Aug 2024 203

I’m really excited to have worked with Dr Kate Gifford to present this issue of mivision, which focusses on myopia.

After a successful inaugural global event in 2023, September has once again been declared Myopia Action Month by Australian-based Myopia Profile.

Following a global search, Professor Peter van Wijngaarden has been appointed as the new Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. Board Chair Martin Adams welcomed the appointment, citing Prof van Wijngaarden's outstanding leadership and clinical research experience as key factors in the decision.

The burden of anti-VEGF treatment for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) could be significantly reduced by delivering a one-off, minimally invasive dose of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT).

In a significant update to Australia's health practitioner regulations, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and National Boards have been granted new powers to enhance public safety. Effective 1 July 2024, these changes mark the most substantial reforms to the National Law since its 2010 inception. Other changes in the same package of amendments to the National Law started in October 2022 and May 2023.

A major study has found that people diagnosed with glaucoma have an increased risk of developing dementia later in life, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

Approximately 50 families scattered across the world share ultra-rare variants in a particular gene. Silent for years, the inherited mutations cause changes in vision when patients reach the fourth decade of life.

The Albanese Government will invest AU$6.4 million to launch an Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (ISAC) for the Australian healthcare system. ISACs have proven effective in Australia and around the world, connecting businesses and organisations across industries to help share information about cyber threats, as well as successful responses and preventative measures.

Macular Disease Foundation Australia has launched Eye Connect, the first comprehensive community service that offers people living with Australia’s leading cause of blindness access to a range of evidence-based support outside the eye care clinic.

Health spending should be “treated as an investment, rather than a cost”, placing a greater focus on preventive health, mental health, and increasing support for general practice, according to Professor Steve Robson, President of the Australian Medical Association (AMA).

The annual Art of Ocular Imaging Conference (AOI) recently returned to Sydney, attracting a capacity audience. The conference offered high calibre presentations and interactive masterclasses designed to upskill, enhance, and complement clinical practical knowledge for eye care professionals interested in ocular imaging.

The global optics industry is set to converge at SILMO Paris 2024, where the latest innovations and future trends in eyewear and optical technology will be showcased. Scheduled for 20–23 September at Paris Nord Villepinte, this pivotal event will host over 900 exhibitors and 1,500 brands from 144 countries across a 75,000 m² venue.

Zable Health, a new healthcare navigation platform, has emerged as a promising solution for eye care professionals seeking to streamline patient referrals and enhance practice efficiency. Founded in 2020 by Matthew Gregory and physiotherapist Scott Gentle, Zable aims to simplify and expedite private healthcare access for Australians.

Vision Eye Institute (VEI) recently hosted its first major CPD meeting, since the COVID pandemic, for optometrists, optometry students, general practitioners, and Sydney Eye Hospital Fellows. The evening, held at Establishment in Sydney, also kicked off the celebration of the Institute’s 10-year anniversary performing small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery, with over 8,000 procedures now completed by VEI surgeons.

The eye-light device, distributed in Australia by Ophthalmopro, has been granted CE medical device classification approval for the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and an extended range of anterior segment conditions.

HOYA has celebrated its 50th anniversary in Australia and New Zealand with an event for partners, customers, and employees in Sydney.

Optipro will host a national roadshow this month for optometrists, optical dispensers, and industry professionals. The event will offer attendees opportunities to explore new products, engage in industry discussions, and network with peers.

Alcon has launched Total30, a complete suite of reusable contact lenses – with sphere, toric, and multifocal designs – and with all power parameters available for each lens from day one.

Alcon’s Unity Vitreoretinal Cataract System (VCS) and Unity Cataract System (CS) have received United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance. The innovative systems are the first to be introduced from Alcon’s new Unity portfolio, with more products anticipated in the coming years.

Dr Kurt Moody, a veteran in contact lens innovation and Director of Professional Education for Johnson and Johnson Vision (J&J) in North America, recently shared his insights on the company’s latest offering, Acuvue Oasys Max 1-Day and Acuvue Oasys Max 1-Day Multifocal contact lenses.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has welcomed the appointment of Professor Jenny May AM as Australia’s incoming National Rural Health Commissioner.

University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has recognised the “excellence and passion for learning” shown by orthoptics students and graduates at its annual Scholarship and Prize Evening.

I’m thrilled to to introduce you to the 2024 myopia special edition of mivision. A smorgasbord of topics, from efficacy to effective management awaits you, from authors at the cutting edge of research and clinical practice.

Advances in omics techniques, encompassing genome-wide association studies (GWAS), transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, have revolutionised our understanding of the pathogenesis of complex diseases. This article elucidates the utility of these approaches in dissecting the molecular underpinnings of myopia and its secondary sequalae. The authors argue that ‘omics’ techniques provide the ideal platform for not only understanding the physiological processes underlying myopia, but also a future basis for the development of personalised, precision interventions.

