Australia’s relative success at managing COVID-19 has meant an overseas biotechnology company can forge ahead with the final phase of clinical trials before its meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) therapy is considered by US regulators. Read more
Spectacle hygiene: teaching the basics to patients
A leading ophthalmic lens supplier is urging eyecare professionals to educate patients about the importance of spectacle hygiene and anti-fog properties in the COVID-19 era, which are presenting new business opportunities for practices. Read more
SMILE performed on more than four million eyes
Four million eyes have now been treated globally with Zeiss Meditec’s SMILE procedure, helping cement the company’s dominance in the laser vision correction segment where it holds 27% market share. Read more
Eyecare practitioners and students eligible for vaccine 22 March
Australian optometrists and ophthalmologists, their support staff and students and trainees on placement will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as part of the second wave of a national rollout strategy, commencing 22 March. Read more
Specsavers launches new national locum app
Specsavers Recruitment Services (SRS) has announced the launch of a new app that acts as a notification, engagement and organisational tool to improve the way the company connects with locum optometrists across Australia. Read more
Major boost for optical practices with expansion of wage subsidy program
A fresh surge of optical practices are set to benefit from the Federal Government’s traineeship wage subsidy initiative after Prime Minister Scott Morrison removed a cap on the program and extended it for another 12 months.
Fair Work reaches decision on legal saga that threatened optometry salaries
The Fair Work Commission has delivered an inconclusive decision regarding pay awards coverage for optometrists. However, Optometry Australia (OA) is encouraged by the ruling after initial fears it may drive down wages, particularly for graduates whose $80,000 salaries could have dropped to as low as $53,000 per year.
Forty-plus Australians among world’s top 200 optometry researchers
A new website specifically created to identify and celebrate leading optometric researchers worldwide boasts more than 40 Australians, including one of the website’s co-creators. Read more
Specsavers inducts 2021 graduates in new-look event
Specsavers has welcomed more than 120 graduates for 2021 in its first ever ‘hybrid-virtual’ induction event. Read more
Five-year post-LEAD trial garners positive results for 2RT
Nova Eye Medical has announced positive five-year follow-up data from a sub-study analysis of the multi-centre LEAD trial for its 2RT nano-pulse ophthalmic laser therapy. Read more