The only New Zealand meeting focused entirely on ocular therapeutics, the Ocular Therapeutics Conference (OTC), returns on 14 September for a day of translational research and practical learning.

Responding to feedback from delegates, the OTC returned to its one-day format in 2023 after a series of education evenings trialled during the Covid pandemic, said organiser Professor Ilva Rupenthal, director of the Buchanan Ocular Therapeutics Unit. “We feel that the one-day format enables more educational value, while also offering better networking opportunities. We have also recently decided to make the OTC a biennial rather than an annual event due to the large number of educational meetings scheduled.”

Ophthalmologists, optometrists, pharmacists and support staff, especially those with an interest in the latest developments in ocular therapeutics, are invited to attend, she said. “The event will feature rapid, 12-minute, presentations focused on enhancing practical understanding of key aspects of ocular therapeutics. Each of the four sessions will focus on a specific topic with subsequent panel discussion.”

“Our speakers are selected by the programme committee for their clinical experience, subject knowledge and ability to entertain from the podium, ensuring a high-calibre line up, Prof Rupenthal said. This year’s keynotes, Professor Gerard Sutton, honorary professor in clinical ophthalmology and eye health at the University of Sydney’s Save Sight Institute, and Auckland ophthalmologist Dr Jo Sims, will deliver sessions titled ‘Restoring the cornea’ and ‘Inflammatory eye disorders – more than steroids’, respectively.

The conference will be hosted at the Grafton Campus, University of Auckland. Recordings will be available online for remote learning following the conference. The ocular therapeutics online modules are available and accredited for two years. CPD points under application. For more, click here.