We’ve had a lot of fun putting together the latest issue of mivision; talking to some ophthalmologists and optometrists who, even in the face of a challenging economic environment, are making significant investments in their practice.

Promising new treatments for microbial keratitis (MK) are on the horizon with New Zealand research showing low-intensity ultraviolet-C light (UVC) may manage the potentially sightthreatening infection safely and effectively.

United States researchers are teaming up with the Polaris spaceflight program to better understand why astronauts experience vision changes – and even significant vision loss – when they return to Earth.

The world’s first spiral intraocular lenses (IOLs) designed with artificial intelligence (AI) – the RayOne Galaxy and Galaxy Toric – have been launched to the market at this year’s European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) Congress in Barcelona.

Clinical ocular data management company Pliny has announced a partnership with Optometrist Warehouse, part of the Chemist Warehouse group.

New Australian research has identified clinical registries like The Save Sight Registries to be a treasure trove of high-volume training data that could power artificial intelligence (AI) diagnostic models of the future.

Artificial intelligence (AI) scribes can help reduce the administrative task burden but can’t replace the work of a doctor and must be used with caution, according to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

Rare Paediatric Disease designation (RPD) has been granted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for OPGx-LCA5, an ocular gene therapy developed by Opus Genetics to treat patients with the inherited retinal disease Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA).

New Australian research has put a human perspective on living with keratoconus, with patients reporting that the condition has impacted their careers, their finances, ability to drive… and even their dating lives.

New South Wales government’s former Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Research, the Hon. Jillian Skinner AM, has joined Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) as an ambassador.

Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) has confirmed a positive response from the people participating in its new Eye Connect community service.

iCare Finland, a subsidiary of Revenio Group, has completed the acquisition of the artificial intelligence (AI) software company Thirona Retina B.V.

Martin Fletcher will step down as CEO of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) when his term ends in December 2024.

Myopia Profile has launched a new suite of ‘Made Simple’ Foundation Courses to empower eye care professionals (ECPs) with practical insights and stepby-step guidance in myopia management. These onehour courses will help ECPs quickly integrate evidencebased practices into their clinical routines. They cover critical aspects of myopia management including clinical communication, long-term management strategies, and practical application through case studies and diverse knowledge checks.

Shelley Kline, a patient of renowned ophthalmologist Professor Frank Billson AO for nearly four decades, has established a research scholarship in his honour at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) in Melbourne. The Professor Frank Billson Research Scholarship aims to advance paediatric eye care and preserve Professor Billson’s legacy in ophthalmology.

Ophthalmologist Associate Professor Julian Rait has stepped into the role of the Australian Medical Association’s (AMA) Vice President, effective 1 October 2024.

Transitions Optical has released its latest innovation: Transitions Gen S. The first major launch for the company in three years, this new product line represents a significant leap forward, moving beyond traditional light-adaptive lenses to offer what the company describes as a “dynamic light management system” that enhances overall visual performance.

The options for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) continue to grow with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approving Enzeevu (aflibercept-abzv, Sandoz) 2mg vial kit and pre-filled syringe for intravitreal injection.

Cleaning shared medical equipment at least once a day – even with a disinfectant wipe – can significantly reduce infections in hospitals and possibly save lives, new research shows.

Emeritus Professor Glen ‘Bubba’ Steele, of the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, will deliver a 12hour masterclass for members of the Australasian College of Behavioural Optometrists (ACBO) next month.

Monash University has introduced initiatives aimed at boosting access to tertiary education to under-represented students from regional and rural Australia and low socio-economic backgrounds.

The Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association of Australia (ODMA) has confirmed the return of ODMAFair to Sydney.

George and matilda eyecare has expanded its presence on the mid north coast of new south wales with the addition of michelle ferguson and her practice in south west rocks.

Cricket. It’s inextricably linked to the antipodean summer… the sound of bat on ball, the sporadic cries of ‘howzat’, and the soothing drone of the commentary on the radio.

Marjan and Yani have eyewear in their blood. Their parents – Lence, an optical dispenser, and Vasil, an optical mechanic, both originally from Macedonia – have always worked in optics. They were the owners of a tiny practice in Macedonia when they started their family in the 1980s.

