WRITER Todd Tai

From patient-centred care to artificial intelligence, SILMO Academy highlighted how optical professionals are rethinking practice in response to changing patient needs and new technologies.

Across three days in Bali’s Nusa Dua, delegates engaged in sessions spanning clinical care, research developments, and practice management.

SILMO Academy 2026, hosted for the first time amid the idyllic surroundings of Bali in April, attracted optometrists, researchers, and industry leaders dedicated to improving patient care and enhancing optical practice through innovative approaches and collaborative efforts.

The Congress took place at the luxurious Paradisus by Meliá Bali, a stunning fiv-estar beachfront resort located in Bali’s exclusive Nusa Dua enclave that provided an exceptional backdrop for the Academy.

Over three days, attendees engaged in comprehensive discussions across five thematic sessions, each tackling critical issues in optometry and vision care. The educational agenda for the Congress was crafted to ensure it met the highest standards of learning.

PATIENT-CENTRED PRACTICE

Day one of the conference explored the theme ‘Putting people first’ through a series of impactful presentations. Richard Edwards, an expert in optometry, professional regulation, and clinical governance from the United Kingdom (UK), addressed conflict avoidance by sharing real cases from the UK Optical Consumer Complaints Service. Lana Delambre, an educator and Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle-Makers (the oldest existing optical body in the world), focused on the importance of supporting neurodiverse patients within optical practice. Daniela

Nosch, a Professor at the Optometry School of the University of Applied Science in Olten, Switzerland, raised critical questions regarding person-centred care and the readiness of optical services to meet the needs of the ageing population. Lastly, Professor Fiona

Fylan, a Chartered Health Psychologist in the UK, discussed the burnout experienced by optical professionals, highlighting the evolving landscape of employee care. These sessions collectively emphasised the need for a human-centric approach in the optical industry.

HEALTHY AGEING AND BUSINESS GROWTH

On the second day of the conference, discussions focused on ‘Healthy ageing and presbyopia’. Elaine Grisdale, Director of Development for the International Opticians’ Association, opened the session with an overview of the World Health Organization’s work plan, highlighting the importance of healthy ageing. Following her, Professor Algis Vingrys from the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences at the

University of Melbourne, shed light on the visual capacity of elderly patients, highlighting key challenges. Optometrist Jason Dhana, who practises in hospital ophthalmology clinics in both Australia and New Zealand, presented on improved outcomes from an innovative approach to eye care in New Zealand. Rupert Bourne, Professor of Ophthalmology at the Vision and Eye Research Institute of Anglia Ruskin University, in Cambridge UK, provided an analysis of vision impairment and blindness at the population level, while orthoptist and dementia researcher Dr Marianne Coleman shared experiences from Australia on creating dementia-friendly practices.

During the afternoon, a series of insightful presentations centred around ‘Gaining a competitive edge in practice’ captivated attendees. Notable experts included Professor Eric Papas from Australia, who discussed distinguishing between contact lens discomfort and dry eye disease. Stephen Caunter, a business speaker from New Zealand, shared strategies for identifying competitive advantages. Gabrielle Janssen, an optometrist and health policy professional from the Netherlands, tackled the intricacies of managing complications in contact lens fitting. Additionally, Philippe Seira, an optician and educator from Switzerland, provided valuable insights on adapting contact lenses for children, covering the topic from A to Z.

OPTICS AND THE FUTURE

On day three of the conference, the morning sessions focused on ‘Light management’. Consultant educator and optometrist Dr Byki Huntjens from the Netherlands kicked off the discussions with ‘Beyond refraction – building trust’. Following him, Weizhong Lan, Professor of Ophthalmology at Central South University in Changsha, China explored the connection between light and myopia. Professor David Elliott, current editor-in-chief of the American Academy of Optometry’s research journal Optometry and Vision Science, offered a forward-looking perspective in his lecture, ‘The future’s so bright I’ve got to wear shades’. Rounding out the session, physicist, lens designer and qualified optical dispenser, Dr Grant Hannaford from Australia addressed the impact of light, distance, and behaviour on refractive development in childhood during his presentation on the ‘Optical ecology of childhood vision’.

During the afternoon, the focus shifted to the future of optometry and optics. Ms Janssen returned to explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical practice, while eyewear designer Sébastien Brusset from France addressed the readiness of the sector for AI and the impending smart eyewear revolution. Australian optometrist and educator Thao Hannaford discussed the evolution of med-tech advancements in ophthalmics and how these are reshaping the optometric landscape. Additionally, Swiss optometrist Iwan Zanchetta, presented innovative technological solutions aimed at revolutionising low vision and hearing assistance.

POSITIVE FEEDBACK

Feedback from the Australian delegates was overwhelmingly positive with Ms Hannaford observing that the SILMO Academy exceeded her expectations. “The location was first-class, with a stellar lineup of international speakers. The program was diverse, ranging from clinical optometry to embracing the exciting future of AI in practice.

“I was able to take key points from each lecture and apply them directly to my practice. It was great meeting practitioners from other parts of the world and learning about their evolution in the profession,” she said

Prof Papas was equally impressed, describing the event as “fantastic”.

“One of the excellent aspects is that it reinforces something I always tell my students: you should listen to people who don’t primarily talk about your interests. There is a wide array of speakers here from various disciplines, and I learned so much from them. It has been really useful.”

Acknowledging the high calibre of speakers, Mr Dhana said it had been valuable to meet eye health professionals from around the world and gain insights into different practices. “The social side has been great too. Everyone has enjoyed their time together, and the content of the conference has varied across many different topics,” he said.

SILMO’s next event will be the annual trade show in Paris, from 25–28 September. Visit: silmoparis.com/en.

Some of the highlights from SILMO Academy in Nusa Dua, Bali.