mivision Journal May 2025

mivision Journal May 2025
Published on 30 April 2025

Description:

The Macular Disease Issue | Geographic Atrophy: Shifting Treatment Goalposts | Tough Conversations: Fitness to Drive

53 articles from this collection:
Mivision
Mivision
MAY 2025 ISSUE 211
THE OPHTHALMIC JOURNAL
THE OPHTHALMIC JOURNAL
Welcome to our eighth special macular disease issue.
Australian Investigators Highlight Risk of GA Misdiagnosis
Australian Investigators Highlight Risk of GA Misdiagnosis
An Australian study has warned eye health professionals about the potential for dystrophies to mimic age-related macular degeneration (AMD).1
US Approves First Drug to Slow MacTel
US Approves First Drug to Slow MacTel
The first drug to treat macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel) – a neurodegenerative disease of the retina – has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Government Urged to Ban Genetic Discrimination
Government Urged to Ban Genetic Discrimination
Genetic testing is increasingly being used by healthcare professionals to more effectively identify and manage patients at risk or suspected of diseases such as glaucoma, as well as those with diagnosed disease.
Syfovre Available Via Private Prescription
Syfovre Available Via Private Prescription
Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) is now available via private prescription and can be ordered through Australian pharmaceutical distributor CH2.
COVID Increased Astigmatism Risk: Study
COVID Increased Astigmatism Risk: Study
The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a 20% increase in the risk of refractive astigmatism, a Hong Kong study has found.
Eye Drop Could Slow Degenerative Eye Disease
Eye Drop Could Slow Degenerative Eye Disease
Researchers have developed eye drops that extend vision in animal models of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a group of degenerative eye diseases that leads to progressive vision loss in humans.
Cannabis and TED
Cannabis and TED
Cannabis users had a significantly increased risk for thyroid eye disease (TED), a United States study has found. The study, published in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery,1 investigated the association between cannabis usage and TED in patients with autoimmune hyperthyroidism.
Pig Organoids for Human Stem Cell Research
Pig Organoids for Human Stem Cell Research
American scientists have successfully developed pig retinal organoids, opening new pathways for testing and advancing stem cell therapies for vision loss.
Specsavers Recycles with Opticycle
Specsavers Recycles with Opticycle
Specsavers Australia is partnering with recycling processor, Opticycle, to introduce the first end-to-end recycling solution for glasses and lens waste for the optical industry in Australia.
AUSCRS 2025 16 –19 July 2025
AUSCRS 2025 16 –19 July 2025
AUSCRS 2025 – the annual conference of the Australasian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons – will take place in Darwin from 16 –19 July 2025.
First Multi-Ethnic Study of RLRL Completes at ACO
First Multi-Ethnic Study of RLRL Completes at ACO
The first international results of repeated lowlevel red-light therapy (RLRL) for myopia have recently been announced by Eyerising International, with the conclusion of the company’s 12-month randomised controlled trial at the Australian College of Optometry (ACO) in Melbourne.
Opthea Discontinues COAST/ShORe
Opthea Discontinues COAST/ShORe
Opthea has announced it has discontinued its COAST and ShORe trials, for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), after the failure of both studies.1
Coming Soon: Ophthalmology Updates!
Coming Soon: Ophthalmology Updates!
The 8th annual Ophthalmology Updates! conference will be held on the weekend of 30–31 August 2025 at the Fullerton Hotel, Sydney.
New Fred Hollows Foundation CEO Ross Piper
New Fred Hollows Foundation CEO Ross Piper
The Fred Hollows Foundation has appointed Ross Piper as its new Chief Executive Officer.
CERA’s OpenEyes Implementation
CERA’s OpenEyes Implementation
Toukan Labs has successfully rolled out its OpenEyes platform across the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA), promising to significantly enhance the efficiency of research workflows and clinical trial management.
SILMO Returns to Paris
SILMO Returns to Paris
SILMO returns to Paris from 26– 29 September 2025 at Paris Nord Villepinte. Bringing together around 900 exhibitors, 1,500 exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors from 42 countries for four days, this annual trade show becomes the beating heart of the international optics and eyewear industry. SILMO Paris is an incubator of ideas and reflection, anticipating changes in the sector, with new collections, cutting-edge technologies, and visionary designs on show.