David Cameron is an expert in designing and building optical spaces. Here he provides his key tips to help you elevate your practice.

After listing all the reasons not to open their own practice, ophthalmologists Dr Erica Darian-Smith and Dr Mitchell Lee took the plunge anyway. Here, Dr Darian-Smith provides a personal perspective on what can be a long and tortuous journey.

When confronted with aniscoria, anomalous discs, and arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AAION) in clinical practice, the immediate concern is that it’s an ophthalmic emergency. This isn’t always necessarily the case, but as Dr Rushmia Karim writes, it’s important to be methodical in your investigations. Here, she provides a practical guide for clinical practice.

The Australasian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (AUSCRS) once again raised the bar with its annual conference. Alan Saks was among the delegates soaking up the winter sun on fabulous Hamilton Island.

The alcon tropsat dinner symposium, an auscrs fixture, featured the launch of the innovative wavelight plus, over a fabulous dinner at the hamilton island yacht club.

The 55th Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) Annual Scientific Congress will be hosted in Adelaide from 1–4 November.

The myriad rules surrounding private health insurance rebates available to optometry patients can provide a headache for eye health practices. Simon Hanna has advice on how to simplify the compliance process.

In her roles as Training Manager and then Professional Services Manager at Rodenstock, Nicola Peaper was often asked about corridor lengths in progressive addition lenses (PALs) and the impact they have on intermediate and reading areas, along with the problems that patients encounter.

October is Mental Health Month in Australia with 10 October recognised as World Mental Health Day globally. In this article, Neil Retallic sparks a discussion around the relationship between dry eye disease and depression, highlighting various initiatives to raise awareness of mental health conditions.

As the only practitioner in Australia to hold the dual specialties of neurologist and ophthalmic surgeon, Dr Dennis Lowe has a unique perspective on diagnosing challenging neurology and ophthalmology cases. Dr Margaret Lam recently asked Dr Lowe to share his top tips for eye care professionals.

Australia is home to a vibrant multicultural population. Boasting one of the largest immigrant populations in the world,the nation’s cultural tapestry is enriched by the presence and contribution of migrants who have settled in towns and cities across the country.

It is that all too familiar scenario; it’s Friday afternoon and a patient presents with suddenonset flashes and floaters. After confirming the patient’s history and symptoms to identify potential risk factors, a careful and detailed dilated fundus examination is required to elicit potential underlying causes of the presenting symptoms.

Refractive surgery has entered an exciting era and there has never been a better time to be involved in this industry. Technology is par excellence, as are patients’ refractive outcomes and expectations. As Drs Erica Darian-Smith and Mitchell Lee write, refractive surgeons have an extensive armamentarium of diagnostic equipment to help them make informed decisions regarding treatment suitability, surgical plans, and ultimately to predict outcomes, including epithelial coherence tomography (OCT) mapping.

I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in optometry in my last couple of years at high school. I knew that I wanted a job in healthcare as I was passionate about helping people and enjoyed sciences at school.

As the economy slows, Optometry NSW/ACT is urging it’s members to consider their skill set, and how it can be used outside the consulting room to ensure job security.

Management guru Peter Drucker once famously said, “What gets measured, gets managed”. And it’s fair to say that whatever gets managed tends to get better over time.

Quality single vision (SV) lenses are crucial for providing customers with clear and comfortable vision. They minimise distortions and offer better optical performance, which is essential for daily activities. High-quality SV lenses can also be customised with various coatings to reduce reflections, resist scratches, and provide UV protection, enhancing your customer’s overall visual experience. Carly Clarke reviews the options.

In the competitive world of eyewear retail, ensuring your practice is stocked with bestsellers is a necessity. These products are the frames and sunglasses that patients actively seek out, driven by current trends, celebrity endorsements, or social media influencers. Even in tough financial times, sunglasses and eyewear remain accessible luxury items, making them small yet impactful investments in your patients’ personal style... and critical to practice profit.

In 1996, ic! berlin disrupted the eyewear industry with an innovative approach to design; weightless metal frames with a patented screwless hinge that created a bold and unconventional look.

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