Researchers, including myself, at Lions Eye Institute (LEI) are developing treatments for genetic eye diseases, including gene replacement therapies for Usher syndrome and novel drugs for retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and Stargardt disease. Read more
Poor public health planning no excuse – Dr Anton Van Heerden
The pandemic and our response to it has impacted all facets of life. In particular, the sweeping bans on elective surgery have had a devastating impact on community health, none more so than cataract surgery. As we know, this is a quick, highly effective means to reverse blindness.
Psychological strains of optometry
In my roles as an employer of optometrists and an academic, it seemed to me mental health issues and burnout in our industry have been increasing during the past 10 years. Read more
Where independent optometrists can succeed – Steven Johnston
After 10 extremely rewarding years leading the ProVision organisation, it is time for me to leave the wonderful industry of optometry that I’ve grown to love.
Issues around same day bilateral cataract surgery
Cataracts are the commonest operation in the world. With modern day surgical techniques, it’s also the safest. And better yet, advances in lens technology mean some patients may enjoy the best vision of their entire life post-surgery.
Bird-related eye injuries – swooping season a serious matter
When I first moved to Victoria and began working as an eye doctor in the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH) Emergency Department, I was stunned by how often I saw patients with bird-related eye injuries.
Duty of care and urgency of referral
A medical practitioner’s duty of care to a patient is well entrenched in law.
Building Australia’s gene therapy capability
The rapidly evolving field of gene therapy offers a unique opportunity for Australian eye surgeons and scientists to join forces and lead the world in preventing blindness.
Contending with a COVID practice closure
Fortunately, few optometry practices have experienced close contact with a COVID-19-positive patient – and the associated rigmarole. My Sydney city practice HineSight Optometrist, however, did have this experience in early May, which triggered a rabbit-hole journey for my business on several fronts.
The rocky path of an early career researcher
After spending the first 10 years of my career as a practising optometrist in Australia and the UK, I returned to Australia in 1999 and seized an opportunity at the Cornea and Contact Lens Unit (now BHVI) where I fell in love with research. I liked following protocols, discovering associations, formulating and presenting data.