Vision Care Academy concludes successful Optometry Day and 12th Annual Scientific session

Optometrist graduates taking their oaths

Vision Care Academy, the educational institute of Sri Lanka’s largest vision and eye wear solutions provider Vision Care, marked this year’s Optometry Day and 12th Annual Scientific Session recently with an educational event held under the theme “Innovative World with Better Focus” at the Mount Lotus Eye & ENT Hospital.

The event was graced by the presence of Chief Guest National Eye Hospital Sri Lanka Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr. Manel Pasqual and Guest of Honour Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission Sri Lanka Chairman Udeni Wickramarachchi. Vision Care Academy organises this annual event to provide a platform for the education, awareness, and knowledge sharing of all matters related to the field of optometry and hearing care while nurturing the interest of the students of the academy and encouraging them to devote their time towards research studies. 

This event is also the official convocation where certificates are awarded to the students who have passed out of Vision Care Academy on successful completion of their respective courses.

The Inaugural Keynote Address was delivered by University of Colombo Faculty of Medicine Professor and Consultant Eye Surgeon Prof. Madhuwanthi Dissanayake. Subsequently, four educational sessions were held on a variety of topics related to the field of optometry and hearing care. 

During the 1st session, an informative speech was made by Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr. D.R.R. Kodikara on ‘Ocular Diagnostics’. The 2nd session address was made by Consultant Ophthalmologist/Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon Dr. Aruna Fernando on ‘Binocular Vision & Vision Therapy’, while the 3rd session address was delivered by Essilor India Private Ltd. Snr. Optometrist/AGM-ECP Training & Development Ananth Lakshmi on ‘Community Optometry and Dispensing’. 

Additionally, during the 4th session, Consultant ENT Surgeon Dr. Sanjeewani Rupasinghe delivered the keynote speech on ‘Hearing Care’. 

The event concluded with the handing over of certificates to a total of 34 Vision Care Academy graduates while several individuals took home awards in multiple research categories. 

The award winners were Chanura Mahindapala - Best Oral Presentation (Senior), Chandramohan Thilakshana - Best Oral Presentation (Jr./DOP), Pramodya Thathsarani - Best Oral Presentation (Jr./COA), Ravindu Deshan - Best Oral Presentation (Jr./CVT), Kavindi Silva - Best Oral Presentation (CDO), Ravindu Deshan - Best Research of the Year, Amila Chandrasekara - Best Poster of the Year, Suresh Sulaxan - Best Innovation of the Year, Dharunniya Komalasewaran - Best Research Presentation-Audiology and Ann Sureni - Best Poster-Audiology.

Addressing the audience, Head of Vision Care Academy Vidya Jayarathna stated: “We are pleased to be able to celebrate the optometry day and annual scientific session in person this year having done an online event last year. Every year, the exceptional students and staff of the academy work together tirelessly to organise this much looked forward to knowledge sharing event. 

“The event always aims to be on par with international standards as we discuss various topics related to the field of optometry and hearing care with the assistance of top experts. At Vision Care Academy, we are proud to play our part to enhance the knowledge levels in Sri Lanka’s eye and hearing care fields and we will strive to do so into the future.”

Vision Care Academy was established in 2008 with the objective of providing in-house training to Vision Care employees. Today, it has evolved into a fully facilitated training institute that offers a world-class educational experience in optometry. It has a highly qualified well-experienced lecture panel and also brings in lecturers from leading Universities in Sri Lanka to give the students the most comprehensive education in optometry. 

Vision Care Academy conducts four full-time courses on eye and hearing care under the supervision of Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC). They are Certificate program for Ophthalmic Assistants (COA), Certificate program for Audiometrians (CAD), Certificate program for Dispensing Opticians (CDO) and Diploma program for Optometrists (DOP). Vision Care Academy is a full-time member of the association of schools and colleges of optometry India and affiliate member of the World Council of Optometry.

Ravindu Deshan being awarded the ‘Best Oral Presentation' and 'Best Research of the Year’

A student presenting his new innovation to the panel of judges

Chief Guest National Eye Hospital Sri Lanka Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr. Manel Pasqual addressing the gathering