AOP launches virtual events series for hospital optometry

The AOP has launched a month-long series of virtual events for hospital optometrists and allied professionals.

Offering a combination of four webinars and two peer discussions hosted by the AOP, the series follows the cancellation of the Hospital Optometrists Annual Conference due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The virtual events are taking place between 3–24 November.

In the first webinar in the series, Katy Barnard, clinical lead low vision at Moorfields Eye Hospital, and Moira McClure, specialist optometrist for Belfast Trust, will look at how their hospital low vision services have adapted in the wake of the global pandemic.

Other topics addressed in the series include future proofing an AMD service, and assessing and managing the impact of COVID-19 on cataract waiting lists.

Speaking to OT, AOP head of education, Dr Ian Beasley said: “In the absence of a face-to-face event this year, the hospital optometry virtual series provides an opportunity to bring together colleagues from across secondary care to share important learnings in the wake of the pandemic. The weekly webinars are also of relevance to practitioners in primary care, offering four interactive CET points across the series.”

Sponsors of the virtual series are No7 Contact Lenses and Menicon.

The AOP confirmed the 46th Hospital Optometrists Annual Conference will return in 2021.