RVEEH Webinar Series: Cataracts and systemic disease
Date: 5/10/2026 (AEDT)
Venue: Online, VIC, 3002
Provider: Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
Contact: Kerryn Baker, [E] medicaleducation@eyeandear.org.au, [P] 03 9929 8528
Activity Outline
This presentation will provide an evidence-based overview of cataract assessment and management from the perspective of a cataract surgeon. Participants will review the pathophysiology and classification of cataracts, recognise clinical signs and symptoms that impact visual function, and explore factors influencing the timing of referral for surgical intervention.
The session will discuss current cataract surgery techniques, including phacoemulsification and modern IOL technologies such as toric, extended depth of focus, and multifocal lenses. Practical guidance will be provided on patient selection, pre-operative counselling, and managing expectations regarding visual outcomes.
The presentation will also highlight the critical role of optometrists in post-operative care, including recognition and management of common complications, identification of patients requiring urgent ophthalmic review, and strategies for effective communication between optometrists and ophthalmologists.
Through case-based discussion and clinical examples, attendees will gain practical insights into contemporary cataract management and strengthen collaborative care pathways that optimise patient outcomes.
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-royal-victorian-eye-and-ear-hospital-optometry-webinar-series-2026
Learning Objectives
- Describe the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and classification of common cataract types, including nuclear sclerotic, cortical, and posterior subcapsular cataracts.
- Identify clinical signs, symptoms, and functional visual impacts associated with cataract progression and differentiate cataract-related visual complaints from other ocular pathology.
- Utilise appropriate clinical assessment techniques to evaluate cataract severity and determine its impact on a patient's visual function and quality of life.
- Recognise indications for referral for cataract surgery and understand factors influencing surgical timing, including patient symptoms, lifestyle requirements, ocular comorbidities, and overall health considerations.
- Understand contemporary cataract surgical techniques and the principles underlying modern intraocular lens technologies, including monofocal, toric, multifocal, and extended depth of focus lenses.
- Counsel patients effectively regarding cataract surgery, expected visual outcomes, benefits, limitations, and potential risks associated with different lens options.
- Participate confidently in the co-management of cataract patients through effective pre-operative assessment and post-operative monitoring.
- Identify common post-operative findings and complications, including cystoid macular oedema, posterior capsular opacification, endophthalmitis, elevated intraocular pressure, and refractive surprise.
- Recognise clinical scenarios requiring urgent ophthalmic referral and implement appropriate management pathways.
Max CPD hours awarded: 1
Session Information
| Name |
|---|
| RVEEH Webinar Series - Surigcal OphthalmologyL Cataracts |
| Clinical? |
| Yes |
| Interactive? |
| Yes |
| Therapeutic? |
| Yes |
| Duration of CPD Session/Module |
| 1 |
| Duration of CPD Session/Module inclusive of Assessment Component |
| 1 |