ADONZ Conference

The beginning of November saw our Dispensing Opticians, Vanessa Cumming and Roslyn Iongi, make their way up to Napier for the ADONZ (Association of Dispensing Opticians) Conference.

During their whirlwind visit, they were excited to learn a lot more in the fields of Blind Culture in New Zealand, Myopia Control, Optometry’s role in Concussion, and Dry Eye Syndrome.

As there’s obviously far too much in the way of clinical information to try and condense into one blog, we’ll just share some handy tidbits of knowledge on each topic. If you’d like to know more, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

There are new standards for enrolment with Blind and Low Vision New Zealand (no longer The Blind Foundation), which means that we can now refer for help and funding sooner! Vanessa and Roslyn were able to observe and participate in learning how to guide a blind or low vision person, and especially how to lead and make physical contact while ensuring the person feels safe and comfortable.

An optometrist gave a lecture on both Myopia Control and Optometry’s Role in Concussion. Here at Canon Street Optometrists, we pride ourselves in keeping up-to-date with Myopia Control, so we’re extremely pleased with the fact that we’re able to provide all the options currently available to our customers. Both Vanessa and Roslyn found it really interesting to see how further testing for concussion clients is progressing (concussion affects the brain, eyes, and co-ordination), and all the ways in which we can now provide quality help. Again, here at Canon Street Optometrists, we offer an incredible service in the way of Behavioural Optometry, which is proven to help concussion patients by using a range of diagnostic testing and training, prescription glasses (if appropriate), and a customized program of vision training activities. If you’d like to know more, please contact us.

In regard to Dry Eye Syndrome, Vanessa and Roslyn learnt more about lid hygiene and current recommendations of non-preserved drops, lid wipes, and sleep goggles. They learnt how lid damage, hormones, and the environment, etc. can affect the health of eyes. It was stressed that the sooner treatment is started, the better long-term outcome we will get!

Overall, Vanessa and Roslyn got to meet up with others in the same industry, and picked up wee kernels of knowledge, and how thinking outside of the box can often lead to the best result!

If you’d like to find out more about any of these topics, please don’t hesitate to contact us!