Coming Soon: deepeye AI for neovascular AMD Decisions
Coming Soon: deepeye AI for neovascular AMD Decisions
A new level of insight into therapy planning for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients is on the horizon with Heidelberg Engineering and deepeye Medical’s collaboration, following three years of joint development.
Ophthalmic Manifestations of Multiple Myeloma
Ophthalmic Manifestations of Multiple Myeloma
A comprehensive review of 70-year clinical studies has found ophthalmic manifestations may be the first sign of multiple myeloma (MM) or represent a relapse of the condition.
Ophthalmix to Distribute Oculus
Ophthalmix to Distribute Oculus
Ophthalmix – the Australian device company established in 2024 by Brad Grills – has been appointed as the exclusive distributor of Oculus.
UNSW Class of 2024 Optometrists Celebrated
UNSW Class of 2024 Optometrists Celebrated
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) School of Optometry and Vision Science recently celebrated its graduating class of 2024 at its annual prize-giving ceremony, recognising outstanding achievements across clinical excellence, research, and community engagement.
DORC Transitions to ZEISS
DORC Transitions to ZEISS
ZEISS Australia New Zealand has now become the sole supplier of DORC (Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center) products in Australia. This transition follows the successful global acquisition of DORC by Carl Zeiss Meditec AG in April 2024.
ZOOM OPTICS
ZOOM OPTICS
www.zoomoptics.com.au
Cutting-Edge Coatings for CR Labs
Cutting-Edge Coatings for CR Labs
CR Labs has taken delivery of an automated, state-of-the-art lens coating machine.
Finding Her Tribe
Finding Her Tribe
Navigating Macular Disease with MDFA
WELCOME TO THE MACULAR DISEASE ISSUE
WELCOME TO THE MACULAR DISEASE ISSUE
May is Macula Month. As this issue of mivision is released, Australians will be voting in a federal election. In the lead-up to the election campaign, Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) released a clear agenda for our next Australian Government to save the sight of thousands of Australians. This agenda, Fight for Sight, contains clear and practical recommendations that have been endorsed by leading eye health organisations, including Royal Australian and New Zealand
Tackling the Tough Conversation
Tackling the Tough Conversation
Fitness to Drive
No Longer in the Driver’s Seat The Impact of Loss of Licence
No Longer in the Driver’s Seat The Impact of Loss of Licence
The fear – and implications – of stopping driving due to vision loss cannot be overstated, according to new research released by Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) as part of this year’s Macula Month awareness campaign.
Geographic Atrophy: Shifting the Treatment Goalposts
Geographic Atrophy: Shifting the Treatment Goalposts
Until recently there has been no treatment available for patients with geographic atrophy (GA), which can have a significant impact on the quality of life for patients. However, this changed earlier this year with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approving the first intravitreal injection for GA treatment, and more emerging therapies in the pipeline.
GLAUKOS
GLAUKOS
miophthalmology products
miophthalmology products
eyetek.com.au
Vabysmo Revolutionising nAMD Treatment in the UK
Vabysmo Revolutionising nAMD Treatment in the UK
The availability of Vabysmo (faricimab) is making a significant dent on the enormous backlog of patients in the United Kingdom awaiting anti-VEGF treatment for neovascular age related macular degeneration (nAMD).
Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: Updating Our Management Approach
Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: Updating Our Management Approach
Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is an ophthalmic emergency that requires urgent management to prevent or reduce permanent visual disability. This article aims to briefly review the basics of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments and, additionally, provide updates from recent studies by Dr Rajeev Muni and colleagues that have enhanced our understanding of the condition and improve the visual outcomes for our patients.
What Happens When Your Cataract Patient Also Has a Macular Disease?
What Happens When Your Cataract Patient Also Has a Macular Disease?
