On stage at 100% Optical: Learning from each other

From clinical decision making, to new materials, and social media; 100% Optical 2022 will see a programme of more than 130 engaging education sessions on topics from across optics. Ahead of the event, OT’s Q&A series highlights the key themes from just a few of the sessions that will take place during the show.

What should attendees expect of the AOP 100% Optical peer reviews?

Don't expect a complete record card to critique. During The AOP 100% Optical peer review, we always try to present scenarios that could really occur in practice, peppered with enough ambiguity to generate some debate. This year we have three new cases, including patients who present with sudden-onset symptoms for you to puzzle over, plus a detailed round on optic disc analysis. Telemedicine is a new skill for many of us so we have thrown that into the mix.

What do you hope attendees will take away from the sessions?

The objective of peer review is to learn from each other, and every time we run a discussion new ideas come out. Participants should come away with a clear understanding of how their skills compare with those of their peers. This means you'll know what to work on in your professional development plan this year. We'll also have a handy crib sheet on optic disc assessment to take away.

Who might benefit the most from joining?

The session is designed for optometrists at any stage of their career and from all types of practice. If you're newly qualified, please don't be intimidated by the notion of peer review; your role is to prevent the more experienced practitioners from being stuck in their ways. Feel free to ask questions and make them think. We like to create an open, non-judgemental environment and most people seem to come away smiling.

If you're newly qualified, please don't be intimidated by the notion of peer review; your role is to prevent the more experienced practitioners from being stuck in their ways

What are some of the benefits of joining these peer review sessions, particularly in a live conference setting?

100% Optical attracts delegates from all over the world, so it presents a unique opportunity to hear from people you wouldn't normally meet at your local events. We see some frequent flyers year-after-year and I do hope they return in 2022.