Optometrists are no stranger to managing myopia progression in people of all ages. In children, myopia progression and axial elongation occurs with normal childhood height growth. In older adults, changes in refractive error are usually due to cataract formations, such as nuclear sclerosis causing a myopic shift.

In this corner of the world, we are fortunate to have access to the full spectrum of myopia control treatments: the latest design spectacles, soft contact lenses, orthokeratology, and topical atropine. We have a broad scope of practice for primary eye care – optometry – coupled with widespread professional awareness and acceptance of myopia management. While having options can lead to best possible outcomes for patients, it can render the clinician unsure about which treatment is best.

Artificial intelligence (AI), smart contact lenses, new pharmacological agents in the form of eye drops and oral tablets… Advancements in personalised myopia control solutions are progressing rapidly, driven by the increasing prevalence of myopia and the need for effective, individualised treatments. To find out about some of the most exciting advancements on the horizon, mivision asked Dr Li Lian Foo, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Singapore National Eye Centre and Tacy Song, Head of Professional Affairs, Myopia, Asia Pacific at CooperVision.

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Far from being just a condition impacting children, myopia is a complex common condition that has many associated pathologies that can progress throughout a person’s life. In this article, Dr Craig Donaldson provides a comprehensive review.

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In the first of a quarterly column for mivision, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmology (RANZCO) President Dr Grant Raymond forecasts a period of change for the eye health profession.

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Back in 2016, Professor Brien Holden described myopia as a crucial global health issue and forecast that 50% of the world’s population will be myopic by 2050 and 10% will have high myopia.

Published research on the intervention of myopia progression has been increasing at a remarkable rate. However, how we interpret this research into clinical practice remains challenging. Recent publications on atropine 0.01% have reported varying results and conclusions, highlighting questions and interpretations in clinical practice. This article aims to analyse these studies to aid best management of myopia progression in children. A comparison of demographics and results is summarised in Table 1.

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In recent years, a multitude of journals have published articles on the use of repeated low-level red-light therapy (RLRL) to manage myopia. Dr Kate Gifford, founder of Myopia Profile and guest editor of this issue of mivision, recently interviewed three distinguished experts of ophthalmology and optometry – Professor Andrzej Grzybowski from Poland, Professor Kyoko Ohno-Matsui from Japan, and Dr Nellie Deen from Australia – to find out about their research and real-world use of RLRL for myopia management in children. Dr Yuri Aung from Eyerising International, manufacturer of the RLRL myopia device, summarises the conversations.

Myopia control is an important clinical goal in preventing pathologic risks associated with high myopia.

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Specsavers ANZ Head of Professional Services, Dr Joe Paul, provides an update on how Specsavers is advancing its focus on myopia management for children with proactive measures to detect myopia earlier, and leading solutions to protect the vision of the next generation.

Before myopia control became a hot topic in eye care, some practitioners were reporting orthokeratology (OK) to be effective in slowing progression of myopia in children. Subsequent research has led to a large volume of scientific research supporting this claim, and well-designed clinical trials revealing around 50% myopia control effect across different OK lens designs.

The increasing prevalence of myopia and its significant impact on vision and eye health has prompted global researchers to investigate strategies for its management, including specially designed myopia management spectacle lenses. CR Labs’ Dr Fiona Om provides this deep dive into MyoMe and MyoStock, two innovative products that not only address the broader issue of myopia but also cater to specific demographics within the population.

Using case studies, Jessica Chi ponders the best form of myopia control to prescribe when managing progressive myopes.

What began as a detour from medicine led Brian Peng to discover a passion for optometry and myopia management. Now combining clinical practice with research and education, he also has technological innovation in his sights.

The rising rate of myopia globally has prompted extensive research and development within the optical industry – rightly so with the higher risk of eye disease linked with permanent blindness or vision impairment for high myopes.

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It’s been a period of structural change for Optometry Victoria South Australia (OV/SA), but as Lyn Hsieh writes, the organisation is stronger for it.

Could email marketing be an effective tool for transforming your patients’ understanding of eye care issues like myopia? Many optometrists believe that email marketing is just for promotions and discounts, but here marketing consultant Paul Sallaway argues that it’s also an incredibly powerful tool when used for educational outreach.

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In the ever-evolving world of eyewear, catering to the unique vision needs of children as they grow has become a paramount concern. Enter STEPPER Kids, an innovative range of children’s eyewear that is redefining the industry with its unwavering commitment to fit, comfort, durability, style… and fun.

Australian eyewear distributor ProOptics is marking a significant milestone this year as it celebrates 15 years in business. Founded in 2009 by industry veterans Jacque Katsieris and Raymond Kessler, the company has grown from humble beginnings to become a respected – and much-loved – player in the optical industry.

August 17–18, tasmania’s lifestyle congress, tasmania. Info: taslifestylecongress.com.au

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