Most Australians will undergo cataract surgery in their lifetime, and a significant number of these patients will also have ocular comorbidities such as macular disease and/or glaucoma. Historically, these patients would only be offered a monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) due to the risk of poor patient satisfaction resulting from reduced optical quality and dysphotopsia.
Evolving Therapies for Geographic Atrophy
Evolving Therapies for Geographic Atrophy
The MACULAR DISEASE ISSUE
The New Paradigm
The New Paradigm
The MACULAR DISEASE ISSUE
Cataract Surgery & AMDT
Cataract Surgery & AMDT
The MACULAR DISEASE ISSUE
Retinal Vein Occlusion
Retinal Vein Occlusion
Current and Future Management
Low Vision Care An Expanding Scope for Practice
Low Vision Care An Expanding Scope for Practice
SeeWay, an initiative of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, has been established to provide free practical support for people navigating vision loss. Monica Lette, SeeWay’s Business Development Manager, explained the service to Dr Margaret Lam.
Finding a Passion for Business Ownership
Finding a Passion for Business Ownership
Who would have thought that a high school side hustle selling phone cases and cables would portend a passion for business development? Certainly not Thomas Do.
Putting a Creative Spin on Your Optometry Career
Putting a Creative Spin on Your Optometry Career
Anyone in any industry can get tired of their job. But when you embrace the tools and opportunities available to optometry, it’s possible to map out a career that delivers lifelong professional satisfaction, writes Andrew McKinnon.
ODMA FAIR 25
ODMA FAIR 25
The long-awaited ODMAFair is coming to the International Convention Centre in Sydney’s Darling Harbour precinct.
INTERNATIONAL ORTHOPTIC CONGRESS 2025
INTERNATIONAL ORTHOPTIC CONGRESS 2025
IOACONGRESS.COM.AU
A Learning Experience Like No Other
A Learning Experience Like No Other
The economic burden of myopia continues to grow worldwide, with costs reaching into billions and affecting national gross domestic product figures, according to leading myopia researcher Professor Padmaja Sankaridurg from ZEISS.
OPSM A Story of Continuing Evolution
OPSM A Story of Continuing Evolution
The first OPSM opened in 1932 with a staff of five; a sixth employee (a 17-year-old trainee optical dispenser) started the following year. Even then, OPSM was investing and bringing advanced optical technology into Australia and New Zealand, both in the eye care and retail space. For example, OPSM was the first company to manufacture contact lenses in Australia in 1939. In the 1960s, OPSM designed the first customer in-store experience with the first walk-up displays, so cust
Framing the Offer Package Deals that Shine
Framing the Offer Package Deals that Shine
Making quality optical products requires several ingredients: we need the prescription, quality measurements, frames, and lenses.
The Complete Package Bundle Offers
The Complete Package Bundle Offers
Make the most of the Marchon Second Pair Offer (above left), a cost-saving programme designed to increase your margins and maintain your competitive edge, all while enjoying the conveniences and benefits of plugging into Marchon’s integrated supply chain.
Taking a Leap of Faith
Taking a Leap of Faith
VAANYARD was launched in Sydney just prior to the pandemic. The vision of an urban architect and a fashion marketer, the brand rapidly came to fruition and has already earned its place in the international market. mivision caught up with founder creatives Lee Kan and Paul Gilligan to talk about what they’ve learned along the way, how they’re travelling, and the markets they’re expanding into.
A Toto Eclipse by Mykita
A Toto Eclipse by Mykita
Toto, the third edition in the Mykita 032c collaboration, embodies the independent spirit of Berlin and attracts a global audience with its progressive approaches. The elongated oval shape with feminine tendencies has a unisex appeal. A straight front presents an elegant, versatile, and timeless style, while Mykita’s patented Endura hinge offers product longevity. The sunglass model is available in three tone-on-tone colourways, including misty green and euphos green, golden
HOYA Launches VisuPro for Early Presbyopes
HOYA Launches VisuPro for Early Presbyopes
Optometry
Optometry
www.ovc.optometry.org.au
Events
Events
Unlike traditional conferences, GenEye uses immersive learning to focus on the mind, body, and surgical skills required for exceptional care.