Optometry Australia

Optometry Connection September 2024 is out now! We are delighted to present the refreshed bi-annual Dry Eye Resource Guide, developed in collaboration with Dr Leigh Plowman.

This edition also features articles exploring the latest innovations and insights into diagnosis, treatment and management of dry eye. Plus, stay current with Medicare billing practices with the article ‘Medicare billing and compliance – How to get it right’ from the Department of Health and Aged Care. Members can download the issue for free and complete the 5T CPD hours here: https://lms.optometry.org.au/course/view.php?id=814

We were delighted to welcome students Safwan Ahmed Khan, Anisha Hakimi, Rainie Wang and Rahul Naiker to work alongside our policy and advocacy team and learn about the work Optometry Australia does to pursue our preferred future for optometry, optometrists and community eye health. Find out more about their time with Optometry Australia.

“Policy and advocacy play a crucial, visionary role in shaping the future of optometry practice”: Our recent advocacy placement students outline what they learnt during their time with Optometry Australia - Optometry Australia We were delighted to welcome Safwan Ahmed Khan, Anisha Hakimi, Rainie Wang and Rahul Naiker to work alongside our policy and advocacy team and learn about the work Optometry Australia does to pursue our preferred future for optometry, optometrists and community eye health.

Optometry Australia has released its latest position statement on the integration and regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in optometry, outlining a series of recommendations aimed at guiding the informed adoption and regulation of AI technologies in eye care across the country. In a timely development, Ahpra and the National Boards have also released guidance regarding the implementation of AI by health practitioners.

Optometry Australia launches position statement on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in optometry, aligned with Ahpra guidance on AI use - Optometry Australia Optometry Australia has released its latest position statement on the integration and regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in optometry, outlining a series of recommendations aimed at guiding the informed adoption and regulation of AI technologies in eye care across the country.

Optometry Australia is delighted to announce it has joined the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC) as an association member.

A collective of leading ophthalmic companies and eye health associations dedicated to raising awareness about the increasing prevalence and impact of myopia, GMAC’s purpose is to promote public awareness of myopia in children as a treatable disease, encourage parents to regularly get comprehensive eye exams for their children, and advocate for the use of treatments that have been shown to slow the progression of myopia.

Optometry Australia joins the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC) - Optometry Australia In alignment with its recently released position statement on myopia management, Optometry Australia’s support of GMAC’s mission further recognises the organisation’s stance on the critical need to take proactive measures to reduce the local and global impact of myopia.

Are you interested in travelling abroad in 2025 to study advancements in optometry that are not yet available, or readily available, in Australia?

Our next round of LOOK International scholarships are open and we encourage all interested members to apply!

Find the T&C's and details on how to apply here:

International grants available to study advancements in optometry - Optometry Australia Optometry Australia is looking to support two members with study grants to participate in its 2025 Looking Outward on Optometric Knowledge (LOOK) International program.

Our next interactive discussion workshop series is coming up! Join us for three paediatric-focussed sessions with expert speaker Tim Fricke throughout September and October. We'll cover refractive error, accommodation-vergence disorders and strabismus and amblyopia. Members can register for free here: https://lms.optometry.org.au/course/view.php?id=811

Falls are a leading cause of hospitalised injuries and injury-related deaths among older Australians. Impaired vision significantly increases the risk of falls, with approximately 75% of older adults admitted to hospitals following a fall having a correctable vision problem.

Recognising the urgency of this issue, Optometry Australia remains committed to advocating for aged care residents and their rights to receive optimal eye care without encountering any unnecessary obstacles or workarounds.

Deeble Institute for Health Policy Research releases issues brief detailing the importance of eye care in preventing falls in older Australians - Optometry Australia The Deeble Institute for Health Policy Research, Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association, has released its Issues Brief which investigates the role of eye care practitioners in falls prevention among older adults.

We've released a comprehensive position statement on myopia management to highlight the critical role optometrists play in addressing this global public health concern. With the prevalence of myopia projected to affect 50% of the world’s population and 20 million Australians by 2050, the statement underscores the importance of evidence-based practices in mitigating and managing myopia.

Optometry Australia issues new position statement on myopia management - Optometry Australia Optometry Australia (OA) has released its comprehensive position statement on myopia management, which supports the World Council of Optometry Standards of Care Guidelines for Myopia Management (2021)

Tune into our August webcast Dry eye reimagined, 7.30pm AEST tonight! Details and registration link ⬇️

Our next live webcast is taking place Tuesday 20 August, 7.30pm AEST. Join us for Dry eye reimagined: Novel therapies and technologies, where we'll delve into the latest advancements for dry eye management. Expert speaker Leigh Plowman will cover emerging treatments, innovative diagnostics and novel devices and software. Following this, Megan Zabell from Alcon will take us back to the basics of dry eye, including which common health conditions are associated with dry eye and their aetiologies.

