1:30min
Dr. Bao Nguyen, a Research Fellow from the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences at The University of Melbourne, will be presenting at the highly anticipated O=MEGA23/WCO4 clinical conference, which begins on Friday, 8 September.
Dr. Nguyen’s presentation will focus on diagnosis, management and collaborative care strategies to demonstrate the overlap between migraine and optometry.
“While migraine is primarily a neurological disorder, it often gives rise to a spectrum of visual symptoms that can perplex both patients and clinicians. During a migraine attack, people can experience things like blurred vision, loss of vision, flashing lights and coloured spots, which often sees sufferers approaching optometrists for advice,” said Dr. Nguyen.
Additionally, Dr. Nguyen’s presentation at O=MEGA23/WCO4 will emphasise that, even in cases where patients do not experience visual symptoms as part of their migraine attacks, a migraine history could pose challenges in ocular health diagnosis and management.
“Patients with migraine might face an increased risk of ocular conditions, such as glaucoma. Migraine can complicate diagnostic accuracy in glaucoma testing, potentially leading to misdiagnosis or delayed detection.”
When it comes to comprehensive care for migraine patients and advocating for collaborative efforts between optometrists and other medical professionals such as neurologists, Dr. Nguyen believes optometrists play a pivotal role in the holistic health of their patients.
“As primary eyecare providers, it’s essential to recognise that optometrists can help establish accessible pathways to healthcare for people with migraine, which is integral to offering comprehensive support.”
Dr. Nguyen’s O=MEGA23/WCO4 presentation on Saturday, 9 September at 2:30pm promises to deliver a wealth of key takeaways for optometrists.
She hopes attendees will walk away with the theoretical and practical tools needed to enhance their awareness, understanding and improve their care for people with migraine.
The biennial O=MEGA event is the optometric industry’s biggest event in the Southern Hemisphere and in 2023, it will combine with the 4th World Congress of Optometry.
Featuring three days of clinical lectures presented by some of the optical industry’s best and brightest minds, O=MEGA23/WCO4 will also feature 9,000 sqm of optical products and services.
O=MEGA23’s partnership with the WCO creates a unique alignment and rare opportunity to combine a national and international program to showcase latest advances for clinical optometry and the ophthalmic industry in the region.
Various social functions are also on the itinerary for O=MEGA23/WCO4 delegates and include the Welcome Reception (Friday evening, 8 September) and the Meet and Greet Down Under event (Saturday evening, 9 September), which will run concurrently with The Koorie Market @ Naarm.
Creating a wonderful opportunity for the optometric community to connect with Aboriginal communities, the Koorie Market @ Naarm will highlight Indigenous and First Nations work, businesses, wares and musical talent, celebrating and uplifting their culture.