Vision Care holds Optometry Day 2016

With a motive of providing an opportunity platform for all optometrists, Vision Care’s academy held its Optometry Day and seventh annual scientific sessions on 12 June at Grand Crystal Ballroom, Taj Samudra from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The conference with the theme ‘Optometry for the entire nation’ brought together various professionals from the region and exchanged latest, contemporary knowledge in the ever changing field of optometry.

Conducted for the seventh successful consecutive year the conference began with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp followed by a welcome dance performed by trainee ophthalmic assistants. Vision Care Academy Principal Vidya Jayarathna delivered the welcome speech whilst the keynote speech was delivered by Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr. Maduwanthi Dissanayake.

Amila Chandrasekara won the award of Best oral presentation, Dulanjali De Silva – Best poster presentation, Buddhinie Nonis – Best oral presentation (Audiology), Chulanga Perera – Most innovative study, and Kalpa Madushan and Oshadee Peiries – presenters of the year.

Vision Care CEO Dasantha Fonseka said, “This annual event stimulates both clinical knowledge and scientific intellect of our students and through a research paper or a poster, students had the opportunity to interact and share their experience with the like-minded. We were so delighted to see our competent and dynamic young optometry fraternity actively participating in this program and hope that this conference will get bigger and better in the future.”

The chief guest for the event was Dr. Babara Ryan – Director Postgraduate Taught Programmes, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences at Cardiff University, UK and the guest of honour was Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr. Champa Banagala. It kick-started with the certificate awards ceremony for students who’ve graduated from Diploma, Ophthalmic Assistant, and Dispensing programs.

“We as optometrists are often the first line of contact for people who have visual complaints and come for general eye examinations. We’re glad the conference acts as a platform to present, share and interact with the latest knowledge and technology in order to find the best solutions in challenging situations. I am sure today’s scientific session will help to gain knowledge about the latest techniques and innovations in optometry field,” said Optometry Day 2016 Chairman Chulanga Perera.

The conference hosted four scientific sessions namely ‘Special testing and biometry’, ‘Refraction and low vision’, ‘Contact lenses and dispensing’, and ‘Hearing care’. Many presented their scientific papers along these areas and had the opportunity to receive feedback and solutions from a panel of well experienced judges consisting of industry professionals and practitioners. 

Consultant Eye Surgeon Dr. Madhuwanthi Dissanayake, special advisor for the academy and senior lecturer at the University of Colombo commented, “For years the students and staff of Vision Care Academy put together a greater effort to be the pioneering institution in optometry and visual science education keeping in par with the international standards. This academic forum offers an excellent opportunity for promotion of research, exchange of views and sharing of information in the field of optometry and visual science.”

The event concluded with an entertainment dance, address from the panel of judges, awards ceremony followed by an address by Vision Care CEO Dasantha Fonseka and vote of thanks delivered by Vision Care Academy Director – Testing and Studies Kumari Fonseka. Awards such as Best Oral Poster, Best Paper Poster, Most Innovative Study, and Upcoming Presenter for Poster were given, which encourages others to be more participative in their interest in this field.  

Incorporated during April, 2008 by Vision Care Optical Services Ltd. to train in house staff, Vision Care Academy today has successfully delivered many number of well qualified, up-to-date optometry professionals in Sri Lanka. The academy currently offers one-year specialised programmes such as Diploma in Optometry, Certificate for Ophthalmic Assistants, Certificate in Dispensing Optics, and Certificate in Audiometry, and hopes to also conduct a bachelors programme in optometry with local or foreign affiliations in the future.