Register now for NZAO 2025 Conference
Welcome to the New Zealand Association of Optometrists Annual Conference
We are delighted to welcome you to the NZAO 2025 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.
Speakers and events
Assoc Prof Jacqueline Chua, BOptom, PhD
Jacqueline Chua is an Associate Professor at Duke-NUS Medical School and a Clinician Scientist at the Singapore Eye Research Institute and Singapore National Eye Centre. Trained as an optometrist and researcher, her work focuses on novel ocular imaging, artificial intelligence, and ocular biomarkers for systemic and neurodegenerative diseases. She is passionate about translating emerging technologies into real-world eye care practice.
Dr Carlton Irving
Dr Carlton Irving is a doctor, paramedic, and Māori health leader from Te Whakatōhea and Te Ūpokorehe.
He is committed to building pathways that strengthen the Māori health workforce, supporting whānau voice in health, and advancing models of care that reflect the needs of rural and underserved communities.
Jonathan Warren DHSc, MHSc
Jon Warren is a health professional with a diverse international background spanning clinical, regulatory, public health, and educational roles.
Jon led the ethics program at a US university for six years, where he specialised in teaching applied ethics through real-world case-based learning. His conference session draws on over three decades of experience at the intersection of health practice and ethics.
Associate Professor Stuti Misra
Associate Professor Stuti Misra is an optometrist-scientist in the department of ophthalmology at the University of Auckland. Associate Professor Misra has expertise in ocular surface disorders, eye allergies, ocular imaging, corneal sensitivity assessment, and community eye health. She is a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Fulbright New Zealand Scholar Award, Humboldt Foundation fellowship, and the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award.
Stuti is a board of director at Fertility New Zealand since 2019, and an executive governance committee member at Shakti women’s refuge.
NZAO Annual General Meeting
The New Zealand Association of Optometrists’ 2025 Annual General Meeting will be held in Rotorua at the Distinction Hotel on Saturday 18th October 2025 commencing at 9.30am. At the meeting, we will present our Annual Report, share highlights of our work over the past year, and outline our vision and priorities for the year ahead.
If you are unable to attend in person we’d love to see you online. Members can register to attend via virtually via Zoom.
Alan Styles Memorial Debate
Team Adele Jeffries vs Team Alex Petty
Rural reach or Pixel preach: can tele-optometry see beyond the wi-fi dead zone?
This engaging session brings together two expert teams to debate one of the most pressing questions in modern eye care: Is tele-optometry the best solution for improving access in rural communities? Set within the context of the Alan Styles Memorial Debate, this event honours a legacy of advocacy for equitable healthcare while exploring the evolving role of technology in optometric practice.
With special thanks to our premier partners copy
Programme*
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 | He Ara Manaaki: Navigating Leadership with Kindness | 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 | Spectral Domain OCT of the Cornea | Dr. Stef Guglielmetti, Eye Institute |
| 17:00 – 17:15 | Myopia Control Updates | 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 | Hidden in Plain Sight: Recognising Ocular Tumours Across the Eye | 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 | |
| Shaping Vision: The Power of Ortho-K and Scleral Lenses | 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?” |
|
| 16:50 – 17:00 | Closing Remarks | |
| 19:00 – 00:00 | Conference Dinner |
*Please note that this programme 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