PROGRAM
Saturday September 27
AEST
12:30pm-2:30pm
EARLY CAREER OPTOMETRISTS LUNCH
Pre conference social event for early career optometrists
Venue: The Chambers - 21 Spence Street, Cairns
Join us for a FREE social lunch, which will be held prior to the Cairns Interactive Conference.
This lunch aims to create a positive, judgement free environment where early career optometrists can discuss clinical decision-making concepts, make new friends and socialise. We encourage everyone to come with an open mind and a positive attitude. You may also like to bring along a de-identified clinical case to discuss with the group.
Whilst this lunch is tailored for early career optometrists and new members, all OA members are invited. You do not need to attend Cairns Interactive to join this social event.
REGISTRATION AND AFTERNOON TEA
2:00pm-3:00pm
Welcome
Queensland State Lead
Welcome to Country
Minjil is an indigenous cultural group connecting people from all backgrounds with country, culture and age-old traditions through dance, lore and education. They are passionate about sharing the unique culture and heritage of the Gimuy/Cairns Yidinydji homelands in far north Queensland.
3:00pm-3:15pm
Drops, pills, blades – Comprehensive management of common anterior eye conditions
3:15pm-5:15pm
2Ti
This session will be a collaborative discussion on management pathways for common anterior eye conditions, including topical, oral, and surgical intervention.
Learning Objectives
Comprehensively manage anterior eye conditions beyond topical interventions.
Our Speakers
Jason Holland
Jason graduated from QUT in 1994 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Optometry) with Honours.
After initially doing locum optometry around Australia with The Optical Superstore, in 2001, he commenced sessional work with ophthalmologist and anterior eye specialist, Dr Andrew Apel, at the Eye Health Centre in Brisbane.
In 2006, he commenced an advanced Dry Eye/Glaucoma Clinic at The Eye Health Centre in Brisbane, managing challenging patients utilising the latest technology. More recently, he co-founded The Dry Eye Society of QLD of which he is the current president.
In 2012, he completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics and became a Credentialed Optometrist with CASA. Jason also served as a Director and Treasurer for Optometry QLD/NT for 9 years until 2017, and he served on the Optometry Australia National Board for 3 years. He currently sits on the Queensland University of Technology, Deakin and University of Western Australia Optometry Advisory Boards.
Jason has lectured on contact lenses and dry eye in Australia and across southeast Asia, and was the recipient of the Optometry QLD/NT Optometrist of the Year award in 2018.
Dr Aaron Chidgey
MBBS, B.App Sci (Optom)(Hons), FRANZCO
Medical and Surgical Retina Specialist
Cataract Surgeon
Dr Aaron Chidgey is a highly trained ophthalmologist with specialist expertise in both medical retina and vitreoretinal surgery.
Dr Chidgey holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Optometry (Honours), a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), and is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (FRANZCO). His clinical focus includes the management of diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusions, and complex vitreoretinal conditions such as retinal detachment, ocular trauma, and complicated cataract surgery.
He completed advanced ophthalmology training at renowned institutions including Sydney Eye Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital in Queensland, and Moorfield’s Eye Hospital in London.
Dr Chidgey is now consulting from The Eye Health Centre, Springfield practice, where he is committed to delivering exceptional, evidence-based care to patients in the Brisbane community.
Dr Andrew Apel
Dr Andrew Apel, MSSB (QLD), FRANZCO, is an esteemed Ophthalmologist and the founder of The Eye Health Centre, Brisbane. With multiple practices across Brisbane City, Aspley, Wynnum, and Booval, Dr. Apel has established himself as a leading authority in Corneal and External Eye Diseases.
Having completed his Ophthalmology training in Brisbane, Dr. Apel further honed his expertise through a prestigious two-year Corneal and External Diseases Fellowship at the University of Toronto, Canada, in 1992. With over 25 years of dedicated experience in treating both medical and surgical conditions of the anterior segment of the eye, Dr. Apel has contributed significantly to the field, with publications in peer-reviewed journals and international lectures.
