ABDO Myopia Management Conference

Professor James Wolffsohn

The inaugural ABDO Myopia Management Conference will take place on Sunday 29 and Monday 30 October, providing two opportunities for members to attend this exciting new event.

Dedicated to sharing the latest myopia management research and treatment solutions, the one-day conference will be held at the ABDO National Resource Centre in Birmingham and provide up to 16 CPD points. A total of 14 interactive points will be available on the day.

A hands-on clinical conference covering all aspects of myopia management, the day will also cover relevant instrumentation, the latest research, technology and innovation – with an afternoon of practical workshops.

Speaking at the event are world renowned myopia management experts – Professor James Wolffsohn of Aston University, and Dr Neema Ghorbani Mojarrad of Bradford University. Supporting recorded content will be provided by Josie Barlow of Menicon, and Professor Mark Bullimore of the University of Houston (see box opposite).

Dr Alicia Thompson, ABDO director of research, education and professional development, will also present on paediatric frames fitting.

Approaches and evidence

Dr Neema Ghorbani Mojarrad

Professor Wolffsohn will open the conference and set the scene for why myopia management is such an important subject for all practitioners. He will discuss the evidence-based risks, prevalence and aetiology of myopia, along with the practitioner’s responsibility to manage myopia and how best to communicate with patients and carers.

Dr Neema Ghorbani Mojarrad will explore what is known about genetics and myopia, digital devices use and time spent outdoors. He will also discuss innovations in myopia management. In her CPD lecture, Dr Thompson will look at the importance of spectacles fit in myopia management and the consequences for the child if this is not considered. Based on paediatric facial data, Dr Thompson will examine what a good fit looks like and what practitioners need from the frame.

The afternoon session will comprise of three interactive workshops: spectacles, contact lenses, and technology. Each workshop will be supported by industry partners to allow discussions to be based in the real-world application of myopia management in practice.

Dr Thompson said: “ABDO is delighted to bring to our members a clinical conference based on the current evidence for myopia management. The subject of myopia management is relevant to all practitioners, and therefore an awareness of all forms of intervention and associated technology is crucial for our members in order for them to have those discussions from an informed position based on current evidence.”

Alex Webster, ABDO head of CPD, added: “We are really pleased to bring this programme of education to ABDO members, to support their professional development in this exciting and developing field of practice. We are equally excited to be working with the fantastic speakers and sponsors who are lined up to support the event. It is a testament to how important the role of the dispensing optician is seen in this area of clinical practice by our industry.”

Complementary online content

Josie Barlow

To complement the live conference programme, the following lectures will be available for all ABDO members to access.

Orthokeratology with Josie Barlow: At 7pm on Wednesday 1 November, Josie Barlow, Menicon myopia management division head of professional services, will present a webinar on orthokeratology (ortho-k). This will be recorded and then available to watch on demand from the ABDO website. Josie will discuss what ortho-k is, how it works to correct vision, and how it works in relation to myopia management. She will also discuss the ortho-k fitting process and patient journey – along with ongoing care requirements. Bookings for this webinar will be available from the Events section of the ABDO website from 5 September.

Professor Mark Bullimore

Pharmacology with Professor Mark Bullimore: In a recorded lecture to be made available in conjunction with the conference, Professor Mark Bullimore, adjunct professor of optometry at the University of Houston, will explore how pharmacology interventions work for myopia management. Professor Bullimore will deliver an anatomy refresher, before looking at which drugs are used in myopia management, the latest research, and how pharmacology is used for myopia management outside of the UK.

How to book

Bookings will go live on 5 September and places can be secured via the ABDO Events page. Places are strictly limited to 100 ABDO members per day due to the practical nature of the programme. A cost of £45 is payable on booking, which includes lunch and refreshments.

Sponsors to date

Centrostyle, CooperVision, Hoya Lens UK, Millmead Optical Group, Mark’ennovy, Sightglass Vision, Stepper and Topcon.