuss the ways in which the eye care team can support visually impaired patients in the clinic. The importance of early intervention to offer support as soon as possible to your patient and referral guidelines will also be discussed. 

Delegates will hear from those with a lived experience of sight loss on their personal stories and how the supports have helped them in their daily lives.   

Ms Janice Brady, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, University Hospital Waterford will discuss a clinician's perspective on visual impairment support.

Meeting Chair: Mr. John Doris, President. Irish College of Ophthalmologists

Registration

Registration Fee: €130 (includes lunch and morning refreshments)

ICO members: €100

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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If you would like further information, please contact ICO Communications Manager, Ciara Keenan ciara.keenan@eyedoctors.ie