Optometrists are being urged to use their clinical judgment to determine their level of service, while ophthalmologists can continue with elective surgery in the wake of reimposed lockdown measures across parts of Victoria. Read more
Private hospitals called upon for elective surgery ‘blitz’
Public treatment in private hospitals and after-hours surgery lists are among the key features of a multi-million-dollar elective surgery blitz recently unveiled by state governments to tackle waiting lists across Australia. Read more
An IOL to change the cataract surgery paradigm?
Alcon’s newest EDOF intraocular lens has only been available to a handful of Australian ophthalmologists, but it’s already receiving major plaudits. Could it really change the game for cataract patients and spell the end of monofocals as we know them? MYLES HUME explains.
Optometry fees lag despite Medicare indexation
Medicare fees for all optometry items have increased 1.5% this month as part of reintroduced annual indexation, however advocates warn that scheduled fees still come in at less than half the actual cost of providing care in some instances. Read more
Nova Eye Medical buys New Zealand glaucoma business
Newly renamed Adelaide ophthalmic device manufacturer Nova Eye Medical has immediately delivered on a plan to expand its glaucoma portfolio, with the AU$921,000 acquisition of a New Zealand-developed drainage device platform. Read more
Health funds lay out pandemic blueprint amid declining membership
The private health insurance sector has vowed to return additional funds stemming from the cancellation of services, including for optical and ophthalmic care, as thousands of people dropped their cover as the COVID-19 crisis escalated during the March quarter.
Independent optometry group achieves Canstar Blue ratings three-peat
For the third year in a row, Australian independent optometry group Eyecare Plus has outperformed its corporate competitors to top the Canstar Blue ratings. Read more
CooperVision introduces new toric multifocal to local market
CooperVision Australia and New Zealand has unveiled its highly-anticipated Biofinity toric multifocal contact lens this week, providing more than 200,000 prescription options for patients who are both astigmatic and presbyopic. Read more
Smart contact lens developer earns major backing
Start-up Mojo Vision has raised more than US$51 million (AU$77 million) in new funding to accelerate the development of what it calls the world’s ‘first true smart contact lens’. Read more
Safilo and Max Mara part ways
Safilo has announced that it is severing ties with Italian fashion brand Max Mara in October, ending a partnership spanning almost 23 years. Read more