University of Canberra students are developing locally made, “hyper-personalised” eyewear that involves 3D printing frames to the millimetre based on the wearer’s individual facial dimensions. Read more
New glaucoma imaging tech wins 2021 ‘Quinlivan’ Research Grant
A UNSW researcher from the university’s Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering has been awarded Glaucoma Australia (GA)’s ‘Quinlivan’ Research Grant to develop a novel imaging technology for the early detection and monitoring of glaucoma. Read more
New national safety and quality standards apply to optometrists
Federal Health Minister Mr Greg Hunt has launched a new set of standards to improve the care patients receive in primary health settings, including optometry practices who will be able to become accredited to the standards next year. Read more
Rules for the vaccinated and unvaccinated in NSW optometry practices from 11 October
New rules requiring optometrists and practice staff to be fully vaccinated to continue working in Greater Sydney came into effect Monday 11 October, with major restrictions imposed on unvaccinated staff and even patients. Read more
Siblings treated with Luxturna gene therapy in Australian first (video included)
Teenage siblings from Sydney with an inherited retinal disease have become the first in Australia to receive the Luxturna ocular gene therapy. Those involved with delivering the novel treatment say it has rescued their vision, with hopes it will prevent them from going blind. Read more
Hoya and Haag-Streit’s new alliance brings one-two approach to myopia
Ophthalmic lens manufacturer Hoya Vision Care Australia & New Zealand and ophthalmic equipment maker Haag-Streit have announced a strategic partnership focused on tackling the global rise of myopia in children. Read more
Australian gene therapy researchers ‘reprogramming’ cells to restore sight
Melbourne researchers are developing a new gene therapy they hope will “switch on sight” by regenerating light-sensing photoreceptor cells in the retina. Read more
ACCC says US-style managed care ‘unlikely’ in final Honeysuckle ruling
Australia’s competition watchdog has delivered its final ruling allowing the formation of the Honeysuckle Health buying group, however it has prevented the involvement of four major health funds that represent 70% of the market. Read more
KeraClub 2021 to have COVID focus, details announced
Organisers of KeraClub 2021 have unveiled the speaker line up for this month’s event, which will have a particular focus on managing keratoconus in the COVID-19 era and beyond. Read more
Beovu AMD therapy now listed on the PBS
Almost 13,000 Australians could save thousands annually with the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listing of Beovu (brolucizumab) for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) from this month, the Federal Government says. Read more