Melbourne biopharmaceutical company Opthea has received an $8.5 million research and development (R&D) tax credit from the Australian tax authority ahead of pivotal Phase 3 trials of its lead drug candidate. Read more
Cornea resistant to the novel coronavirus – study
A new study has suggested the cornea can resist infection from the novel coronavirus, in findings that bode well for corneal transplants and similar procedures. Read more
AHPRA announces advertising audit affecting optometrists
Non-compliant advertising will be on the radar of the regulator early next year when it begins a nationwide audit of health practitioners and introduces a new declaration for optometrists to sign. 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
Omega-3 dry eye drop arrives in Australia
AFT Pharmaceuticals has officially introduced NovaTears + Omega-3 eye drops in Australia, and provided new details about the formulation. Read more
Optometry student spearheads efforts to attract Indigenous Australians into university education
A Deakin optometry student who pursued a career in healthcare after seeing her family’s health deteriorate to diabetes and eye disease is fronting a new campaign to inspire more Indigenous Australians into higher education. Read more
Cylite takes out Engineering Australia’s highest honour
Melbourne-based OCT manufacturer Cylite has been awarded the Sir William Hudson Award – the highest accolade an engineering project can receive from Engineers Australia. Read more
Surgical issues top list of ophthalmology medico-legal complaints
A snapshot of medico-legal matters against ophthalmologists insured by an Australian medical defence organisation has found claims for compensation and regulatory complaints most commonly relate to surgical issues involving cataracts, corneal operations and oculoplastic procedures.
‘People are eating themselves blind’ – spotlight on sugar consumption this World Diabetes Day
The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) has joined forces with Australian of the Year Dr James Muecke ahead of this week’s World Diabetes Day to highlight the dangers of excessive sugar consumption and reiterate calls for a soft drink ‘sugar tax’. Read more
Changing visual behaviour of 2020 revealed in new survey
Half of the Australian population is experiencing negative impacts to their eyesight due to rapidly changing lifestyles in 2020, according to new research from Zeiss. Read more