On the horizon: FDA cleared advanced surgical devices coming to Australia this year

On the horizon: FDA cleared advanced surgical devices coming to Australia this year

Date: 25/02/2026 (AEST)

Venue: lvfeyecentre.org.au, QLD, 4101

Provider: LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre

Contact: Michelle Carley-Lep, [E] admin@lvfeyecentre.org.au, [P] 07 3398 9494

Activity Outline

Advanced ophthalmic surgical devices are evolving rapidly, with several high-impact technologies receiving FDA clearance and progressing toward Australian clinical introduction. This session provides optometrists with a concise, clinically grounded overview of advanced surgical devices expected to enter or expand within the Australian ophthalmic landscape this year.

The presentation will focus on FDA-cleared innovations across cataract, glaucoma, retinal disease, and corneal care, examining how these technologies differ from current standards, the clinical problems they aim to solve, and the patient cohorts most likely to benefit. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the practical implications for optometric care, including earlier identification of suitable candidates, appropriate referral timing, and post-intervention co-management considerations.

Rather than a product demonstration, this session critically appraises the underlying clinical rationale, evidence base, and workflow impact of emerging surgical technologies. It will also address common misconceptions, regulatory realities, and the gap that often exists between FDA clearance, Australian regulatory approval, and real-world availability.

Designed for practising optometrists involved in shared care, this session supports informed clinical conversations with patients and ophthalmology colleagues, helping participants remain current with the direction of surgical innovation while maintaining evidence-based, patient-centred decision-making.

Learning Objectives

• Describe key categories of FDA-cleared advanced ophthalmic surgical devices expected to reach the Australian market.
• Identify clinical scenarios and patient profiles where emerging surgical technologies may alter referral timing or management pathways.
• Differentiate between regulatory clearance, local availability, and clinical adoption when discussing new surgical technologies with patients.
• Integrate knowledge of upcoming surgical advances into optometric shared-care and co-management decision-making.

Max CPD hours awarded: 2.5

Session Information