As part of the integration underway between OV/SA, OTas and OA, three new ‘state lead’ positions have been announced, making an important step towards maximising benefits to members and reinforcing local connections.
Congratulations to Alexis Ceecee Britten-Jones, who was awarded the OV/SA Rising Star, and Jacqueline Warren, who was named OV/SA Optometrist of the Year.
The atmosphere at the O=MEGA23 Trade Show was electric as delegates from the optometry and eye care community gathered in Melbourne for three days of learning, networking, exploring the latest innovations and fun connecting with peers from near and far.
A recent survey on ocular genetics completed by the University of Melbourne found optometrists have a high interest in genetic testing and gene therapy, but knowledge gaps around referral pathways still need to be bridged.
UsherKids Australia, a parent-led support organisation, is calling for increased education about the condition, following a collaborative study that found gaps in knowledge among healthcare professionals.
After struggling to find his groove early in his optometry studies, Ali credits his friends with giving him the push he needed to emerge at the end of fifth year as a top performer, delving into outreach work and earning the 2022 OV/SA Flinders University Academic Award for final year students.
At the O=MEGA23/WCO4 conference in September, OV/SA will announce the winners of the 2023 Member Awards, which celebrate exceptional members and their achievements in optometry. Meet this year’s finalists of the Rising Star and Optometrist of the Year awards.
Leading up to O=MEGA23/WCO4 on 8–10 September, OV/SA has awarded postgraduate travel grants to two PhD researchers to support them in attending the conference, sharing the aims of their research, and making new contacts in the industry.
In the final year of a three-year plan, the OV/SA board has undertaken a review and has now set revised strategic objectives.
In the lead up to National Diabetes Week (9 – 15 July), optical health professionals are being encouraged to understand and familiarise themselves with the clinical signs and symptoms of dry eye disease among patients who have Type 2 diabetes, with more than 50 percent of those with the condition remaining undiagnosed.
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.
