1:30min
By Optometry Australia
Infection control remains a critical and ongoing requirement for safe optometry practise across Australia and particularly in Victorian hotspots where stage three restrictions have now been re introduced, Optometry Australia has reminded optometrists.
New infection control video
As Victoria this week records its largest increase in new COVID cases since 31 March, marking its 15th consecutive day of double-digit case growth, it is timely to remember that the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over.
Despite ‘COVID-19 fatigue’, infection control remains a critical and ongoing requirement for safe optometry practise across Australia and particularly in Victorian hotspots where stage three restrictions have now been re-introduced. Victorian members will continue to receive separate updates in conjunction with Optometry Victoria South Australia on this matter.
We encourage all members to review our online resources which includes updated advice on “Should I be wearing a mask?”. We also encourage you to read the detailed review of PPE use which is available on our website, which includes recently updated advice from the World Health Organization that “in areas with known or suspected community transmission (or intense outbreaks of COVID-19) health workers should continuously wear a medical mask throughout their entire shift”.
A new 25-minute infection control video update from Chief Clinical Officer Luke Arundel’s presentation at Optometry Virtually Connected last Friday 26 June, is now also available to watch.
Medicare and DVA indexation
A reminder that as of today, 1 July 2020, Medicare and DVA have indexed consultation fees by 1.5%. The full MBS listing of updated fees can be found online (but as Medicare no longer separates out the optometry items from the other 5,700 items we have also placed these and the DVA list on our website at the bottom of this webpage). Major optometric software providers have also been advised of this change.
Fair Work Commission
The Fair Work Commission has also announced a 1.75% increase to minimum wages. This will apply to all award wages. The Health Professionals and Support Services (HPSS) Award is classified under the first group for increase, commencing 1 July 2020. Members can access further information via our website. Fair Work has a pay calculator which may also assist.
Tailored, confidential advice is also available for all HR, workplace and employment issues from Industry Legal Group at oa@industrylegalgroup.com.au or on 1300 101 391.
As always, Optometry Australia’s optometry advisor helpdesk offers our members dedicated experienced optometrists ready to provide confidential support. Phone (03) 9668 8500 or email national@optometry.org.au.
Tagged as: Clinical practice guides, COVID-19, Medicare-MBS-PBS, Member services, Patient management