Collaboration, whether it be within the profession or beyond, is the key to the future of eye care.

Dr Jacqueline Beltz is a cataract and refractive surgeon, and the founder of makeup brand, OKKIYO – Beauty for Sensitive Eyes. She explains how eye care professionals can help patients feel confident in their cosmetic choices without compromising their eye health.

Australian researchers have found that topical ciclosporin (CsA) may be more effective in relieving the symptoms and inflammatory impact on the cornea and conjunctiva in ocular surface disease than vehicle, artificial tears (AT) or other frequently used topical therapeutics.

The Australian Academy of Science has called for the time allocated to research grants to be extended to a “minimum duration of three years, ideally four” to foster groundbreaking research and attract skilled researchers.

Medical University and collaborating institutions have identified a population of human neural retinal stem-like cells capable of regenerating retinal tissue and supporting visual recovery, according to a study published in Science Translational Medicine.1

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT has decided to transition funding away from early detection services. As a result, the Centre for Eye Health (CFEH) has begun transitioning all existing patients to appropriate alternative pathways. Where possible, all patients are being seen for a final review appointment before their records and on-going care are transferred to a clinically appropriate alternate care provider.

A research team at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) in Austria is investigating whether intraocular lenses release nanoplastics into the body. There have been no such studies to date, and initial results have already been submitted to a scientific journal.

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) Myopia Management Navigator has now been available to optometrists around the globe for over a year, with several hundred practitioners in Australia and New Zealand embracing this valuable resource.

www.novartis.com.au/products/healthcare

New research indicates that patients with herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) may benefit from suppressive valacyclovir treatment, particularly over extended periods.1

New studies in rats suggest the drug reserpine, approved in 1955 for high blood pressure, may treat the blinding disease retinitis pigmentosa (RP). No cure exists for this rare inherited disease, which begins to affect vision in childhood.

georgeandmatilda.com.au

Professors Jonathan Crowston and Keith Martin from Australia, and Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer from New Zealand have been listed in The Ophthalmologist Power List 2025.

ZEISS’ Hyperopic SMILE Pro procedure is now available to surgeons in Australia and New Zealand. Building on the established SMILE Pro (small incision lenticule extraction) procedure, this new approach is designed to treat hyperopia, offering an alternative to hyperopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

A groundbreaking study has introduced a new nomenclature for analysing retinal structures in high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT), offering researchers a refined map of the retina that could enhance diagnostics and understanding of ocular disease.

amgen.com.au

An innovative glaucoma surgical system – the Leos (Laser Endoscopy Ophthalmic System) developed by BVI Medical – has received 510(k) clearance from the United States Food and Drug Administration.

For the first time, scientists have mapped the smallest control system of vision in mammals – a discovery that provides new insights into how vision works and how it can be affected by disease.

optom.provision.com.au

The Fred Hollows Foundation has opened nominations for the annual Fred and Humanity Awards, which recognise Australians who make a real difference in their communities.

United States researchers have found that patients using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) appear to have a lower risk of age-related eye diseases.

Researchers have used mice with nine different genetic backgrounds to identify factors influencing eye ageing, paving the way for eye-based diagnostics for neurodegenerative diseases.

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New research has found “significant associations” between dry eye disease and migraine, suggesting when they coexist, successfully treating dry eye disease reduces the severity of migraine.

A new Australian feature film that underscores the power of preventative eye care, and highlights the resilience and capabilities of those living with disability, is set to be released for community screenings.

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The Key to Optometry’s Future

The Legacy of Don Ezekiel

Living With the Stigma of Autoimmune Disease

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www.auscrs.org.au/2025-conference

Shifting the narrative toward more positive, empowering conversations about beauty and eye care can give patients new ways to love and care for their eyes. In this article, Dr Jacqueline Beltz explores the opportunities.

In his first column for mivision as President of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO), Professor Peter McCluskey muses on the uncertainties facing the profession, and outlines some of RANZCO’s strategic plans.

