Nov 2024 issue 206

I hope you’re feeling strong.

New analysis shows geographic atrophy (GA), a form of late-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) costs almost AU$2 billion to the Australian economy every year.

A “unique” study, summarising the scope of optometry practice across the globe, has found that across the 39 countries surveyed, one optometrist serves an average of 23,200 people.

Scientists in the united states have found a protein that has potential to reverse cataracts, opening the possibility of surgery-free treatments for managing cataract.

Scientists from Trinity College Dublin have developed a highly promising gene therapy to treat glaucoma.

New analysis has predicted the global prevalence of myopia in children and teens will top 740 million cases by 2050.

Laughter could be used as a first line, home based treatment for people with symptomatic dry eye, according to a new study from china.

Wet age-related macular degeneration (namd) and diabetic macular oedema (dmo) can now be treated with fewer injections, without compromising clinical outcomes and patient safety.1-4

Ocular manifestations, albeit rare, are possibly associated with COVID-19 infection or vaccination, according to a poster presented at the 24th Euretina Congress in Barcelona.

The vision of people with a rare inherited condition that causes them to lose much of their sight in childhood was 100 to 10,000 times better after they received gene therapy in a clinical trial.

Anne-marie mcnally has been appointed to the role of chief executive officer (ceo) of the australasian college of behavioural optometrists (acbo). She replaces steve leslie who stepped back after five years as ceo to focus on his optometrist practice in perth and to spend more time pursuing his interest as a master of wine.

Although nicotinic stimulation significantly inhibits the development of experimental myopia, researchers at University of Canberra have concluded that nicotine will be precluded from clinical use due to well-researched side effects and addictive properties.

New data from NaturalVue PROTECT (PROgressive myopia Treatment evaluation for NaturalVue multifocal Contact lens Trial), a randomised clinical trial with 145-subjects, has identified a link between pupil size and myopia progression control.

Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) affect more than two million people worldwide, however because each individual disease is rare, it is difficult to identify enough people to study and to conduct clinical trials to develop treatment.

Optometry NSW/ACT will combine its successful Super Sunday event with ODMAFair25, with the two events being held under the same roof at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Sydney’s Darling Harbour next June.

Australian-owned optometry chain Zoom Optics has announced an intent to grow its franchise model, offering optometrists a “fresh pathway to business ownership”. Founded by John Nguyen, a University of New South Wales graduate, Zoom Optics has established a strong presence in Sydney with five locations that have a focus on myopia control and orthokeratology.

A new collaboration has been announced to develop a next generation intracameral implant that fully degrades once the drug is depleted.

The Australia and New Zealand Eye Foundation has awarded grants totalling AU$228,915, to the following six significant projects aimed at advancing eye health equity and access in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region:

Important insights into the mechanisms behind Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy (FED), a common cause of age-related visual loss, have been revealed in a study led by University College London (UCL).

Good patient communication is one of the most important attributes of a successful practice and a new website aims to help smooth that process with an extensive image library.

It is estimated that 40,000 people monthly flow through Australian emergency departments with eye issues. An estimated one in 12 people attending emergency come through with trauma sustained to their face.1,2 One in 111 people live with a facial disfigurement (FD).3

In a specialist laboratory right opposite sydney eye hospital, james morphett meticulously crafts prosthetic eyes and cosmetic shells, blending artistry with scientific precision. One of less than 20 ocularists in australia, over the past 40 years mr morphett has honed a unique skill set that combines technical expertise, artistic talent, and compassionate patient care.

Australia and New Zealand rank high in the world ranking of infant homicide. One major study ranked NZ second, behind the United States, then Austria, with Australia in fourth place.1

The continuous refinement of ophthalmic microscopes has played a pivotal role in enhancing surgical precision. Dr Rahul Chakrabarti looks at both the evolution of optical engineering and today’s cutting-edge three-dimensional (3D) visualisation systems.

