RANZCO has provided guidance for the resumption of elective surgery this week, cautioning that operating lists and through-put will be restricted by social distancing and infective precautions. Read more
Study findings suggest coronavirus replicates in the eye
A new study into Italy’s first coronavirus patient has found she had traces of the virus in her eyes for several weeks, even after it had become undetectable in nasal swabs. Read more
Ellex shareholders approve sale; company to operate under new name
Ellex Medical Lasers shareholders have backed the $100 million sale of the lasers and ultrasound business to Lumibird Group. They also agreed to re-name the company Nova Eye Medical, forming a debt-free entity with a long-term focus on glaucoma therapies. Read more
Profession to look ‘stronger than ever’ in new optometry documentary
The global eyecare community is poised for the virtual screening premiere of Open Your Eyes, a new documentary highlighting the increasing role of optometrists as frontline detectors of systemic diseases. Read more
‘Don’t forget’ Indigenous eye health in elective surgery return, advocates warn
The Fred Hollows Foundation and Australia’s only Indigenous ophthalmologist are calling for governments to prioritise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health when elective surgery resumes amid concerns over a cataract surgery backlog. Read more
How to get the most out of digital marketing during Covid-19
We outline the two key drivers marketers should focus on in aligning their digital strategy in the face of the Coronavirus crisis.
By Zelda Tupicoff, COO, Prime Creative Media
Sector welcomes reintroduction of sight-saving elective procedures
Cataract surgery will recommence from Monday 27 April after the Federal Government announced the first phase in a gradual loosening of elective surgery restrictions. Read more
World-first sensory hub to support people with low vision or blindness
Low vision patients are set to benefit from the campus at Guide Dogs Victoria with $2.5 million in Federal Government funding announced last week. Read more
Lions Outback Vision faces funding conundrum for urgent chartered flights
Lions Outback Vision is concerned about losing traction on its ‘Close the Gap’ efforts after the COVID-19 emergency curtailed its Vision Van and Visiting Optometrist Services, leaving the organisation to treat only urgent cases through costly chartered flights. Read more
OPSM introduces free telehealth service
OPSM has announced it is offering tele-optometry consultations free of charge, despite there being no optometry Medicare item number for the service yet. Read more