Genna Morrison

Genna is a registered Dispensing Optician based in Christchurch, New Zealand, and currently serves as Vice President of ADONZ. She has been involved with the ADONZ committee in various roles since 2023 and is passionate about advancing the role of dispensing opticians within modern eye care practice.  Genna began her career in optics in 2012 as an Optical Assistant before completing her Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing in 2014 and becoming registered in 2015. She has worked across both corporate and independent practice settings.  Her professional interests include paediatric dispensing, myopia management, dry eye management and emerging in-practice treatments such as IPL and LLLT. She is also particularly passionate about patient education and the important role dispensing opticians play in supporting patient understanding, treatment engagement, and continuity of care throughout the clinical journey.

 

Genna presents:

Friday 11 September 11:25am

LIGHTING THE WAY IPL, LLLT, AND THE EVOLVING ROLE OF THE DISPENSING OPTICIAN – 0.5 GenDO

This presentation explores the use of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) in the management of dry eye disease, particularly meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), and highlights the evolving role of the dispensing optician within this area of practice. The session provides an overview of how IPL and LLLT work, the evidence supporting their use, patient suitability and contraindications, and what treatment pathways typically look like in clinical practice. It also examines how dispensing opticians contribute throughout the patient journey – from identifying symptoms and supporting conversations around dry eye, through to patient education, treatment coordination, and ongoing care. Practical insights from a New Zealand practice currently providing IPL and LLLT are included to demonstrate how these services integrate into day-to-day practice. The presentation aims to increase understanding of modern dry eye management and encourage confidence in discussing emerging treatment options with patients.

Learning Outcomes

1 Understand the principles of IPL & LLLT in the management of dry eye disease & meibomian gland dysfunction, including how these treatments support ocular surface health.

2 Recognise suitable patients/presentation of symptoms, contraindications, and the structure of IPL/LLLT treatment pathways used in practice.

3 Identify the dispensing opticians role in dry eye management, including patient identification, education, treatment co-ordination, and on-going support throughout the patient journey.