THE OPHTHALMIC JOURNAL

Collaboration, whether it be within the profession or beyond, is the key to the future of eye care.

Within optometry, the peak body – Optometry Australia – sees a future that includes “optometrists’ participation in collaborative multidisciplinary health services” and “an expanded scope of practice working in partnership with other specialists”.1

As optometrists move to expand their scope of practice, it stands to reason that they will become upskilled in select areas of interest, not so in others. With this in mind, optometrist Thomas Ford has proposed an “evidence-based framework – one underpinned by ethical principles and professional virtues – that will encourage optometrists to become more confident and comfortable about referring within the profession”. You’ll find more information about his vision of intraprofessional collaboration, and why it will work, in the lead story.

Congratulations to three ‘local’ ophthalmologists: Professors Jonathan Crowston and Keith Martin from Australia, and Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer from New Zealand, who were listed in the world’s top 10 glaucoma specialists in The Ophthalmologist Power List for 2025.2

As in optometry, these leading ophthalmologists believe that collaboration is the key to the future.
Because, as Prof Martin said, “The future of glaucoma treatment will not come from a single discovery but from the intersection of multiple fields – ophthalmology, neuroscience, genetics, and bioengineering. Some of the most exciting progress is happening at these boundaries, and those willing to work across disciplines will help redefine what is possible”.

Alongside some fascinating feature stories – one honouring the legacy of Don Ezekiel AM and another providing an insight into the experiences of people living with autoimmune eye conditions – in this issue we have a diversity of clinical articles covering presbyopia correction, management of keratoconous, and a potential treatment for infectious keratitis.

We also reveal some of the frames, lenses and services that will be showcased at ODMAFair25, and we take a look at Komono eyewear, which is now available in Australia.

Enjoy this issue.