WRITER Evan MacRae

All eyes are focussed on the west, with the much-loved WAVE Conference just weeks away, as Evan MacRae reports.

The highly anticipated Western Australian Vision Education conference (WAVE) is back for 2024, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever. This year, WAVE will maintain its successful hybrid format, utilising the same platform for delivery, and returning to the iconic seaside venue at the Fremantle Esplanade Hotel. Mark your calendars for the weekend of 16–17 March, as WAVE 2024 is an event you won’t want to miss.

One of the most exciting aspects of WAVE 2024 is the introduction of international speaker Dr Jennifer S. Simonson OD FCOVD. As the clinical director of the Boulder Valley Vision Therapy Center in Boulder, Colorado, Dr Simonson is bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conference.

WAVE 2024 is also a prime opportunity to meet the Optometry Board Australia's continuing professional development (CPD) requirements. The program has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate members’ individual learning plans and provide interactivity, ensuring that all attendees leave with valuable insights and skills to apply in their optometry practice.

We’re also partnering with Optical Dispensers Australia to deliver dispenser education at WAVE. This partnership will enhance the trade display and provide attendees with a wider range of resources and knowledge. Moreover, a combined session at the end of day one will precede our renowned sundowner, allowing for meaningful interaction, knowledge sharing, fun, and great entertainment by the pool.

If you haven't registered yet, we strongly encourage you to do so. WAVE 2024 promises to be a remarkable education fest, offering unique insights and networking opportunities that can help advance your optometry career no matter what stage.

SUPPORTING EVERY CAREER STAGE

At Optometry Western Australia (OWA), we are committed to supporting our members throughout every stage of their careers. The Early Career Optometrists Committee (ECOWA) remains robust, offering regular CPD and social events, as well as general support for optometrists within their first 10 years of graduation. We’re excited to welcome graduates from the University of Western Australia Doctor of Optometry course into our fold, providing them with valuable resources and a supportive community as they embark on their professional journey.

Our Social Committee is planning a dynamic series of events for 2024, to enable networking and support through a diverse range of activities.

We also look forward to valuable contributions to the events calendar from the Rural and Remote Committee. Their focus has been to become more inclusive and supportive of our Aboriginal communities. OWA’s Reconciliation Action Plan, outlining our dedication to reconciliation, can be found on our website.

COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Our commitment to social responsibility remains unwavering. OWA continues to support St. Patrick’s Homeless Shelter, contributing to the welfare of those in need. Additionally, we extend our support to volunteer optometrists who assist in UWA student training at the centre, an initiative that has a positive impact on both our community and future optometrists.

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

OWA steps into 2024 with a stable leadership group. Our last annual general meeting, held in October, reaffirmed the trust in the existing leadership, with President Stephanie Bahler and all previously elected board members retaining their roles. This continuity speaks to the board’s diligence and dedication in shaping the future of optometry in Western Australia on behalf of our members.

Our continued partnership with divisions across Australia and nationally aims to achieve broader strategic goals and measurable member benefits. We look forward to a year that promises greater strength, resilience, balance, and success for all our members.

As we embark on this exciting year, we are grateful for the dedication of our board and the unwavering support of our members.

Together, we can continue to elevate the field of optometry, bring about positive change, and create a future filled with opportunities and success for all optometrists in Western Australia.

Evan MacRae is the Chief Executive Officer of Optometry Western Australia.