With a career spanning over 40 years in optometry, Jim Kokkinakis is one of the many voices advocating for the inclusion of oral therapeutics in Australian optometric scope of practice.
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.
In his busy metropolitan practice, Darrell Baker often sees patients with eye conditions that would benefit positively and immediately from oral prescriptions. However, he is left deeply frustrated when he is unable to provide this service, despite it falling comfortably within his scope of practice.
In an exciting announcement, starting from 1 June 2023, Cequa (ciclosporin 900 microgram/mL) has been listed on the PBS for adults living with chronic, severe dry eye disease with keratitis.
As an optometrist working in the regional town of Yeppoon, located 40 minutes from Rockhampton, Queensland, Fiona Moore understands first-hand the frustrations of being unable to prescribe oral medications to her patients.
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.
