As part of the integration underway between OV/SA, OTas and OA, three new ‘state lead’ positions have been announced, making an important step towards maximising benefits to members and reinforcing local connections.
This year, the theme for Dementia Action Week is “Act Now for a Dementia-Friendly Future”. Taking on this call to action to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals living with dementia is Dr. Marianne Coleman, a Clinical Vision Research Fellow based in Melbourne.
Congratulations to Alexis Ceecee Britten-Jones, who was awarded the OV/SA Rising Star, and Jacqueline Warren, who was named OV/SA Optometrist of the Year.
The atmosphere at the O=MEGA23 Trade Show was electric as delegates from the optometry and eye care community gathered in Melbourne for three days of learning, networking, exploring the latest innovations and fun connecting with peers from near and far.
After three days of engaging sessions and valuable networking the highly successful O=MEGA23/WCO4 came to close in Melbourne. Attendees left the event feeling inspired and appreciative for the wealth of knowledge and connections they strengthened.
A recent survey on ocular genetics completed by the University of Melbourne found optometrists have a high interest in genetic testing and gene therapy, but knowledge gaps around referral pathways still need to be bridged.
Shedding light on the application of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) technology not only to eye disease but extending this to brain disease, University of Melbourne’s A/Prof Christine Nguyen and the Australian College of Optometry’s Dr. Adrian Bruce will explore how thinning of retinal ganglion cell layers observed through OCT imaging can be an indicator of multiple different diseases.
Research Fellow from the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences at The University of Melbourne, Dr. Bao Nguyen, will deliver a much-anticipated keynote presentation at next week’s O=MEGA23/WCO4 conference, focussing on the overlap between migraine and optometry when it comes to diagnosis, management and collaborative care strategies.
While optometrists play a pivotal role in managing a range of eye conditions, their prescribing authority is limited to topical treatments like eye drops and ointments, which are oftentimes inadequate. This is a predicament that David Foresto, optometrist and practice owner in Brisbane, is all too familiar with.
UsherKids Australia, a parent-led support organisation, is calling for increased education about the condition, following a collaborative study that found gaps in knowledge among healthcare professionals.
In the spirit of reconciliation Optometry Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
