Optometry Australia has cautioned about a small study which suggests wearing glasses every day may reduce the risk of coronavirus infection, saying more studies are needed to provide evidence.
Optometry Australia is introducing two additional new member services – coaching and mentoring – designed to support members’ career development and mental wellbeing.
A video of a simulated patient having an eye examination shows that respiratory droplets can spread up to five metres after a patient coughs including onto the slitlamp, breath shield and the practitioner including their hair, hands, shoes and clothes.
As COVID-19 restrictions ease in parts of Australia, it’s back to business for many optometrists who will be looking forward to resuming full-time hours and returning to some sort of normality. But what is the new normal?
The Federal Government has revised the second phase of the JobKeeper program and adjusted employee eligibility from 28 September through to March 2021 inclusive.
Whilst we appreciate that there is general fatigue about COVID-19, the ongoing and varying restrictions around the country are a stark reminder that this pandemic is not over and its impact on our sector continues.
Optometry Australia is developing guidelines on telehealth and optometry; meanwhile many tele-optometry success stories are occurring during COVID-19.
Prior to this announcement Optometry Australia had advocated to the Federal Government regarding the need to ensure the optometry sector could access JobKeeper support beyond September 2020.
Optometry Australia has updated information on mask use and advised optometrists to consider improved ventilation while practising to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission.
To support potential future advocacy for Medicare coverage of tele-optometry for patients who can’t access face-to-face care, Optometry Australia is working to gather data on patient satisfaction with tele-optometry.
