Mr Dasantha Fonseka - CEO, Vision Care speaking at the event

With a motive of providing an opportunity platform for all optometrists, Vision Care’s academy held its Optometry Day and 7th annual scientific sessions on the 12th of June at Grand Crystal Ballroom, Taj Samudra from 8am to 5pm.  The conference with the theme ‘’Optometry for the entire nation’’brought together various professionals from the region, and exchanged latest, contemporary knowledge in the ever changing field of optometry.

Conducted for the seventh successful consecutive year the conference began with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp followed by a welcome dance performed by trainee ophthalmic assistants. Vidya Jayarathna, Principal- Vision Care Academy, delivered the welcome speech whilst the key note speech was delivered by Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr. Maduwanthi Dissanayake.

Winners at the optometry day were Dulanjali De Silva,Chulanga Perera, and Amila Chandrasekara

Amila Chandrasekara won the award of Best oral presentation, Dulanjali De Silva - best poster presentation, BuddhinieNonis -Best oral presentation (Audiology), Chulanga Perera -Most innovative study, and Kalpa Madushan and Oshadee Peiries - presenters of the year.

Vision Care CEO Mr. Dasantha Fonseka said ‘This annual event stimulates both clinical knowledge and scientific intellect of our students and through a research paper or a poster, students had the opportunity to interact and share their experience with the like-minded. We were so delighted to seeour competent and dynamic young optometry fraternity actively participating in this program and hope that this conference will get bigger and better in the future.’

The chief guest for the event was Dr Babara Ryan- Director Postgraduate Taught Programmes, School of Optometry & Vision Sciences at Cardiff University, UK and the guest of honor was Dr. Champa Banagala- Consultant Ophthalmologist. It kick started with the certificate awards ceremony for students who’ve graduated from Diploma, Ophthalmic Assistant, and Dispensing programmes.

‘We as optometrists are often the first line of contact for people who have visual complaints and come for general eye examinations. We’re glad the conferenceacts as a platform to present, share and interact with the latest knowledge and technology in order to find the best solutions in challenging situations. I am sure today’s scientific session will help to gain knowledge about the latest techniques and innovations in optometry field,’ said Chulanga Perera, Chairman for Optometry Day 2016.

The conference hosted four scientific sessions namely ‘Special testing and biometry’, ‘Refraction and low vision’, ‘Contact lenses and dispensing’, and ‘Hearing care’. Many presented their scientific papers along these areas and had the opportunity to receive feedback and solutions from a panel of well experienced judges consisting of industry professionals and practitioners. 

Consultant Eye Surgeon Dr. Madhuwanthi Dissanayake, special advisor for the academy and senior lecturer at the University of Colombo, commented ‘For years the students and staff of Vision Care Academy put together a greater effort to be the pioneering institution in optometry and visual science education keeping in par with the international standards. This academic forum offers an excellent opportunity for promotion of research, exchange of views and sharing of information in the field of optometry and visual science.’

The event concluded with an entertainment dance, address from the panel of judges, awards ceremony followed by an address by Mr. Dasantha Fonseka, CEO- Vision Care and vote of thanks delivered by Kumari Fonseka, Director- Testing and Studies at Vision Care Academy. Awards such as Best Oral Poster, Best Paper Poster, Most Innovative Study, and Upcoming Presenter for Poster were given, which encourages others to be more participative in their interest in this field.  

Incorporated during April, 2008 by Vision Care Optical Services (Private) Limited to train in house staff, Vision Care Academy today has successfully delivered many number of well qualified, up-to-date optometry professionals in Sri Lanka. The academy currently offers one-year specialized programmes such as Diploma in Optometry, Certificate for Ophthalmic Assistants, Certificate in Dispensing Optics, and Certificate in Audiometry, and hopes to also conduct a bachelors programme in optometry with local or foreign affiliations in the future.