Alcon is renowned for hosting lively, entertaining, and interactive educational events and this year’s Focus symposium for cataract and refractive surgeons lived up to this reputation. Held in Sydney over two days and curated by a steering committee comprising Associate Professor Chandra Bala, Dr Tess Huynh, and Dr Lewis Levitz, this year’s event attracted around 180 delegates, eager to share their experiences and to trial Alcon’s new Unity Vitreoretinal Cataract System and U

MyAlcon.com.au

surgivision.com.au

The surgical management of presbyopia has become a hot topic and now, more so than ever, there are a number of different options that corneal and refractive specialists can add to their armamentarium to manage these patients. Optometrists are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing the effects of presbyopia. As such, understanding the various surgical treatment options available is crucial for providing informed recommendations and improving patient outcome

www.ophthalmologyupdates.com

BCLA.ORG.UK

In the third article of a series encapsulating significant conclusions from the BCLA CLEAR Presbyopia publications, Alexandra Webster provides an overview of spectacle management options for presbyopia, along with a summary of the history, market data, future possibilities, and clinical considerations. The content is based on insights from the BCLA CLEAR publication, Presbyopia: Management with Contact Lenses and Spectacles.1

rodenstock.com

Working on the principle that every eye is different, in 2020 Rodenstock introduced B.I.G. Exact, the world’s first commercial lenses built on an exact biometric eye model. Using the measurements from the Rodenstock DNEye scanner, it introduced a new way of calculating a spectacle lens, changing the landscape of optics. Now taking the next step, Rodenstock introduces B.I.G. Exact Sensitive, a lens considering individual differences in visual sensitivity.

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The Potential in Novel Therapies

Faced with growing elderly populations around the world requiring cataract and vitreoretinal surgeries, limited growth in surgeon capacity, and declining specialised staff, ophthalmic manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of engineering to develop innovative technologies.

A New Frontier in Presbyopia Correction

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The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in eye care offers both opportunities and challenges. In this article Professor James Armitage and Dr Jamie Chew reveal how AI can enhance clinical practice without replacing professional judgement, highlighting its potential as a complementary tool for diagnosis, efficiency, and patient engagement.

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https://www.acuvue.com/en-au/

Here’s a sobering fact: 88% of online visitors won’t return to a website after a bad experience.1 That means nearly nine out of 10 potential patients could be clicking away from your eye care practice’s website, never to be seen again.

www.optometryfinance.com.au

Every time a customer collects their new spectacles, you have a chance to showcase your expertise and leave customers with a smile. Specsavers Regional Training Manager Elizabeth Cassidy explains that by leading the process, addressing concerns, and tailoring your approach to each customer, you’re not just handing over glasses; you’re creating lasting impressions.

odamembers.com.au

Corneal crosslinking has dramatically changed the management of keratoconus. Continued monitoring over the long term is important due to the potential for delayed complications

OKKIYO.COM.AU

Growing up in Canada, Geoff Demare had no idea that a trip to an optometrist would lead to practice ownership in Melbourne.

occ.optometry.org.au

As a passionate advocate for eye health in South Australia, it’s rewarding to reflect on the pivotal initiatives shaping our profession, writes Cassandra Haines.

Timed to coincide with World Optometry Day, Optometry Western Australia (OWA) held its annual WAVE conference in Fremantle, Perth from 22–23 March 2025. As in previous years, WAVE was offered in a hybrid format, attracting a sold-out 225 inperson delegates and almost 400 online delegates over the weekend. Jingyi Chen from the University of Western Australia went along to cover the event for mivision.

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Johnson and Johnson Vision recently hosted an educational evening for optometrists in Sydney, titled ‘Max Performance Min Effort’, highlighting the company’s latest premium silicone hydrogel daily disposable family of contact lenses. The event featured presentations from key industry experts – Drs Alex Koutsokeras, Celia Bloxsom, and Margaret Lam – who shared insights on lens technology, patient benefits, and effective communication strategies for practice success.

In the rapidly-evolving landscape of eye care, staying ahead means experiencing the latest innovations firsthand. From 27–29 June, the International Conference and Convention Centre in Sydney’s Darling Harbour will transform into Australia’s premier optical industry hub as ODMAFair25 opens its doors to practitioners nationwide.

safilo.com

zeiss.com/vision

When two ex-professional snowboarders from Belgium – Anton Janssens and Raf Maes – decided to switch their focus from shredding peaks to designing eyewear, they knew the ride ahead would be anything but smooth. Over 15 years on, Komono has become a global brand, coveted by Gen-Zand millennials. mivision caught up with Anton to find out more.

VMD Eyewear Australia has been appointed as the exclusive distribution partner for MAX&Co. (left) and Timberland Eyewear in the Australian market. MAX&Co., a leader in contemporary fashion since 1986, is synonymous with originality and timeless style. Designed for stylish, confident women, MAX&Co.

IOACONGRESS.COM.AU

ODMAFair, presented by the Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association, will showcase the latest eyewear, lenses, and devices while also offering a series of educational sessions and hands-on workshops designed to arm delegates with new knowledge and skills to immediately elevate their optometric practice. Catering to all practice members, the sessions will be organised into three distinct streams: Business, Practice Management, and Dispensing.

ODMAFAIR.COM.AU