Dr Apel's commitment to education and professional development is evident through his roles, including past chair of the Qld Qualification and Education Committee RANZCO and Senior Visiting Medical Officer at Princess Alexandra Hospital Brisbane. He is actively involved in various professional bodies, serving as Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at Brisbane Day Surgery, a Director at QLD Laser Vision, and a member of the Specialist Advisory Committee and Sustainability Committee at Cura Day Surgeries. Recently, he was invited to join the Regional Advisory Committee of the World College of Refractive Surgery and Visual Sciences.
With a focus on cutting-edge surgical techniques, Dr Apel specialises in DMEK corneal transplantation, as well as presbyopia and refractive error correction using intraocular lenses and Laser technology. His dedication to patient care and professional excellence has earned him immense respect from both patients and peers alike, making him a highly sought-after expert in his field.
Jason Holland
Dr Aaron Chidgey
Prof Nicola Anstice
Dr Andrew Apel
5:15pm-6:15pm
PRE-SESSION NETWORKING EVENING
Unwind and connect with fellow delegates in the relaxed Cairns atmosphere. Enjoy food and refreshments while exploring the trade exhibition and catching up with colleagues before the final session of the day.
Reading between the lines: vision’s role in children
6:15pm-7:15pm
1
Early literacy is a key contributor to later reading performance and educational and vocational attainment as well as social-emotional skills and long-term health and well-being outcomes. Although learning is a complicated and multifactorial process, for many children poor vision represents one barrier that is readily treatable with spectacles which provide a safe, easy and cost-effective therapeutic option.
This talk will present recent evidence on the association between vision and learning as well as academic outcomes in children with uncorrected refractive errors and other vision disorders. It examines how vision influences learning processes, including reading fluency, comprehension, and attention span. The presentation will highlight common vision problems that may affect learning outcomes, such as refractive errors, and accommodative and binocular vision disorders. In addition, recent evidence on reading eye movements and how these could be measured in clinical practice will be discussed. Intervention and management strategies for visual issues that impact learning will also be addressed, aiming to enhance educational outcomes and quality of life for children.
Learning Objectives
Discuss how vision may influence the reading process.
Synthesise recent evidence about the association between vision and learning in children with uncorrected refractive error and binocular vision disorders.
Describe reading eye movements and how these can be measured in clinical practice.
Our Speaker
Professor Nicola Anstice is an optometrist, clinician scientist, and educator with a passion for advancing equitable access to eye care. She is currently Director of Research & Education at Optometry Australia, where she leads national research strategy, continuing professional development initiatives, and advocacy for the optometry workforce. She also holds an academic role as a Professor in Optometry at Flinders University, where she is committed to student-centred teaching and mentoring the next generation of eye health professionals.
Her research interests span visual development, refractive error, and culturally safe approaches to eye health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Māori communities. She has been recognised as a finalist in the Women in Innovation Awards for her leadership and impact across the sector.
Nicola is dedicated to bridging clinical practice, education, and policy to ensure high-quality, accessible eye care for all Australians.
PROGRAM
Sunday September 28
AEST
7:30am-8:30am
1Ti
CSL Seqirus Sponsored Breakfast -
Decoding dry eye: from diagnosis to evidence-based management
This presentation outlines a structured, evidence-based approach to diagnosing, classifying, and managing dry eye disease (DED), drawing on the TFOS DEWS II framework. The session begins by highlighting the definition of DED and the importance of recognising its heterogeneous nature, with tear film instability, hyperosmolarity, inflammation, and neurosensory abnormalities all contributing to its pathophysiology. Clinical cases are used to illustrate the diagnostic process, including the role of triaging questions, validated symptom questionnaires, and key homeostasis markers such as tear break-up time, osmolarity, and ocular surface staining. Sub-typing into aqueous deficient and evaporative categories is also demonstrated through imaging and gland assessments.