Members can register for free here: https://lms.optometry.org.au/course/view.php?id=762

We've worked with the National Rural Health Alliance and RANZCO on a new Eye and Vision Health in Rural Australia fact sheet. Intended as a reference point for the NRHA members and other rural and remote health stakeholders, it outlines the challenges faced by patients outside of major cities and evidence-based best practice when managing eye health in rural areas.

National Rural Health Alliance publishes new Eye and Vision Health in Rural Australia fact sheet in collaboration with Optometry Australia and RANZCO - Optometry Australia The fact sheet, intended as a reference point for the NRHA members and other rural and remote health stakeholders, outlines the challenges faced by patients outside of major cities.

Our next live webcast is taking place Tuesday 20 August, 7.30pm AEST. Join us for Dry eye reimagined: Novel therapies and technologies, where we'll delve into the latest advancements for dry eye management. Expert speaker Leigh Plowman will cover emerging treatments, innovative diagnostics and novel devices and software. Following this, Megan Zabell from Alcon will take us back to the basics of dry eye, including which common health conditions are associated with dry eye and their aetiologies.

Members can register for free here: https://lms.optometry.org.au/course/view.php?id=762

We are pleased to announce that we’re working on a Care for Diverse Populations education program. We’re currently looking for advisory members to help shape these modules – do you have experience working with or caring for diverse populations? Are you passionate about person-centred care? You might be able to help! If you’re keen to get involved, find out more here ⬇️

Optometry Australia to launch Care for Diverse Populations education program; advisory members needed - Optometry Australia As part of our ongoing commitment to support the continuing professional development of members in providing patient-centered care, in line with the Ahpra Shared Code of conduct, Optometry Australia is developing a series of online modules on caring for diverse populations.

We're encouraging optometrists to refer patients to Eye Connect, the Macular Disease Foundation Australia's (MDFA) free support service for all Australians living with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

According to the MDFA, Eye Connect allows people to access evidence-based support in between appointments with their eye care professional. It is available to people living with any stage of AMD and has been developed based on insights from a neovascular AMD pilot program and extensive research involving people living with macular disease, carers, ophthalmologists and optometrists. Find out more here:

Refer patients to Eye Connect, MDFA’s support service for Australians living with AMD - Optometry Australia Optometrists are encouraged to refer patients to Eye Connect, the Macular Disease Foundation Australia’s (MDFA) free support service for all Australians living with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

[Good Vision for Life]

Good vision for life is an Optometry Australia initiative to drive awareness of eye health and the role optometrists play in general health. We regularly create or generate media content for consumers and we encourage our members to share this via your own channels as you wish.

Seeing the signs: how stroke affects vision and what your eyes might be telling you - Good Vision For Life From Monday 5th August until Sunday 11th of August, Stroke Foundation Australia's initiative, National Stroke Week will aim to save lives and enhance stroke recovery by raising awareness and creating conversation about stroke; one of the leading causes of adult disability and death nationally every

📢 Join our team! Are you an experienced Victorian-based optometrist with strong networks, excellent communication skills, a keen interest in advocacy and a passion for advancing your profession? We could have the perfect part-time role for you.

Optometry Australia is looking for a part-time State Lead (Victoria) to connect with members and stakeholders and help shape the profession in the state. The State Lead will work closely with our member engagement, events and advocacy teams.
📅 Apply by 23 August!

🔗 Find the full position description on our website here:
https://www.optometry.org.au/about-us/work-for-us/current-vacancies/

Throughout her career in healthcare, and in her current role as the Director of Operations at the Australian College of Optometry (ACO), Kylie Harris has been a fervent advocate for the advancement of optometry, optometrists and eye health.

In a recent interview with Optometry Australia, she shares her perspective on why she thinks enabling oral therapeutics in optometry will ultimately benefit communities in need, as well as the broader healthcare system.

📣‘It’s frustrating to witness the limitations placed on optometrists in assisting patients who already face significant difficulty in accessing care… I think if you focus on a model of care that is affordable and high-quality then optometrists and oral prescribing is naturally a part of that,' Kylie said. Read more:

Kylie Harris: Enhancing patient access to care through oral therapeutics - Optometry Australia In a recent interview with OA, ACO Director of Operations Kylie Harris shares her perspective on why she thinks enabling oral therapeutics in optometry will ultimately benefit communities in need, as well as the broader healthcare system.

Members – Did you know our Member Assistance Program is free and confidential and gives you access to up to three coaching and counselling sessions every year?

✅ This service does not require referral, Medicare, GP or employer information.

📧 Booking a coaching or counselling session through the Member Assistance Program is easy – simply call the Centre for Corporate Health on 1800 959 956 or email [email protected].

Our first OA Book Club meeting was a success last night! We had engaging and thoughtful conversations, and thank everyone who participated 😊

Members, are you interested in joining us for the next one? We’d love to have you! Keep an eye on your inbox for sign up details coming soon.

Last week, the Optometry Australia and Optometry Queensland and Northern Territory boards welcomed the opportunity to have dinner together in Brisbane to discuss how they can continue collaborating to support and represent members 🤝

The University of Melbourne in collaboration with OA are conducting an occupational injury survey, which hopes to identify specific areas or tasks within the healthcare environment that pose injury risks, allowing for proactive preventive measures.

