Ranzco Congress

INVITED SPEAKERS

Prof Taylor graduated from the University of Melbourne receiving the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery in 1971, Diploma of Ophthalmology in 1975 and Doctorate of Medicine in 1979. He became a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Ophthalmologists in 1976. He was the Assistant Director of the National Trachoma and Eye Health Program, 1976-77 and went to the Wilmer Institute in 1977 as a Corneal Fellow. He was the Associate Director of the Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology. When he left Johns Hopkins in 1990 he was a professor of Ophthalmology, Epidemiology and International Health. He returned to Australia in 1990 as the Ringland Anderson Professor of Ophthalmology and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Melbourne, a WHO Collaborating Centre for the Prevention of Blindness.

He was the founding Director of the Centre for Eye Research Australia from 1996 to 2007. In 2008 he became the Harold Mitchell Chair of Indigenous Eye Health in the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health at the University of Melbourne. His research interests include infectious and corneal causes of blindness, blindness prevention strategies, and the relationship between medicine, public health and health economics. His current work focuses on Aboriginal eye health and trachoma. His population-based studies of eye health in Australia have defined the eye research agenda and the planning and funding of eye care delivery in Australia, particularly for the Australian Aboriginal community.

He has also played a leadership role internationally and as a consultant to the World Health Organization. He is Treasurer and the next President of the International Council of Ophthalmology and former Vice-President of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. His work has been recognized by 16 international awards including the Howe Medal, the Jackson Lecture, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the AAO and the Helen Keller Prize for Vision Research. In 2001, he was made a Companion in the Order of Australia in recognition of his contributions to the prevention of river blindness, to academia, and to eye health in indigenous communities.

At this year’s congress, Prof Hugh Taylor will be giving an important lecture on Diabetic eye diseases as part his Sir Norman Gregg Lecture.

WELCOME

FROM PRACTICE MANAGERS’ GROUP CHAIR MOIRA MCINERNEY

The 10th annual conference welcomes Practice Managers from Australia, New Zealand and beyond. Every year, the Practice Managers’ Group reviews feedback from the previous year’s attendees in order to identify and present topics and information that will assist attendees in their challenging and dynamic careers.

The conference includes important updates covering topics such as Medicare, Practice Accreditation, Professional Development and Human Resources. A number of RANZCO Fellows will provide thought-provoking insights into current practice from a doctor’s perspective. There will also be informative sessions and forums discussing Patient Management Software, Benchmarking, Salary Surveys and General Management.

A paper session has been introduced, with the aim of becoming central to the annual program. These presentations often highlight work that is done by individuals or practices on continuous improvement within their workplace. Also, the major lectures from the main scientific program have been incorporated to allow attendees to join the congress.

Cutcher and Neale are joining this year as the program sponsor. Stuart Chan from Cutcher and Neale will provide updates on a number of issues around the business and financial aspects of practice management. MIGA will once again take part in the Monday program, followed by drinks and a networking opportunity.

Expressions of interest are currently being sought for a Practice Managers’ Dinner on Monday 24 November, at the conclusion of the MIGA sponsored drinks.