New research published by Flinders University has identified a significant gap in South Australia’s approach to children’s vision screening, with hundreds of children at risk of permanent, preventable vision loss each year. The study found that 17% of children in a school-based Year 3 sample had an undiagnosed vision condition, with 2.5% having amblyopia.
Momentum is building for the introduction of universal pre-school vision screening in South Australia, with new national reporting highlighting the transformative impact of early detection. A recent ABC News story, featuring a South Australian family whose child’s undiagnosed vision condition negatively impacted their child’s learning and confidence, has renewed public attention on the need for …
Ali Abud was recently announced as the Optometry Victoria South Australia 2025 Student Award winner for Deakin University. These Student Awards recognise optometry students, as selected by their university faculty, who demonstrate both outstanding academic excellence and a profound commitment to patient care and professionalism.
South Australian optometrists are advised that the Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN) is undertaking a detailed review of long-term Priority Two and Priority Three patients on the ophthalmology waitlist. As part of this audit, families will soon begin receiving a letter requesting that a local optometrist review their child and that an updated clinical report be forwarded to the hospital.
Optometry Victoria South Australia (OV/SA) is thrilled to announce that Richard Lindsay is the recipient of its prestigious Life Membership honour. Life members are recognised for their meritorious contribution of long and distinguished service to the profession of optometry, and Richard’s career exemplifies this dedication.
The 2025 OV/SA Awards were presented on 17 November in Melbourne. We warmly congratulate the 2025 Award recipients, Janelle Scully and Ching Yi Wu, as well as Life Member, Richard Lindsay on their invaluable contributions to optometry.
The Department of Human Services (DHS) in South Australia requires that every optometry business in the state — from sole traders to partnerships and multi-staff practices — must now formally demonstrate child-safe compliance.
We congratulate the finalists of the OV/SA 2025 Rising Star of the Year Award: Simi Sarin and Dr Ching Yi Wu. From Ching Yi’s groundbreaking discovery of a new immune cell to Simi’s pioneering work in equitable access to eye care and advanced glaucoma management, their innovative approaches and commitment to mentorship are forging a dynamic future for optometry in Australia.
Leading South Australian eye health professionals have joined forces to call for the implementation of universal pre-school vision screening across the state, following the successful launch of the campaign in Adelaide earlier this week.
With the March 2026 South Australian State Election fast approaching, South Australian State Lead Cassandra Haines is partnering with local eye health leaders to drive advocacy that puts children’s eye health firmly on the agenda.
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.
