After four years as chairperson of the Save Sight Society, Professor Dipika Patel is handing over the role to Dr Leo Sheck, an ophthalmologist with the Auckland District Health Board who specialises in medical retina, ocular genetics and electrophysiology.
Dr Sheck said he’s looking forward to taking on the responsibility of promoting and funding ophthalmic research in New Zealand, while thanking Prof Patel for her hard work and service to New Zealand’s Save Sight Society.
Prof Patel will remain as co-chair until the end of May to ensure a smooth transition and to help with the annual Save Sight Society conference, which is aimed at all the country’s eye care professionals, said Dr Sheck. “Every year, the Save Sight Society conference brings together ophthalmologists, optometrists and other professionals to discuss the latest research and clinical developments in eye care.”
Dr Sheck is working alongside convenor Dr Jesse Gale to organise this year’s conference themed, The next wave: what’s on the horizon for eye care. Held at the Hotel Intercontinental, Wellington, on Friday 16 August, the 2019 conference will have four main sessions: cornea and optics, innovations in service provision, paediatric eye care and ophthalmic neuroscience, he said.
“Nestled within each session, clinical lectures will bring you up to date with the latest in subspecialty eye care, while talks from leading researchers will give you an idea of the exciting new developments down the road. This event is shaping up to be a highlight for the New Zealand eye care community and is not to be missed.”
Confirmed speakers at print time include Professor Steven Dakin, Associate Professor Andrea Vincent, Drs Sarah Welch, James McKelvie, Alex Buller and Anne-Marie Yardley and optometrists John Phillips, Wilson Sue and Eleisha Dudson.
Keep an eye on NZ Optics or the Society’s website, www.savesightsociety.org.nz, for more information.