Management strategies are presented in a staged model, starting with patient education, environmental modifications, and ocular lubricants, progressing to in-office procedures, topical and systemic therapies, and advanced interventions such as autologous serum and scleral lenses. Emerging considerations—including digital device use, and novel pharmacological agents—are discussed in the context of optimising long-term outcomes. Through practical examples and current evidence, the talk equips clinicians with a protocol to improve diagnosis and treatment of DED, ultimately enhancing patient comfort, vision, and ocular health
Learning Objectives
Implement the DEWS methodology for diagnosing and sub-classifying dry eye disease (DED).
Develop a clinical protocol for evaluating a patient with suspected DED.
Apply the current evidence base for the management of dry eye.
Prof Nicola Anstice
8.30am-9.00am
SHORT BREAK & NETWORKING
Approach to disc swelling in children
9.00am-11.00am
2Ti
This session will explore how to approach a child with suspected disc swelling and differentiate between true and pseudo disc swelling.
Learning Objectives
Work up a patient with suspected disc swelling.
Our Speaker
Dr Sheetal Shirke is a general ophthalmologist with interest in pediatric ophthalmology and neuro-ophthalmology. She has completed multiple fellowships in these areas. She currently works both in public (Townsville University Hospital) and private (NQ Eye Specialists).
Dr Sheetel Shirke
11am-11.30am
MORNING TEA
11.30am - 12:30pm
1Ti
This session cover the ways in which migraine can present, with a focus in migraine with aura. We will also discuss important differential diagnosis and the appropriate management and referral pathways for these conditions. We will touch on some migraine therapies and potential ocular complications.
Learning Objectives
Describe the spectrum of migraine aura and important differential diagnoses.
Describe the spectrum of migraine therapies and potential ocular complications.
Our Speaker
Having spent some time in Cairns as a junior doctor, Dr Ian Wilson completed my neurology training in Melbourne before returning to Cairns. As part of his fellowship, he attended the neuro-ophthalmology clinic at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and developed an interest in this fascinating field. Dr Wilson runs a fortnightly neuro-ophthalmology clinic at Cairns Hospital in addition to a busy general neurology clinic with special interests in epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.
Demystifying migraine
Dr Ian Wilson
12:30pm-1:30pm
LUNCH & TRADE EXPO
CooperVision Sponsored Session - Managing Amelia’s myopia – Getting it right from the start
1i
1:30pm-2:30pm
As the adoption of myopia management as the standard of care becomes established, the emphasis moves to achieving the best possible result for the child. This interactive workshop follows a case over several years and practitioners are required to discuss and decide on the best course of action as new information becomes available at each follow-up visit.
Learning Objectives
Use appropriate criteria to inform decision-making regarding the progress of a child undertaking myopia management over the years of treatment.
Make an evidence-based decision on whether a myopia management treatment is sufficiently effective.
Our speaker
Joe is an optometrist who has worked in the contact lens industry in educational and commercial roles in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. He has given presentations and workshops on contact lens topics internationally as well as owning businesses involved in contact lens distribution and optometry. He is a contributing author to the textbook Contact Lens Practice by Nathan Efron and is currently employed as Head of Professional Affairs for CooperVision.
Joe Tanner
AFTERNOON TEA & TRADE EXPO
2:30pm-3:00pm
A presentation outlining the fundamentals of paediatric eye assessments, including strabismus, with interactive case examples.
Learning Objectives
Correctly identify appropriate visual acuity measures.
Perform a basic paediatric examination
Identify and measure strabismic patterns.
Refer children for further care.
Our Speaker
Casey Winter is a practicing clinical optometrist at the Townsville University Hospital, where she works closely alongside consultants and training doctors. Born and bred in regional North Queensland, Casey is particularly passionate about regional and remote healthcare, having done outreach programs to Palm Island, Hughenden, Julia Creek and most recently Fiji with Fred Hollows. In the hospital setting, Casey focuses on pre- and post-operative care, acute and chronic conditions and more recently expanded her skills in paediatric assessment. When Casey is not working, you will find her with her Border Collie, Beau, or more recently, gallivanting around Europe.
“Hundreds and thousands” of tests, which ones to choose? The foundations of paediatric eye examinations
3:00pm-5:00pm
2i
Casey Winter
5:00pm
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