Our October issue is dedicated to paediatric eye care, with the focus on vision impairment. I would like to thank our guest editor, Dr Sandra Staffieri AO, for driving a content-rich edition that includes diverse topics – from first-hand patient experiences through to nutrition, gene therapies, and surgery. Dr Staffieri’s passion for paediatric eye health is infectious, and her ability to bring people together on a project that requires effort well beyond the usual challenges

Dr Maree Flaherty is a paediatric ophthalmologist who established the Children’s Eye Centre in Wentworthville, Sydney, over 30 years ago. With more than three decades of experience, she has a particular interest in strabismus.

Two-year data from the Phase IIIb/IV SALWEEN study of Vabysmo (faricimab, Roche), presented at the 19th Asia-Pacific Vitreo-retina Society (APVRS) Congress in Australia,1 showed significant improvements in vision and retinal health in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is calling on the federal government to act urgently on AI-generated deepfakes, warning the technology is being used to impersonate trusted health professionals and spread potentially harmful misinformation.

A feasibility trial in the United Kingdom has explored the advantages of very young infants at high risk of cerebral visual impairment wearing near vision glasses.

A United States study has found children with neurodevelopmental and behavioural disorders are less likely to undergo strabismus surgery, despite having higher levels of paediatric eye disease.1

New genetic analysis has revealed migraine is unlikely to be a direct causal risk factor for glaucoma – despite several observational studies indicating the opposite.

A new stem cell treatment for a previously untreatable rare genetic eye condition – aniridiarelated keratopathy (ARK) – has improved vision for patients in a first-in-human clinical trial at Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London (UCL).

Bausch + Lomb will advance two of its investigative ophthalmic therapies – an eye drop targeting both evaporative and inflammatory dry eye disease, and a potential therapy for ocular pain – based on recent clinical results.1

Twenty-four-month results from a United States clinical trial evaluating Essilor Stellest lenses have shown that spectacle lenses with highly aspherical lenslets (HAL) are “a safe and effective myopia control intervention” that provide “a reduction in myopia progression and axial elongation over 24 months”.1

Adelaide now has a dedicated bulk-billing clinic for anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) eye injections, the only service of its kind in the city, giving patients with macular disease access to sight-saving treatment with no out-of-pocket costs.

New research suggests fenofibrates, which act to lower lipids in the blood, may also slow progression of diabetic retinopathy.1

AST Vision Care’s Asqelio intraocular lens (IOL) range has been introduced to Australian ophthalmologists over a dinner at the Sergeants Mess in Mosman, overlooking Sydney Harbour.

United States researchers have found that indigo light, which is found in sunlight but not in standard indoor lighting, prevented myopia in tree shrews, a mammal that has a human-like visual system.1

A new study has revealed that nicotinamide supplementation reduced the risk of progression to glaucoma by two-thirds in patients with raised ocular pressures.

Hoyalux iD MySense are HOYA’s first progressive spectacle lenses shaped by your individual Visual Sensory Intelligence.* Designed to adapt to your unique visual needs and lifestyle for seamless vision, every moment of the day.

Blephadex for blepharitis and dry eye management is now available across Australia and New Zealand through Optopol ANZ.

Precision7, a new one-week replacement contact lens, via a roadshow of major cities across Australia and New Zealand.

Presbyopic correction relying solely on a conventional 40 cm working distance may miss the mark on real-world smartphone usage, researchers have found.

New Zealand-based Ocula Group is preparing to cross the Tasman, with founder and director Danielle Winstone confirming the business is actively looking to acquire independent optometry practices in Australia.

Empowered by Wavefront Linking technology for an ELONgated depth of field.

A new Australian digital health standards body has begun operations, aiming to assess the safety and quality of artificial intelligence (AI) technology that’s not captured by medical advice regulations.

Sydney not-for-profit Eyes of Hope is calling for volunteers and diagnostic equipment to help expand the free eye care it provides to people experiencing homelessness.

FRANCHISE PARTNERS WANTED

As Australia’s largest provider of eye health care, we’re helping more people access affordable, high-quality care through bulk-billed eye tests, OCT for every patient and clinically empowered teams.

As Guest Editor of mivision’s paediatric issue, I am once again honoured to assemble a collection of varied but interconnected topics in paediatric eye care.

