Published on: 16 October 2024
Experts from Sunderland Eye Infirmary have shared their research and how they have launched pioneering services at an international conference.
Members of the team presented as part of the British and Irish Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Association (BIPOSA) annual conference.
It was held earlier this month at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead.
The event was organised jointly by the Orthoptists and Paediatric Ophthalmologists from Sunderland Eye Infirmary (SEI), Newcastle Eye centre at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle and James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.
It was chaired by Mr Lawrence Gnanaraj, who is based at SEI, and Mr Alan Connor, who works at the RVI. Both are Consultant Ophthalmologists.
The conference brought together 350 delegates from around the world for the three-day meeting.
Part of the discussions focused on the treatment of Strabismus, which is most commonly known as a squint.
Mr Gnanaraj said:
"This year’s programme was one of the best in recent years where several national and international speakers presented their clinical research and update in Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.
"The two named lectures were delivered by international experts in the field.
"This year’s BIPOSA was a great platform to highlight the ongoing clinical research and service development by SEI Orthoptists.
"Their work was shared in the free paper and poster sessions and referenced by guest speakers.
"Our Specialist Orthoptist Mike Edwards’ talk on transition clinics in Ophthalmology at SEI was well received, as SEI is the first Ophthalmology unit in the country to develop this service for our patients.
"One other standout talk was delivered by our consultant anaesthetist, Dr Quentin Smith, on insights into navigating icebergs and neurotoxicity in paediatric Ophthalmic anaesthesia.
"BIPOSA 2024 allowed us to highlight Northeast as a region of clinical excellence, great interest and progressive practice in Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus."
