In late September, as the dust settled on the 2024 Olympic Games, I was fortunate to travel to Paris to visit SILMO – the annual tradeshow for eyewear and eye care. I’ve been to the show a few times now and it has been interesting to observe the growing focus on integrating technology into multifunctional eyewear.

New South Wales is one step closer to closing the gap in regional and remote eye care delivery, having opened the Gadigal Eye Clinic on the grounds of the Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation and Sydney Eye Hospital.

Submissions for the highly anticipated ODMA Awards 2025 will open next February.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has shown similar levels of accuracy to ophthalmologists in diagnosing infectious keratitis (IK), a metaanalysis study has found.

A new genetic testing protocol developed in Brisbane could help identify patients at risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) decades before symptoms appear, potentially allowing for earlier intervention and lifestyle modifications.

3D printed adjustable eyewear – primarily invented for children with ear and facial abnormalities that make it impossible to wear standard glasses – could be used to reach children with eye abnormalities living in remote areas.

The University of Western Australia (UWA) has expanded its hub and spoke eye care model with the establishment of a new comprehensive eye health centre in Bunbury, in collaboration with the South West Aboriginal Medical Service (SWAMS), the Fred Hollows Foundation (FHF), and the University Department of Rural Health South West (UDRH SW) at Edith Cowan University.

Adding pistachios to a daily diet for 12 weeks significantly increased macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and may be an effective dietary intervention to preserve eye health.

The British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) has set out to produce global consensus evidence-based reports on all aspects relating to presbyopia.

Australian researchers have used a gene therapy technique to suppress the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in human retinal cells.

A patient has regained perfect vision following an artificial iris transplant completed at Canberra Microsurgery – part of the PresMed Australia Group – using new Customflex artificial iris technology.

Professor David Mackey AO is one of eight esteemed researchers appointed to a new Western Australian committee to provide strategic advice to the state government.

A new study shows geographic atrophy (GA) patients treated monthly with an investigational drug cut their risk of vision loss by 72%. As well, significant areas of the retina that are critical for good vision were protected.

Astellas Pharma Inc. has announced it is withdrawing its marketing authorisation application for avacincaptad pegol (ACP) intravitreal solution from the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

The Australasian College of Behavioural Optometrists (ACBO) has joined with ODMAFair25 and will host its annual conference in conjunction with the optical trade fair.

The federal government has announced that from 1 July 2025, health fund benefits will no longer be available for sight-saving eye intravitreal injections performed in private hospitals and day surgeries.

New clinical data from Polyactiva’s Phase 2 clinical trial (LATA-CS102) demonstrates that its novel glaucoma treatment technology, PA5108, met its efficacy and safety endpoints.

George and Matilda Eyecare has concluded a bumper year of growth by expanding into Western Australia with the acquisition of Eye5 Optometrists – three established practices located in Nedlands, Greenwood, and Kalgoorlie. Founded in 2016, the group now looks after more than 120 communities.

Cura Day Hospitals has announced it will acquire PresMed Holdings, creating a network of 36 facilities across Australia.

A United States study has revealed new insights into how the eye handles inflammation, particularly in autoimmune uveitis.

Alcon’s Unity Vitreoretinal Cataract System (VCS) and Unity Cataract System (CS) have been included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) and notified to the Web Assisted Notification of Devices (WAND) database in New Zealand.

As we inch closer to the end of the year, it’s apparent that many of us are running on fumes. Whether it’s a coffee chat, a quick office catch-up, or a casual conversation with friends, there’s a common thread in our discussions: exhaustion.

Faced with an ageing population and increasing eye disease, Australia’s eye health resources are being stretched to capacity. Fortunately, we have technology on our side, as well as ambition to innovate and a willingness to collaborate in the provision of world-leading care.

Technology is shattering the boundaries between our physical and digital worlds. Life, as we know it, will never be the same thanks to the increasing integration of devices employing augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and extended reality into our day-to-day lives.

Www.anatomyoftheeye.com

Ocular surface squamous neoplasia – the most common ocular surface malignancy – is potentially sight threatening. However, prompt diagnosis and appropriate management can achieve favourable outcomes.

