Australian optometrists and ophthalmologists will receive a COVID-19 vaccine in the second wave of a five-phase national rollout strategy, according to the latest information from the Federal Government. Read more
Sector lays out $280 million public cataract surgery plan
Australia’s peak body for the eye health and vision sector has called on the Federal Government to spend $67 million over the next 12 months to deliver 66,000 more public cataract surgeries and tackle extended wait times. Read more
Aussie supplier gifts 1,500 frames to training college
Australian supplier Eyes Right Optical has donated 1,500 frames to the Australasian College of Optical Dispensing (ACOD), helping ensure the training provider can run workshops that simulate real world optical practice experience. Read more
Study reveals age optometrists are most comfortable fitting CLs in paediatric myopes
A new global myopia survey that involved Australian participants has revealed optometrists are comfortable with fitting children with contact lenses from 9-years-old while for parents the average age is 12. Read more
Regional eye surgeon saves teen’s sight after wire pierces eye
A Queensland ophthalmologist who saved a teen’s sight in one eye after small gauge wire lacerated his retina in a stockyard accident says the case highlights the importance of having specialists based in regional areas, particularly during the era of COVID-19. Read more
Vale Emeritus Professor Barry Cole
The optometric profession has lost one of its giants with the passing of Emeritus Professor Barry Cole. Read more
Ophthalmic sector backs First Nations voice to parliament
The Fred Hollows Foundation, RANZCO and Australia’s first Aboriginal ophthalmologist Associate Professor Kris Rallah-Baker have formed an alliance to call for a First Nations Voice to Parliament to be enshrined in the Australian Constitution. Read more
Aussie IRD study taps into gene therapy perceptions
Researchers from the Centre for Eye Research Australia and University of Melbourne have developed a world-first survey to gather the views of Australians with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) on potential gene therapies. Read more
Brand names banished under new prescribing regulations
New regulations come into force from 1 February requiring doctors to prescribe PBS drugs by their active ingredient instead of their brand name, in a bid to encourage greater uptake of generic medicines and reduce medication errors. Read more
Eyecare professionals recognised in Australia Day Honours
Nine people from the ophthalmic sector have featured in the Australia Day 2021 Honours List. Read more