Twenty seven optometrists recently took part in a very hands-on refractive surgery training day, courtesy of Auckland’s Re:Vision Academy. One of them, second-year graduate Ammaarah Khan, from Gates Eyewear, said, "Such a great morning at Re:Vision! Gaining hands-on experience with IOLs and LASIK demonstrates the intricacies of vision correction and allows me to communicate better with patients on what their experience will be."
Led by Drs Trevor Gray and Mo Ziaei, the CPD workshops introduced Re:Vision’s approach to welcoming and prepping patients for lens insertion and laser surgeries, including explanations about sedation and “verbal anaesthesia” techniques – all aimed at putting people at ease.
After some expert instruction from charge nurse Michelle Williams, the optoms tested their skills, loading lenses, handling instruments and working in a live surgical environment (albeit with artificial eyeballs).
The workshop also included practical refractive surgery updates, how to confidently spot great refractive candidates in practice, real-world co-management guidance post-surgery, interactive case discussions and first-hand insights from colleagues who’ve had refractive surgery themselves.
Re:Vision chief operating officer Jennifer Silvester said this first seminar of its kind followed on from September 2024’s first minimally invasive glaucoma surgery dry lab workshop.
