mivision Journal September 2025

It’s often this time of year when we start to feel a little run down. Winter is over, but the weather is far from warm and settled. We’ve pushed into the ninth month, but we still have four to go until we get to take a break.

“Perhaps most notably, the research reveals that around one in three (31%) optometrists experiencing psychological distress have not yet accessed professional support”

Enrolment has been completed in a two-year Phase 3 trial evaluating an oral medication for geographic atrophy (GA).

When Professor Hugh Ringland Taylor AC first joined Fred Hollows in the field with the National Trachoma and Eye Health Programme in 1976, he expected to return to conventional ophthalmology practice. Instead, that early exposure to Indigenous eye health challenges launched a career that would fundamentally reshape Australia’s approach to preventable blindness.

A comprehensive systematic review published in Diabetes Metabolic Syndrome has revealed significant associations between disrupted melatonin production and diabetic retinopathy (DR), offering new insights into the role of circadian rhythms in this sight-threatening condition.

A case report from East Africa has highlighted the need for pre and post-operative psychological care for cataract surgery patients, particularly those who are legally blind. The report, published in American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports,1 presented the case of a 72-year-old legally blind man from Tanzania who had successful cataract surgery.

There has been “strong interest” in a Phase 2/3 trial evaluating laru-zova for the treatment of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP), according to Beacon Therapeutics.

Biopharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim has announced a strategic collaboration with Re-Vana Therapeutics to develop first-in-class extended-release therapies for vision-threatening eye diseases. The deal has a potential value exceeding US$1 billion.

Two Queensland academics are questioning whether surfers and scuba divers are an overlooked at-risk group for degenerative eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Medical trainees are encouraged to add to the evidence base to improve medical training in Australia, by completing the online Medical Training Survey (MTS).

Good Optical Services – the supplier of a broad range of industry-leading therapeutic products and optical supplies – has been acquired by Aaron McColl, founder of Aaron’s Eyewear.

A flipchart, developed by Minum Barreng, University of Melbourne’s Indigenous Eye Health Unit, aims to support the delivery of eye checks and help to address preventable vision loss and blindness in First Nations communities.

Dr James Muecke AM, Sight For All co-founder and 2020 Australian of the Year, is the guest speaker at Vision Eye Institute’s (VEI) national webinar, to take place on 15 October 2025. Dr Muecke will present Blinded – a confronting story about neglecting diabetes, the worrying rise of type 2 diabetes, and strategies to curb the toxic impact of sugar on the health of individuals and communities.

Topcon Healthcare has taken a leading role in seed funding for OKKO Health, a UK-based software medical device company pioneering innovative approaches to vision testing and monitoring.

Change. It’s the one constant in life, yet it often feels like a storm that arrives unannounced, leaving us scrambling for shelter.

Musculoskeletal disorders are pervasive in healthcare, and eye care professionals are no exception. While the focus of ophthalmic practice is on visual health, physical wellbeing remains foundational to sustained clinical performance and career longevity. This article explores key health metrics, identifies modifiable risk factors, and outlines evidence-based interventions to promote musculoskeletal resilience and overall wellbeing.

Today’s patients require more than visual correction – they need refractive planning that protects their long-term potential. In this article, Dr Alison Chiu outlines the current suite of surgical refractive options that move beyond the ‘quick fix’ to prioritise durability and adaptability.

APSPOS 2025

The recent Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) Skills Expo brought together medical professionals, business experts, and thought leaders, to explore how to thrive in an evolving healthcare landscape.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of permanent blindness worldwide, with prevalence projected to increase over time. Treatment of open angle glaucoma (OAG) focusses on reducing intraocular pressure (IOP), which has been established as the only proven modifiable risk factor in disease progression.1-6While topical medications were once the first-line treatment for glaucoma management, Dr Phoebe Moore proposes that the paradigm is shifting towards early implementation of interventio

Retinal vein occlusions (RVOs) are one of the most common presentations to eye care professionals.

As part of the BCLA CLEAR presbyopia project, a group was formed to review the literature relating to the management of presbyopia by scleral and crystalline lens softening, as well as pharmaceutical and nutritional therapies. This group was led by Professor Shehzad Naroo, from Aston University.1 This article, the fifth of a series encapsulating significant conclusions from the BCLA CLEAR Presbyopia publications, was written by Professors Craig Woods and Shehzad Naroo.

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disorder of the ocular surface, characterised by a loss of tear film homeostasis and accompanied by ocular symptoms such as discomfort, visual disturbance, and poor tear film stability.1 Based on the predominant underlying disease mechanisms, DED is traditionally classified into two main subtypes – aqueous-deficient dry eye (ADDE) and evaporative dry eye (EDE).1 But regardless of aetiology, both forms perpetuate a vicious cycle of tea

Strabismus and Childhood Malignancy

How Can I Manage Itchy Eyes

Kalifilcon A silicone hydrogel contact lenses harness ComfortFeel technology, a proprietary formulation of ocular health ingredients designed to work in synergy with the lens material and provide a unique approach to ocular health and all-day comfort.

Advancement in technology plays a significant role in the evolution of clinical decision making. The quality of patient management can improve with the simple addition of a new piece of medical equipment. Dr Graham Furness describes the “notable influence” that two devices – the MS-39 AS-OCT and the Osiris-T aberrometer – have made to his cataract and refractive clinic.

While traditional thought suggests amblyopia treatment is effective only to the age of eight, Jessica Chi presents a case that shows worthwhile results can be achieved for motivated older children.

When he left school, Nathan Tsalkos had a plan to study medicine. Instead, optometry came his way and, within 18 months of graduation, came practice ownership.

From attending conferences to visiting practices, opportunities to network with members are valuable in shaping the work of Optometry Australia.

As Eyecare Plus celebrates its 25th anniversary, board members reflect on the organisation’s impact on independent optometry and their own practices across Australia.

Why do some clinics seem to have a steady stream of bookings while others struggle to fill Tuesday afternoons? It’s rarely luck, and it’s definitely not random. As Paul Sallaway writes, it usually comes down to whether a business has a proper marketing funnel strategy or just a few scattered tactics hoping for the best.

Optometry practices are facing tougher competition these days, and patients expect more than cookie-cutter marketing messages. That's where artificial intelligence (AI) comes in to play. Instead of sending the same generic emails to everyone, practices can now use AI to figure out what individual patients actually care about and tailor their communications accordingly.

We live in a time where almost everyone is eco-conscious and looking for ways to reduce waste and our carbon footprint. Consumers are focussed on sustainability, and recycling is being incorporated into manufacturing production and waste removal. As Rayleen Tamblyn writes, the optical industry is no exception.

Marchon Eyewear has a proud history of commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility initiatives. Eyes on Tomorrow, the long-term, global programme guides the company in responsibly ensuring our eyewear and our processes will have a lowered impact on the planet.

CR Labs’ EcoLens range, featuring Eco6 and Eco7, is designed for sustainability without compromising performance.

GLASKAR lens spray uses a unique sparkling effect to clean spectacle lenses. Under the high pressure of the special atomiser, the solution develops millions of ultra-fine, almost invisible droplets. This acts to dislodge dirt on the glasses on contact, letting you simply wipe it off with a cloth.

GUESS – renowned for its fashion-forward apparel, handbags and shoes – is approaching its 45th anniversary. What better way to celebrate this milestone than a new eyewear brand, targeting a fresh market under the GUESS JEANS label?

Made in Germany, Flair’s latest collection focusses on surfaces, exclusive designs, faceted demo lenses, titanium, and quality.

26–29 September 2025