Australia has missed its 2020 target to close the gap for vision for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders but has made significant inroads, a new report reveals. Read more
New student-led orthoptic clinic established at La Trobe
Adults and children with strabismus and vision related disorders such as amblyopia and diplopia can now receive treatment at a new eye clinic within one of Melbourne’s top public universities. Read more
Counting down: the new CPD standard for optometrists
On 1 December, the registration standard for optometrists’ CPD will change from a points-based two-year cycle to a time-based annual cycle. Insight examines the challenges this presents, how optometrists are responding and whether COVID-19 has helped or hindered the impending change-over. Read more
Local wholesaler recognised for exceptional customer service
Australian optical wholesaler Modstyle has been recognised for its excellence in customer service, recently crowned ‘National Winner’ in the Optical Services and Supplies business category of the 2020 Australian Achiever Awards. Read more
Australian optometry group acquired in $43 million deal
Australian optometry group The Optical Company (TOC) says it now has a clear mandate to expand its 41-store portfolio after announcing a multi-million-dollar deal to join a major Australasian allied health group. Read more
Highs and lows: Medicare stats show service rates return with surprising speed
An Optometry Australia (OA) analysis of Medicare data has confirmed what many already suspected; optometry practices were hit hard when significantly fewer patients came through practice doors during the peak coronavirus period. Read more
Cancer awareness partnership strikes personal note
1st Group, the parent company behind online healthcare booking platform MyHealth1st, has announced a partnership with Cure Cancer to increase cancer awareness. Read more
Low uptake spells end of OA’s Advantage Program
Fewer optometrists taking up business-related offers and deals provided through Optometry Australia’s Advantage Program has prompted the organisation to end the scheme after more than 20 years. Read more
Tipping point – the changing workforce
In the last decade, the optometry workforce has become more feminised and younger, while in ophthalmology women are demanding greater representation and recognition. RHIANNON BOWMAN meets the women striding forward.
Quinlivan grant goes beyond ‘how and why’ of glaucoma research
An optometrist-turned-research fellow leading a world-first clinical trial investigating whether daily doses of vitamin B3 could prevent glaucoma blindness has been awarded Glaucoma Australia (GA)’s 2020 Quinlivan Research Grant. Read more