A concentration of 0.05% atropine slowed the rate of myopia progression in pre-teen children compared with two other concentrations of the drug, according to findings published in Ophthalmology. 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
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.
Aussie-developed glaucoma implant performs well in initial trial
A Victorian biopharmaceutical company has reported positive results from a Phase 1 study examining the safety of its biodegradable implant for glaucoma. Read more
New group focuses on how to clear the COVID-19 backlog
The Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) has established a new research unit to improve current eyecare models and tackle the backlog of undiagnosed and untreated conditions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
New Specsavers website shares eye health data insights
Specsavers has launched its new HealthHub website to share updates on detection, referral and treatment progress for key eye conditions, as well as the use of optometry services in New Zealand and Australia. Read more
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
Phaco and surgeon contamination risks amid COVID-19
Aerosol and spatter generation in some ophthalmic procedures has been a concern during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Kiwi researchers have found no visible contamination above the neckline of cataract surgeons performing phacoemulsification. Read more
Cornea transplant policy out-of-step with current evidence
A US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policy that automatically disqualifies men who have had sex with men in the preceding five years from donating corneas is not justified by current evidence, research shows. Read more
Race to identify inherited retinal disease patients for gene therapies
Australian researchers are using genetic testing to identify as many people as possible with inherited retinal disease (IRD), in preparation for an influx of life-changing gene and stem cell therapies expected over the next decade. Read more