Welcome to the 2025 Annual Optometry Conference
We are delighted to welcome you to the 2025 NZAO Conference, held over two inspiring days of learning, collaboration, and connection. This year’s theme, “Advancing Optometry: Innovation, Ethics & Patient Care,” reflects our commitment to exploring the evolving landscape of eye health and the values that guide our profession.
Join us at the beautiful Distinction Hotel in Rotorua on 17 & 18 October 2025, where leading experts, practitioners, researchers, and industry partners will come together to share insights, challenge ideas, and shape the future of optometry.
With a diverse programme featuring keynote presentations, panel discussions, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, the conference is designed to foster meaningful dialogue and empower attendees with practical knowledge and innovative approaches to patient care.
Whether you're here to deepen your clinical expertise, engage with peers, or discover emerging technologies, we hope this conference provides a valuable and enriching experience for all.
With special thanks to our premier partners
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Program*
Day 1 – Friday 17th October
| Time | Session Description | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00 – 08:45 | Registrations Open | |
| 08:45 – 09:00 | Conference Opening | NZAO President |
| 09:00 – 10:00 | Keynote Address - Ocular imaging for optometrists: emerging trends in OCT and OCTA interpretation | Dr Jacqueline Chua |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | Cultural Talk | Dr Carlton Irving |
| 10:30 – 11:00 | Morning Tea And Networking (Sponsored by The Eye Clinic, Wellington) | |
| 11:00 – 11:15 | Auckland Medmont Faste (AMF) - A SITA Fast/ Faster equivalent for the Medmont perimeter | Robert Ng |
| 11:15 – 11:30 | Eyecare for Africa | Niall McCormack |
| 11:30 – 11:45 | Session Title TBC | Dr Colin Parsloe |
| 11:45 – 12:00 | Panel | Dr Jacqueline Chua, Carlton Irving, Colin Parsloe, Sarah Welch Moderator: Renata Watene |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch Break (Sponsored By Eye Institute) | |
| 13:00 – 13:30 | Female hormones, menopause and the ocular surface | A/Prof Stuti Misra |
| 13:30 – 14:30 | What’s next in ocular imaging: novel devices and technologies for optometric practice | Dr Jacqueline Chua |
| 14:30 – 14:45 | Strengthening regional–rural optometry: from curriculum to community | Dr Jaymie Rodgers |
| 14:45 – 15:00 | Vision in the Classroom: Rates of Eye Conditions and Refractive Errors in New Zealand’s 7-year-olds | Amelia Hardcastle |
| 15:00 – 15:15 | How well is the Lookout looking out? Maritime vision requirements in Aotearoa NZ | Richard Johnson |
| 15:15 – 15:45 | Afternoon Tea & Networking (Sponsored By Alcon) | |
| 15:45 – 16:15 | Ocular surface changes due to seasonal variation and climate fluctuation | A/Prof Stuti Misra |
| 16:15 – 16:30 | Comparing preschool vision screening outcomes 13 years apart | Rebecca Findlay |
| 16:30 – 17:00 | Title TBC | Eye Institute |
| 17:00 – 17:15 | PhD Talk | Zaria Bradley |
| 17:15 – 18:15 | Drinks & Networking (Free Night) |
Day 2 – Saturday 18th October
| Time | Session Description | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 07:30 – 08:00 | Alcon Sponsored Session: TFOS, Torics and Tears - Integrating Evidence into Clinical Decision Making | Helen Gleave, Alcon |
| 08:00 – 08:30 | Optimising OCT/OCTA scan quality in real-world practice | Dr Jacqueline Chua |
| 08:30 – 09:00 | Update from Clinical Eye Health Network | Dr Sarah Welch |
| 09:00 – 09:30 | Ocular Oncology | Dr Riyaz Bhikoo |
| 09:30 – 11:00 | NZAO AGM (Members only) | |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Morning Tea & Networking | |
| 11:30 – 12:00 | Panel Discussion: OCT and Retinal Imaging: Standard of Care or Over-Reliance? | Dr Chua, Dr Bhikoo, Dr Leong Moderator: Richard Johnson |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Special Interest Group Breakout Sessions | Paediatric Optometry Updates: Samantha Simkin, Rebecca Findlay, Jo Black Advanced Contact Lens Fitting: Vicky Wang, Robert Ng Binocular Vision & Neuro-Optometry: Niall McCormack, Richard Johnson |
| 13:00 – 13:45 | Lunch Break (Sponsored By Eye Institute) | |
| 13:45 – 14:00 | Retinal Laser Reconsidered: A case-based review of the evidence | Dr James Leong |
| 14:00 – 15:00 | Do Ethics Rule? | Jonathan Warren |
| 15:00 – 15:30 | Light-based corneal infection management - what is on the horizon | Dr Simon Dean |
| 15:30 – 16:00 | Afternoon Tea & Networking (Sponsored by Alcon) | |
| 16:00 – 16:45 | Alan Styles Memorial Debate Team Adele Jeffries vs Team Alex Petty Is tele-optometry the best solution for improving access to eye care in rural areas? “Rural reach or Pixel preach: can tele-optometry see beyond the wi-fi dead zone?” |
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| 16:50 – 17:00 | Closing Remarks | |
| 19:00 – 00:00 | Conference Dinner |
*Please note that this program may be subject to change including times and speakers
Accommodation
We are delighted to partner with Distinction Rotorua Hotel & Conference Centre as the official accommodation provider for our conference. Located just minutes from Rotorua’s top attractions, this 4-star hotel offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and conference-ready facilities.
Why Stay at Distinction Rotorua?
- Superior Accommodation: Choose from stylish rooms and suites with modern ensuite bathrooms, SKY TV, complimentary refreshments, and free wifi.
- Relaxation & Dining: Enjoy three on-site restaurants, a pool, subterranean grotto spas, and beautifully landscaped gardens.
- Convenient Amenities: Free off-street parking, secure mountain bike storage, and a dedicated conference team to support your event.
- Local & Authentic: 100% New Zealand owned and operated, with a warm, down-to-earth approach to hospitality.
Distinction Rotorua Hotel & Conference Centre
390 Fenton Street, Rotorua 3010
+64 7 349 5200
Visit Hotel Website
Use code NZAO25
We are proud to offer Millennium Hotel Rotorua as a premium accommodation option for our conference attendees. Nestled beside Lake Rotorua and just a short walk from the city centre, this 4.5-star hotel combines luxury, convenience, and outstanding conference facilities.
Why Stay at Millennium Rotorua?
- Modern Comfort: Choose from Superior, Deluxe Spa, and Balcony Rooms, all featuring residential-style décor and views of Lake Rotorua or native gardens
- Relaxation & Wellness: Enjoy a heated indoor pool, thermally heated hot pools, a day spa, and a fitness centre
- Dining Options: Experience New Zealand flavours at Restaurant Nikau, or enjoy a resort-style breakfast at the Brasserie Poolside Restaurant
- Prime Location: Adjacent to the Polynesian Spa and Government Gardens, and just 15 minutes from Rotorua Airport
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
1270 Hinemaru Street, Rotorua 3010
+64 7 347 1234
Visit Hotel Website
Use code NZAO25
Register Now!
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