Every expectant parent dreams of the future for their child. First steps. First words. First day at school. Artwork on the fridge. Driving lessons. Independence.

The Eyes Reveal What’s Missing from the Plate

Essential for all clinically focussed eye care professionals

Left untreated, paediatric strabismus can disrupt visual development, impacting visual acuity, socialisation, quality of life, and employment opportunities. In this article Dr Maree Flaherty turns our attention to primary strabismus in children.

For children and families, the consequences of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) extend beyond vision, affecting education, mobility, social development, mental health, and family wellbeing. As new diagnostic technologies, genetic testing pathways, and emerging treatments become increasingly accessible, care for children with IRDs is changing rapidly. It is now more important than ever that eye care professionals accurately identify children with these conditions at an early

In paediatric eye care, urgency is determined not only by disease severity, but by the narrowing window for visual development. From recognising red flags and referring promptly, to providing ongoing refractive and low-vision care, optometrists play a vital role within the collaborative care team. As Dr Abinaya Valliappan and Dr Shivanand Sheth write, the right care can help unlock a child’s independence, confidence, and developmental potential.

Supporting Families in Trials and Treatments

Visual fixation is fundamental to how children see, process, and respond to their surroundings, yet it is often overlooked in the assessment of cerebral visual impairment (CVI). In this article, Natalia Kelly examines the position, stability, and duration of fixation, as well as refixation behaviour, and explains how closer clinical evaluation of these features may improve diagnosis, guide targeted intervention, and support functional vision in children with CVI.

Accessible Eye Care for Neurodivergent Patients

Privacy breaches can cause anxiety and distress for healthcare practitioners and patients. As an eye care professional, it is important to be aware of privacy issues involving children and parents – particularly where parents are separated or divorced.

† Patients with active TED. 19.7-point change from baseline in GO-QOL Visual Function subscale vs. 7.0 with placebo; P=0.0003. 19.0-point change from baseline in GO-QOL overall score vs. 6.3 with placebo; P<0.0001.1

The challenges associated with delivering paediatric eye care within the expansive and diverse state of Queensland keep orthoptist Faren Willett engaged and looking toward the future.

Enables earlier detection, increases consistency in decision-making, and optimises screening workflows.

Dispensing to children holds great responsibility. As Virgilia Readett explains, fitting kids is not just dispensing aids for their vision, but providing them with interventions to support their visual, academic, and social development.

Polaroid Eyewear ensures a wide product offer of both sunglasses and optical frames covering different age ranges.

As he prepares to hand over the reins, Professor Peter McCluskey looks back on the work of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) during his term as President.

2026 Cataract & Refractive Surgeons Conference

Innovation and Surgical Excellence

What to See in Auckland

Alan Saks has embarked on a new stage of his eye care journey, gaining a fresh appreciation for what it means to sit on the other side of the slit lamp.

In response to experiences and concerns raised by its Queensland members, Optometry Australia is strengthening referral pathways and improving health professional communication.

For Optometry Australia (OA), this year’s Optometry Clinical Conference (OCC) represented more than just another annual gathering of the profession. It was the first held under the banner of a newly unified national organisation, bringing with it conversations about the profession’s direction, the technologies shaping practice, and the clinical challenges confronting optometrists.

For ZEAL Optics, eyewear has never been just about the frame. Instead, the brand was built on a philosophy that extends well beyond the product itself, as Mike Lewis, Senior Director of Global Marketing, explained when mivision caught up with him. “We focus on being more than just an eyewear company through a simple set of beliefs: Use less, give back, explore more,” he said.

Built on the tension between two sides of Britain, Arhlo reaches from the tartan, herringbone, and Harris Tweed tailoring codes of British tradition to the noise of Camden and the rebel spirit of 90s Britpop. The latest optical range is bold and high-impact, while an entirely new sunwear collection leads with 18 trend-led fashion tints. Bespoke hinges, patterned core wires and tartan-inspired tip etching run across 88 SKUs. Frames take their iconic names from London’s city ma

Shamir has launched the Shamir Lens Simulator, an interactive digital tool designed to help eye care professionals (ECPs) deliver a more engaging and educational experience for patients.

October 10–11, Optometry Virtually Connected, online. Info: optometry.org.au/institute-of-excellence/conferences