Optometrists are invited to participate by filling out an online survey, which should take around 15-20 minutes to complete. The data collected through this survey enables informed decision-making, aiding in resource allocation, identifying training needs, or upgrading equipment to mitigate injuries. This survey has received ethics approval.

Take survey: https://q.surveys.unimelb.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_3KKb0sJJbZhVLIq

Have you checked out our updated Clinical Practice Guide for age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

This guide was developed in consultation with 11 experienced practitioners who work extensively in the area of AMD assessment and management. It offers evidence-based information on the latest best practices in AMD care, covering:

✅ risk factors
✅ clinical diagnosis and management for optometrists
✅ a discussion on current and emerging AMD therapeutic options, as of early 2024
✅ and more

Download the guide here:

Clinical practice guides - Optometry Australia Our clinical practice guides are evidence-based and intended to assist members in making clinical decisions in their practice. These guides do not replace an optometrist’s professional judgement or the requirement to practice in accordance with laws and regulations.

Thanks to Senator Jana Stewart for meeting with Optometry Australia board director Jenny Mikakos to discuss eye health, raising awareness of childhood myopia and supporting optometrists to practice to their full scope!

📢 Join our team!

Are you an experienced Queensland-based optometrist, with strong networks, great communication skills, an interest in advocacy and a passion for progressing your profession?

Optometry Australia is looking for a part-time State Lead-Queensland to connect with members and stakeholders & help shape the profession in the state. The State Lead will work closely with our member engagement, events and advocacy teams.

📅 Apply by 19 August!

🔗 Find the full position description on our website here: https://www.optometry.org.au/about-us/work-for-us/current-vacancies/

Optometry Queensland and Northern Territory

A parliamentary inquiry into diabetes has highlighted the essential role of optometry and optometrists in the management and treatment of diabetic eye disease.

Optometry Australia CEO Skye Cappuccio expressed her thanks to the parliamentary committee for including OA’s submission in its final report, and for recognising the importance of eye health and vision in diabetes care. Read more:

Optometry recognised as essential in diabetes care - Optometry Australia A parliamentary inquiry into diabetes has highlighted the essential role of optometry and optometrists in the management and treatment of diabetic eye disease. Optometry Australia is pleased to see our submission has been included in the final report, which acknowledges the importance of eye health....

Optometry Australia is raising awareness of childhood myopia, or short-sightedness.

Fantastic to have its board director Jenny Mikakos meet baby Ciccone and chat about the need for children to have regular eye examinations.

This week, Optometry Australia board director Jenny Mikakos met with Kate Thwaites MP and Senator Raff Ciccone (along with baby Ciccone!) to discuss the need to enhance awareness of childhood myopia and the benefits to patients of supporting optometrists to practice to full scope.

❓ Do you work in health and medical research?

The Department of Health and Aged Care is conducting a national audit of the Health and Medical Research Workforce (Audit), supported by Mandala Partners. Your input will help inform the development of the National Health and Medical Research Strategy, and support future policy planning on matters that impact health and medical researchers in Australia.

Those who have at some point worked in the health and medical research space are invited to participate. You may be in:

✅ a direct research role (performing research as a primary or secondary activity, in paid or unpaid roles including research students, and in university, medical research institutes, industry, health services or other settings), or
✅ a supportive role (not directly performing research yourself but supporting those who do, e.g. clinical trial coordinator, research nurses, biostatistician, laboratory technician, medical product research and development, research support officer, etc), or
✅ a non-research role currently, but have had one or more of the roles above in the past.

The survey will be open until Friday 9 August, 2024. It should take you approximately 15-25 minutes to complete, with the ability come back to the survey and complete it prior to submission.

Survey on Health and Medical Research Workforce in Australia Turn data collection into an experience with Typeform. Create beautiful online forms, surveys, quizzes, and so much more. Try it for FREE.

The sessions from this year's Optometry Virtually Connected conference are now available as on-demand CPD! You can browse and complete these courses in the Institute of Excellence: https://lms.optometry.org.au/course/index.php?categoryid=218

Our next webcast is coming up tomorrow night (Tuesday 16 July). Join us for an eye-opening conversation; Diabetes panel: Everyone wins from collaborative care + The evolving gold standard in retinal imaging with advancing technology, at 7.30pm AEST.

This discussion aims to illustrate the benefits of a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to diabetes management and the crucial role optometrists play. The panel will include Lisa Feng, optometrist; Dr Peter Yee, general practitioner; Dr Ann Poynten, endocrinologist; Marlene Payk, diabetes educator; and Clinical Associate Professor Gerald Liew, ophthalmologist.

The panel will be followed by a sponsored presentation on the evolving gold standard in retinal imaging with advancing technology from Dr Amira Howari on behalf of Optos.

Members can register for free here: https://lms.optometry.org.au/course/view.php?id=756