As part of its Vision 2030 and beyond initiative, RANZCO has hosted a range of Collaborative Care Workshops. As RANZCO President, Grant Raymond, writes, the workshops bring together members of the eye care sector to build collaboration and improve communication, but also have tangible outcomes.

Celebrating its seventh year since inception by Professor Adrian Fung, there was no shortage of excellent speakers lined up for Ophthalmology Updates!, an annual meeting held in Sydney.

Shaping the future of patient care with advancements in retinal disease treatments has been the ongoing focus of the Global Retinal Network Program, with the key spotlight of this year’s conference on the introduction of aflibercept 8 mg for managing neovascular agerelated macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular oedema (DMO).

Optometrists from Sydney soaked up the latest on research and approaches to collaborative eye care management at a ‘Mad Hatter’s Tea Party’, hosted in the city’s Parliament House, by Sydney Retina Clinic.

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Cataract is the leading cause of visual impairment worldwide, accounting for 65.2 million cases of impairment and blindness globally. With ageing populations in all western countries, these numbers are projected to increase substantially. Hence, the management of the cataract patient remains a major public health concern. Cataract surgery is deemed to be safe and predictable, particularly when performed by an experienced surgeon. There are, however, challenges that can arise in the immediate post-operative period that relate to specific patient characteristics (general health issues). There are also specific ocular characteristics that can determine whether a patient has a smooth recovery in the first 30 days after routine surgery.

The advent of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) therapy has revolutionised the management of retinal diseases over the last decade, particularly for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular oedema (DMO). In this article, Dr Jia Hui Lee considers the impact of a new treatment option: aflibercept 8 mg from nAMD and DMO.

In this age of digital technology, today’s lifestyles often demand more from our vision. A persistent trend towards longer screen times – and the burden that this can put on eyes – is well documented. Over the past few years, the average time that adults spend using screens has increased by 32% to about 13.5 hours per day.

While there is still much to learn – and evidence to be gathered – about the impact of lifestyle and diet on dry eye disease, research by the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) is now shining the light on the guidance eye care professionals can provide to help patients struggling with this debilitating condition.

With the burden of dry eye disease increasing, intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment and quantum molecular resonance (QMR) electrotherapy are proving to be useful tools in the dry eye armamentarium.

Elon is a new presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens (IOL) that provides extended depth of focus (EDOF) performance by using cutting-edge Wavefront Linking technology. Manufactured by Medicontur Medical Engineering (Zsámbék, Hungary), this hydrophobic acrylic lens enhances distance and intermediate vision while minimising dysphotopsia and other light-related disturbances.

When dry eye disease progresses slowly, patients can start to normalise their symptoms, writes Melbourne optometrist Jessica Chi.

Catherine Huynh had a clear vision for her early career. As soon as she graduated, she wanted to help deliver eye care to communities in regional Australia. Doing so would also help in her professional and personal development.

It’s been almost a year since the integration between Optometry Victoria/South Australia and Optometry Australia (OA). As Cassandra Haines writes, the time has passed at warp speed, with important developments for SA.

In the face of a changing and challenging retail environment, ProVision has encouraged its members to think creatively and act strategically; to “find the gaps” in their business models and fill them; all in an effort to gain the competitive edge.

The Specsavers Clinical Conference is always a highly polished event; 2024 was no different. The annual event highlighted both the company’s achievements over the past year, and its ambitious plans for the future. mivision Editor, Melanie Kell, was in the audience.

Over a sunny long weekend in Surfers Paradise, more than 200 optometry professionals gathered to attend the 19th International Cornea and Contact Lens Congress (ICCLC).

With the average person spending over four years of their lifetime behind the wheel, optimal visual performance and safety on the road are paramount. For optometrists and optical dispensers, this makes providing patients with the best possible vision for driving a critical responsibility.

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Carrera, a name synonymous with pioneering design and quality in the eyewear industry, has been pushing boundaries since its inception in 1956. With its roots in sports and Italian style, the brand has carved out a distinct position in the market, offering a blend of innovative technology and style that appeals to adventurous individuals who like to stand out from the crowd.

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