SILMO ACADEMY arose from a realisation that opticians need to develop their skills and broaden their knowledge in the fields of vision and optics in order to meet their clients’ visual requirements more effectively. In 2010, SILMO opted to support professionals in this strategy by creating a dedicated training body and science symposium, aimed at all eyecare professionals wishing to enhance their expertise. As a forum for improving knowledge and sharing experience in the various aspects of vision and compensation for vision loss, SILMO ACADEMY is recognised by many countries as a provider of continuing professional development (CPD).
SILMO ACADEMY has carved out a niche as a forum for dialogue and information on the latest scientific developments in the vision and optics sectors, aimed at opticians and other vision. And last year we took our first steps into the Southern Hemisphere, with SILMO ACADEMY coming to Singapore in partnership with the International Opticians Association.
The 2024 SILMO ACADEMY is directed by feedback from last year. People were excited about what they had heard and they came to me with suggestions. We are focussing on subjects which are topical and pragmatic, useful to people in everyday practice to help them to serve patients better and build their businesses.
Once we have an idea of themes, I then try and find engaging speakers who have a wide international experience and can deliver interesting content in a stimulating way. The speakers are willing to interact with delegates after the sessions, answer questions one-to-one, give advice, some are very well known and are sometimes asked for selfies!
This year, topics explore Under 45s, Over 45s, Contact Lenses and Ocular Health and Visual Well-Being.
When you attend SILMO ACADEMY you will leave with greater knowledge, inspired by the experts we invite onto the programme. Delegates leave with a renewed energy and enthusiasm to provide excellent vision and eye care. SILMO invests a lot into this programme, in terms of expertise as well as financially, to provide a bridge between optical professionals and the eyecare industry. It’s very important for the survival of the sector and they show great leadership in doing this.
The SILMO ACADEMY audience is made up people who are more interested in clinical subjects and research (optometrists, vision scientists and opticians) and those who are interested in developing business and dispensing product (opticians, practice staff and optometrists). This is why we have two programmes running concurrently. SILMO ACADEMY clinical lectures will be CPD accredited for Australia, NZ and Singapore. We also have certificates of attendance for those organisations where you can provide evidence of self-directed study. SILMO TALKS are less structured and you can come along and sit down to listen to something which piques your interest.
As well as these two full programmes, we have added two workshops which are open to everyone (but need to be booked). ADONZ President Angela Mitchell is leading a practical workshop which is repeated twice. IOA Immediate Past President, Fiona Anderson is leading a discussion workshop, again repeated twice.
Want to take part in SILMO ACADEMY or SILMO TALKS? Find out more here.
Topic: Silmo Academy by IOA
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