Page 100 - The Indian Optician Digital Edition July-August 2024

the role of optometrists in myopia advocacy not only reflects the expanding role of
and awareness, strategies and challenges in optometrists in scientific sessions but also their
community and school eye screening, and the achievements, which were further celebrated by
integration of academic institutions into service the awards they received.
delivery models led by OCI. These talks were
delivered by OCI’s key figures, including CEO Conferences like Vision 2020 are considered
Ms Lakshmi Shinde, COO Ms Paula Mukherjee, valuable opportunities for professionals
and Education Head Ms Harshada Kale. The from various expertise areas to meet, discuss
talks were well-received by the conference challenges, share ideas, and gain new
participants reflecting OCI’s influence and knowledge. They provide a dynamic platform for
expertise in the field. networking, knowledge exchange, and learning
from the experiences of others. The Vision 2020
Ms Lakshmi Shinde also had the opportunity meeting successfully fulfilled this purpose, with
to chair the first session on “Evidence for representatives from OCI actively engaging in
Community Intervention in Screening for discussions on the current state of legislation
Eye Care Priorities” alongside Dr GVS Murthy. and practice rights in the field of optometry.
This session underscored the importance of
evidence-based approaches in addressing
community eye care needs. PAULA MUKHERJEE HARSHADA KALE WITH
RECEIVING CERTIFICATE
HER CERTIFICATE
The conference also included the distribution
of OCI awards. Dr Nooruz Zaman was recognised
as the “Best Optometrist of the Year,” while Dr
Shakeel Ahmed received the “Public Health
Contribution” award. These awards, presented
by Dr GVS Murthy and Ms Lakshmi Shinde,
celebrate the significant contributions of these
professionals to the field of optometry and
public health.
Over the years, the number of optometrists
attending the Vision 2020 conferences has
grown significantly. This increased participation

OCI TEAM WITH DR GVS MURTHY, DR MANGAT DOGRA AND FELLOW OPTOMETRISTS

96 | THE INDIAN OPTICIAN | JULY-AUGUST 2024 CONFERENCE