Conference, Connection & Collaboration: ACBO Connect 2024

I am currently typing this while looking out at the Gold Coast airport runway with planes of all sizes, colours and shapes taking off and landing, representing the aeroplanes of wisdom and unique lessons gained over the weekend.   

I thought I would start with an image of the magical sunrise I started my day with to share its beauty and allow you to experience the feelings of joy, gratitude, connection & inspiration that I felt with the gradual yet beautiful illumination of the sky.

This week I was graced with the opportunity to attend the National Australasian College of Behavioural Optometry (NACBO) conference.

The National ACBO Conference "Connect 2024" was an incredible event held on the picturesque Gold Coast, focused on the theme of patient and practice success. Throughout this conference those who attended were guided by Dr. Brenda Montecalvo and Dr. Angela Peddle  along a path of invaluable insights and learning opportunities. These wonderful women shared thought-provoking and educational presentations and interactive workshops sharing their expertise in Behavioural Optometry, Vision Therapy and practice management from a personal and professional level.

One of the most enriching and nourishing aspects of the conference was the opportunity to connect with the wisdom circle of Behavioural Optometrists and Vision Therapists that chose to attend this event. Engaging with these knowledgeable & passionate professionals provided a deeper understanding of the importance of connection and collaboration. Our collective knowledge and experience are invaluable, offering practical insights and advanced techniques that can be directly applied to daily practice.

The two-day event was overflowing with seminars & workshops that allowed attendees, including myself to confirm existing knowledge and gain new insights. Some of the standout sessions included:

Vision and Handwriting: Some you may  have heard me talk about exploring the 'jungle of life‘, this workshop was an exploration of  the link between visual development and handwriting skills and how much the visual system guides everything that occurs in development & learning, both within and outside of the classroom environment.

Vision Therapy Sequencing: An action packed workshop hosted by Dr. Angela Peddle on planning vision therapy sessions speaking into the connection between looking and feeling. This workshop provided an opportunity for both Vision Therapists and Behavioural Optometrists to unleash our creativity by sharing procedures we have developed and used with multiple patients. These procedures allow us to shift & open up the visual, spatial, emotional and physical space within the brain inviting patients to perform to their full potential.

Autism and Vision: This presentation allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the unique visual needs of individuals with autism and how to support them to function and uitlise their visual system with more grace and ease in life. I am grateful to have a new outlook on how I interact with patients of various ages who are challenged with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD and a variety of other sensory, spatial and visual-motor challenges.

Assessment and Treatment of Strabismus: An eye-opening session on diagnosing and managing strabismus which I will be able to put straight into action with one of the patients I am seeing tomorrow afternoon. I was able to gain new Vision Therapy procedures to support eye-hand coordination, depth perception and supporting the brain as it learns to use both eyes together in the most efficient way possible.

Stroke and Vision: A new way of examining the impact of stroke on vision and effective rehabilitation & recovery was discussed along with strategies to support areas of the brain and body that have been impacted by Stroke, Visual Neglect and other visual disturbances. Behavioural Optometry & Vision Therapy provide an opportunity to work with these visual, sensory & motor challenges and enhance overall quality of life.

Connecting with colleagues and experts in the field was a highlight of the conference. The networking opportunities were abundant, fostering new professional relationships that will undoubtedly continue to grow. Sharing experiences, discussing challenges, and brainstorming solutions with those attending was both motivating and enlightening. These new connections are not just professional contacts but also companions who share a passion for advancing Behavioural Optometry & Vision Therapy.

On Saturday night there was a glamorous ball, with a them of Red/Green or Red/Blue - for those of you who have experienced Vision Therapy of have family members undergoing Vision Therapy will undertsnd this them well. This event was the perfect opportunity for everyone a chance to dress up and enjoy an evening of fun, food and sharing functional knowledge while celebrating the rapport of the conference community. For those of you who know me well, it didn’t take me long to find my way to the dancefloor with acoustic folk musician Keegan Sparke (who happened to have some percussion instruments for us to join in) allowing us to make the most of the joyous atmosphere, as we received our natural dose of Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin and Endorphins while dancing and smiling throughout the evening.

As the conference came to a close so many new doors and patients eyes and brains will be opened. I felt enabled and inspired to integrate the new learnings into my vision therapy sessions with clients of all ages and ability levels. Returning to the office tomorrow I am excited to implement the innovative strategies and techniques shared at the conference, enhancing patient care and practice success.

"Connect 2024" was a remarkable experience, offering both professional enrichment and personal enjoyment. The National ACBO Conference once again proved to be an essential event for anyone dedicated to advancing their practice and improving patient outcomes in the world of Behavioural Optometry & Vision Therapy.

The wisdom gained from seasoned professionals and the new connections made will undoubtedly shape the future of my practice and contribute to the ongoing success and growth in the field of behavioural optometry and vision therapy.

Stay tuned for updates as I integrate these new clinical insights as I enhance patient care in the field of Behavioural Optometry, Vision Therapy & Intuitive Guidance.

I started my day and this post with the sunrise so thought I would close with the sunset that appeared while boarding the flight home. 

I hope your day has been as sensational as you are and I am sure your week ahead will be full of sensational moments!

Be sure to keep your eyes, mind and heart open
XO Hannah