The collection, now available online, will be showcased at O-SHOW24. Image: Optique Line. Optique Line has launched the Aikō Eyewear debut collection which it said “marks a significant entry into the fashion eyewear market”. The collection – now available online – will be debuted at O-SHOW24 from 17-18 May at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney. “As a brand that promises to transform how we perceive and experience eyewear, Aikō is set to become a staple for those who appreciate finesse and personal expression,” Optique Line said in a statement. The collection was photographed by renowned Melbour ..read more

MDFA says a key finding is that it's important to consider overall eating patterns rather than focussing on single nutrients and foods. Image: Evgeny Atamanenko/Shutterstock.com. People often turn to supplements or superfoods to ward off macular disease or prevent its progression, but new Australian nutritional guidelines suggest the concept of ‘food synergy’ might be more effective. So what is the ideal macular disease diet? Eye healthcare professionals often advise their patients on diet. In fact, a survey of Australian optometrists found two-thirds of practitioners regularly discuss the imp ..read more

O-SHOW24 allows independents to network, forge partnerships, and stay abreast of industry developments. Image: ODMA. As O-SHOW24 approaches, Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association (ODMA) is urging the optical industry to register for the trade fair running from 17-18 May in Sydney. With more than 700 attendees registered for the free event, ODMA said the trade fair is a “good time investment because of how much you can pack into one visit”. ODMA has extended O-SHOW24’s hours until 7pm on both days so it is accessible to practice staff who cannot attend during business hours. A ..read more

Cutting red tape could make Australia more attractive for overseas trained practitioners. Image: Inside Creative House/Shutterstock.com. The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) is “strongly opposed to the emerging indications” that the Federal Government may remove the power of RANZCO and other medical colleges when vetting and approving overseas-trained specialists to practise in Australia.  The call comes as the government considered 28 recommendations from the ‘Independent review of Australia’s regulatory settings relating to overseas health practitioners’ – conducted by Ms Ro ..read more

Image: Jacqueline Weber/stock.adobe.com A landmark clinical trial has demonstrated that a CRISPR-based therapy is safe and effective in the treatment of inherited retinal disorders (IRD). The BRILLIANCE phase 1/2 trial by US-based clinical stage genome editing company, Editas Medicine, demonstrated 11 out of 14 treated participants experienced some improvements in vision and quality-of-life measures. The trial was led by principal investigator Dr Eric Pierce, director of the Ocular Genomics Institute and Berman-Gund Laboratory for the Study of Retinal Degenerations at Mass Eye and Ear and Harv ..read more

EIDON combines the best features of scanning laser ophthalmoscopy systems with standard fundus imaging to redefine retinal imaging standards. Image: Designs for Vision. For optometrist Martin Robinson, iCare’s EIDON fundus camera has supercharged his practice and is an example of superior ergonomics, top-tier imaging quality, and the advantages of ultra-widefield imaging. At Martin’s Eyecare in Tasmania, Mr Martin Robinson’s investment in iCare’s EIDON fundus camera has elevated his practice to new heights. The imaging modality has played a crucial role in life-saving diagnoses and has seamles ..read more

In Australia, 1.5 million people over the age of 50 have some evidence of age-related macular degeneration. Image: Marti Bug Catcher/shutterstock.com The Australian eyecare sector is challenging the idea that vision loss with age is inevitable. This, combined with cutting-edge research from world-renowned experts, promising therapies, and ongoing efforts to enhance patient outcomes, position the country as a global leader in the fight against macular disease. The notion that vision loss is an inevitable product of ageing is outdated, according to Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) CEO ..read more

In 2022-2023, 13,323 SLT treatments took place in the UK's Hospital Eye Service, indicating the need for appropriately trained practitioners to deliver the procedure, without impacting the delivery of routine glaucoma monitoring. Image: rh2010/stock.adobe.com Specially-trained optometrists can deliver selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) safely for glaucoma, a paper published in Eye by Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL’s Institute of Ophthalmology has revealed, taking on a significant clinical load and working autonomously to ease the burden on the eye health system. During the past decade, gla ..read more

Applications will be accepted from 1 May 2024, until 5 pm (AEST) on Friday 14 June 2024. Image: Looker_Studio/stock.adobe.com Applications for the annual Glaucoma Australia ‘Quinlivan’ Research Grants have opened, with successful recipient(s) to be unveiled on World Sight Day on 10 October 2024. Glaucoma Australia CEO Mr Adam Check said the organisation was grateful to the late benefactor Mr Marcus Quinlivan and his family for their “generosity and dedication to glaucoma research”. Last years’ recipients were Western Australian ophthalmologist Professor David Mackey and co-investigator and Pos ..read more

Image: EssilorLuxottica OPSM have a fantastic opportunity available for a full-time or part-time optometrist to join our vibrant team in our Townsville The Willows practice. This role would suit a practitioner with a special interest in ocular pathology or contact lenses and the practice is extremely well equipped with Optos Daytona, Auto refractor/K, pachymetry, Biometry, I-care tonometer, Cataract Retro-Illumination, Topography and VF. Pre-testing is performed by the retail team and you then still have 30 minutes with each of your patients so that you can give them the care they deserve. Tow ..read more