When a patient walked into Jason Dhana’s practice with a clear case of preseptal cellulitis, he knew exactly what was needed: prompt treatment with oral antibiotics. But as is the case for many optometrists in Australia, Jason’s next step wasn’t to treat – it was to refer.
When Roman Serebrianik graduated in 2003, he thought he had a clear idea of what his optometry career would look like. What he didn’t realise at the time was that his optometry training had set him up for more than clinical care. It also taught him how to think critically, work closely with other health professionals and understand how healthcare systems work – all skills that would serve him well far beyond the consulting room.
Optometry Australia is inviting all members involved in the Visiting Optometrists Scheme (VOS) to take part in a national survey to help shape the future of this vital program. The VOS plays a critical role in improving access to eye care for Australians living in rural and remote communities, as well as for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
For Queensland optometrist Jason Holland, working in a collaborative care setting has offered a glimpse into the future of optometry – one where oral prescribing is seamlessly integrated into everyday care. As Optometry Australia calls on the Optometry Board of Australia to review and contemporise the Guidelines for the Use of Scheduled Medicines to enable optometrists …
Continue reading “Jason Holland on the policy that’s failing patients”
France’s new reimbursement for myopia control lenses highlights the global shift toward early intervention – reinforcing Optometry Australia’s call for policy reform alongside our Myopia Awareness Campaign, “Off Screens, Outside, Optometrist”.
With a conversation kicking off about expansion to the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) scheme, led by Dr Monique Ryan, Senator David Pocock and our colleagues at Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA), Optometry Australia is calling for optometry students to be included. Stories like Jessie’s highlight why extending this support to optometry students will help ease placement-related financial pressures and strengthen the profession’s workforce.
Independent optometrists are set to take an important step forward in digital health, with the latest Optomate software update introducing electronic prescriptions (e-scripts) for the first time within independent optometry practice management systems.
When University of Melbourne optometry student Jasmine Gregory first stepped into the Optometry Australia (OA) office for her Advocacy Placement, a moment of clarity struck her. This insight, shared alongside fellow student Maggie Wang, captures the essence of OA’s Student Advocacy Placement program.
Access to timely treatment can make all the difference when it comes to eye health. For Tasmanian optometrist Lisa Kingshott, providing comprehensive eye care doesn’t just come down to clinical skill – it’s also about having the right tools at hand.
Legislative changes in Montana and West Virginia will bring the total number of US states granting optometrists laser privileges to fourteen. This significant shift underscores a widening gap in scope of practice between US and Australian optometrists.
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.