Pterygium is one of the most common ocular surface lesions in Australia, with a prevalence of 7.3% in a population-based study in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia.A pathology-based incidence study of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) in Queensland demonstrated a rate of 1.9 new cases per 100,000 residents.

This article marks the beginning of a series, edited by Dr Debarun Dutta and Neil Retallic, encapsulating the significant conclusions from the BCLA CLEAR Presbyopia publications. These reports are the result of a comprehensive review by global authors, examining all aspects of presbyopia and this first article focusses on the epidemiology and impact of presbyopia.

Having practised in some of the oldest and leading contact lens practices in south africa and new zealand, alan saks is passionate about the topic of contact lens practice building.

Australia's rural and remote populations have chronic issues with eye healthcare access due to a maldistribution of the clinical workforce.

Flarex (fluorometholone acetate 0.1%) suspension eye drops were withdrawn from the Australian pharmaceutical market on 30 June 2024, with the remaining supply continuing to be available until exhausted. Manufacturer Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Ltd cited changes to commercial viability as justification for the discontinuation.This change has implications for clinical practice and the effective management of ophthalmic disease. Thomas Ford considers the alternative topical corticosteroid preparations available to Australian optometrists.

A contact lens-based drug delivery system being developed by Dr Jingjing You and her team at University of Sydney, has captured the imagination of patients and health providers alike. Armed with a PERIscope Commercialisation Award, Dr You has gained early validation of her technology and is now pursuing its potential.

From optometry graduate to franchise owner, Daniel Tu is embracing challenges and building success.

A robust optometry workforce is arguably not just a community benefit, but a population health need. As Skye Cappuccio writes, it’s vital that we ensure an optometry workforce that can thrive in the short term and evolve into the future.

With the global prevalence of myopia now predicted to be as high as 72% by 2050, the recent International Myopia Conference on Hainan Island in China attracted record numbers of delegates eager to discover evidence-based solutions.

Themed ‘Independent –Together’, the 2024 Eyecare Plus Conference in Manly was designed to energise and embolden, while honing skills in practice presentation, customer care, conflict resolution, and financial management.

In today’s healthcare environment, particularly within the fields of ophthalmology and optometry, recruiting and retaining high performing talent is more crucial than ever. Human resources specialist Kasia Groves believes practices that can successfully attract and retain talent with skills and knowledge in specific areas of clinical care not only improve patient outcomes but also secure their long-term business growth.

What’s the fastest way to reach potential patients who are actively searching for optical services? The answer is Google Ads. It’s a highly efficient method for optometrists to connect with people who need eye care, whether they’re searching for glasses, contact lenses, or general eye health advice. Paul Sallaway explains why, and how independent practices can make the most of the opportunity.

As consumers living in a high-pressure retail focussed world, we often feel like we are being upsold. It’s as if, with every purchase we make, we’re being asked “would you like fries with that?”. And it’s unpleasant. When selling optical lenses, we can ensure our patients don’t feel this way by carefully explaining the features of the lenses and lens coatings we recommend, and relating those features back to their individual lifestyle needs.

Hi-Vision Meiryo Diamond is HOYA’s most advanced premium coating. This cutting-edge technology elevates traditional anti-reflective coating for outstanding clarity and durability.

From her early days cleaning rimless glasses for her father, a 30-year veteran of Silhouette, to becoming one of Sydney’s most sought-after optical stylists, Emanuela De Dona Zeccone’s journey in eyewear is anything but conventional. Today, as the owner of Face Furniture in Redfern, she helps people to reveal their true selves by bringing her Italian flair and scientific precision to the art of frame styling. mivision sat down with Ms De Dona Zeccone to uncover her secrets.

Aikō Eyewear by Optique Line blends global aesthetics with cutting-edge craftsmanship. Launching its second collection in January 2025, this sophisticated brand is making waves within independent optometry with its unique approach to design and marketing.

Returning to Paris for SILMO 2024 was an absolute treat for mivision Editor, Melanie Kell, who hadn’t visited the trade show since 2019. The atmosphere was vibrant, the displays were colourful, the crowds chaotic, and there was plenty of business being done.

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