Flinders University will direct $1.4 million in new Federal Government funding towards increased screening and improving treatment options for diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness among Aboriginal Australians. Read more
AI retinopathy screening cheaper than human grading
A new study suggests that deep learning systems (DLS) would eliminate two minutes of human labour required to grade diabetic retinopathy images, however a semi-automated model is most cost-effective, saving national health systems up to 20% on screening costs. Read more
COVID-19 study examines true eye protection benefit
Eye protection could lead to a large reduction in coronavirus infection, according to a new study that found the protective measure dropped the chance of transmission by 10%. Read more
Proximity to customers: Optometrists rank high
New research into occupations that have an increased risk of COVID-19 exposure has shown that eyecare professionals face a higher threat than most other professions. Read more
Eyes an ‘important route’ for coronavirus transmission
Public health researchers believe the eye may be a key entry point for coronavirus to infect the body, in a world-first study that reveals the current strain is up to 100 times more infectious than SARS.
Read more
Scientists modify commercial contact lens to correct colour blindness
Researchers have modified an off-the-shelf contact lens to correct a form of red–green colour blindness known as deuteranomaly, the most common type of colour vision deficiency. 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
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
Vision scientists shine light on hand washing techniques
Researchers from the Sensory Processes Research Laboratory within the UNSW School of Optometry and Vision Science have developed augmented reality software that shows the effectiveness of differing hand washing techniques. Read more
Unlocking the secrets of the eye’s proteins
A new understanding of how proteins in the eye are prevented from clumping together has opened up new possibilities for the prevention and treatment of cataracts. Read more