2025 Optometry Educational Dinner (September)

Topics:Artificial Intelligence scribes in practice - The potential for AI to change Optometry This activity provides an evidence-based exploration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools—specifically AI medical scribes and AI-assisted diagnostic platforms—and their growing role in optometric and ophthalmic practice. Delivered by Professor Layton, who has been at the forefront of  clinical and research experience in digital health, the session begins with an overview of AI scribe technology, including how natural language processing (NLP) enables real-time generation of clinical notes during patient consultations. Practical demonstrations and workflow comparisons will highlight time-saving and accuracy-enhancing benefits, as well as medico-legal considerations, privacy risks, and integration with practice management systems.The second half focuses on AI-powered diagnostic support tools, including retinal image analysis systems and decision-support platforms in diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and AMD. Current regulatory frameworks, limitations in clinical sensitivity and specificity, and the importance of human oversight will be discussed. Emphasis is placed on how optometrists can ethically and effectively adopt these technologies to improve patient care while safeguarding professional standards.Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of the practical implications of integrating AI into optometry practice, including changes to clinical workflow, patient communication, and future collaborative care with ophthalmologists.Geographic Atrophy Update:2025 developments in pharmacological treatment of geographic atrophy, a previously untreatable late-stage form of AMD are working their way through regulatory processes in Australia.  This presentation will focuses on the clinical application of C3 and C5 complement inhibitors, such as pegcetacoplan and avacincaptad pegol, now gaining traction following expanded international approvals. We’ll review updated trial data on visual function preservation, injection frequency optimisation, and emerging biomarkers guiding patient selection. Additionally, new combination therapies and sustained-release delivery models will be discussed. The segment aims to equip optometrists with knowledge of the equipment and expertise needed to legally treat this condition, along with the most current, practical insights for integrating these novel therapies into patient referral pathways.Our Presenter – Professor Christopher Layton:Professor Christopher Layton (Dr Chris) is a private Clinical Ophthalmologist, Rhodes Scholar and a national leader in innovative ophthalmology. His expertise is in macular disease, lens surgery and minimally invasive glaucoma interventions. He completed optometry at QUT, ophthalmology in Queensland, Oxford and London, subspecialty training in retinal disease at the Royal Brisbane Hospital and holds a PhD in diabetic retinopathy from Oxford University. Professor Layton is the founding director of the LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre. He is also CEO of Ocugene, a Queensland based biotech start-up which is commercialising his gene therapy technology targeting macular degeneration, uveitis and choroidal melanoma.