RECESSlON AND THE FlVE MlSTAKES BY BUSlNESS

The Heine Omega Unplugged is distributed in Australia by Optical Manufacturers +61 2 8244 3860
P r i nt Po s t A pp r ov e d P P 2 5 5 0 0 3 / 0 7 8 9 0
THE OPHTHALMIC MAGAZINE Created by the ind ustry for the ind u stry
A US T R A L I A & N E W Z E A L A N D E D I T I O N
Distributed by Optical Manufacturers
Recession AND the five
mistakes by business
Ita Buttrose
promotes MD Awareness
Orthokeratology: The
changing scope of Optometry
FORESIGHT
[
]
the ability to see into the future
and be alert to the signs ahead
Never has it been more vital to test for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
AMD is now the leading cause of blindness in Australia.1,6 Lucentis offers
real hope to those diagnosed with wet AMD. 2,3,5
Already helping thousands maintain independent lives, Lucentis is proven
to help patients gain and sustain vision.2,3,4 Some patients treated report
improvement as early as 7 days after treatment.2
Because early detection and treatment
of AMD can significantly improve future
outcomes,
1,2,3
your referral today could
save your patient’s sight tomorrow.
2,3,5
PBS Dispensed Price: $1975.93. Please refer to the Product Information before prescribing. Product Information is available from Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Limited or visit www.novartis.com.au. For further information
please contact Medical Information & Communication on 1800 671 203. Indication: Treatment of neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 0.5 mg or 0.3 mg is recommended to be administered by intravitreal injection once a month. Dosage
and administration: Recommended dose is 0.5 mg (0.05 mL) or 0.3 mg (0.03 mL) given monthly. Interval between doses should not be shorter than 1 month. Treatment might be reduced to one injection every 3 months after the first three injections but, compared to continued
monthly doses, dosing every 3 months may lead to an approximate 5-letter (1-line) loss of visual acuity benefit, on average, over the following 9 months. Patients should be evaluated regularly. Must be administered by a qualified ophthalmologist using aseptic techniques. Broadspectrum topical microbicide and anaesthetic should be administered prior to injection. Patient should self-administer antimicrobial drops four times daily for 3 days before and after each injection. Not recommended in children and adolescents. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity
to product components, active or suspected ocular or periocular infections, active intraocular inflammation. Precautions: Intravitreal injections have been associated with endophthalmitis, intraocular inflammation, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, retinal tear and iatrogenic
traumatic cataract. Proper aseptic injection techniques must be used. Monitor patients during the week following injection to permit early treatment if an infection occurs. Intraocular pressure and perfusion of the optic nerve head must be monitored and managed appropriately. Safety
and efficacy of administration to both eyes concurrently have not been studied. There is a potential risk of arterial thromboembolic events following intravitreal use of VEGF inhibitors. A numerically higher stroke rate was observed in patients treated with ranibizumab 0.5mg compared
to ranibizumab 0.3mg or control, however, the differences were not statistically significant. Patients with known risk factors for stroke, including history of prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack, should be carefully evaluated by their physicians as to whether Lucentis treatment is
appropriate and the benefit outweighs the potential risk. As with all therapeutic proteins, there is a potential for immunogenicity with Lucentis. No formal interaction studies have been performed. Should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly needed; use of effective contraception
recommended for women of childbearing potential; breastfeeding not recommended. Patients who experience temporary visual disturbances following treatment must not drive or use machines until these subside. Side effects: Very common: Conjunctival haemorrhage, eye
pain, vitreous floaters, retinal haemorrhage, intraocular pressure increased, vitreous detachment, intraocular inflammation, eye irritation, cataract, foreign body sensation in eyes, lacrimation increased, visual disturbance, blepharitis, subretinal fibrosis, ocular hyperaemia, visual
acuity blurred/decreased, dry eye, vitritis, eye pruritis, nasopharyngitis, headache, arthralgia. Common: Ocular discomfort, eyelid oedema, eyelid pain, conjunctival hyperaemia, posterior capsule opacification, punctate keratitis, corneal abrasion, anterior chamber flare, injection
site haemorrhage, eye haemorrhage, retinal exudates, injection site reactions, conjunctivitis, conjunctivitis allergic, eye discharge, photopsia, photophobia, maculopathy, detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium retinal degeneration, retinal disorder, retinal detachment, retinal
tear, retinal pigment epithelium tear, vitreous haemorrhage, vitreous disorder, uveitis, iritis, iridocyclitis, cataract subcapsular, influenza, anaemia, anxiety, stroke, cough, nausea, allergic reactions (rash, urticaria, pruritis, erythema). Uncommon: Keratopathy, iris adhesions, corneal
deposits, dellen, corneal striae, injection site pain, injection site irritation, abnormal sensation in eye, hyphema, cataract nuclear, angle closure glaucoma, endophthalmitis, eyelid irritation, blindness, corneal oedema, hypopyon. Rare but serious adverse reactions related to
intravitreal injections include endophthalmitis, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, retinal tear and iatrogenic traumatic cataract. *Please note changes to Product Information in italics. 1. Bressler NM. J Am Board Fam Pract 2002;15:142-152. 2. Rosenfeld PJ, et al. N
Engl J Med. 2006;355:1419-1431. 3. Brown DM, et al. N Engl J Med. 2006;355:1432-1444. 4. LUCENTIS Approved Product Information. 5. Chang TS, et al. Arch Ophthalmol. 2007;125:1460-1469. 6. Attebo K, et al. Ophthalmol.
1996, 103: 357-364. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Limited, ABN 18 004 244 160. 54 Waterloo Road, North Ryde NSW 2113. ® Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Limited. NVO_LUC65_11/2008. Bluedesk LUC3C.
PBS Information: Authority required. Refer to PBS schedule for full Authority Required Information.
Contents
20
46
SECTIONS
29micolumn: Former Australian
cricketer and Pakistan cricket coach Geoff
Lawson writes his first regular column for
mivision. The trained optometrist opines
about the recent terrorist attacks on the Sri
Lankan cricket team in Pakistan.
46miequipment: We have a
comprehensive preview equipment to be
displayed at this year’s ODMAFAIR,
including the very latest ocular
technology. It’s the largest showing of
equipment in the southern hemisphere.
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND EDITION ISSUE 34
26
66
FEATU R ES
20 mistory: Media icon Ita Buttrose
talks openly about her family’s history
of Macular Degeneration and how she is
determined to help educate Australians
about the most common cause of blindness
in the country. It’s all part of Macular
Degeneration Awareness Week.
24 mifeatures: Anthony Phillips
has written a handy manual designed
for optometrists to be able to show
patients simple, clear illustrations of their
conditions and treatment. He explains the
reasons behind the manual. We also hear
from Kady Brandon, a recent optometry
graduate and her refreshing perspective
on the industry.
vision literally overnight and therefore
expanding the scope of your practice.
R EGU LA RS
58mibusiness: A look at the five
big mistakes that businesses make during
times of recession and how they can set-up
for just such hard economic times.
04
60midispenser: We continue our
series of articles in conjunction with the
ODMA Optical Retail Guide with Part
Three in our series on the Basics of Lens
Dispensing:Industry Terminology.
38
mioptometry
74
miproducts
75
midiary
76
midirectory
82
miclassifieds
84
mitime
minews
32 miophthalmology
52mieyecare: We look at how
Orthokeratology is changing the scope
of optometry by improving a patient’s
66mifashion: We look at the
emergence of China as a manufacturing
giant and an imitator of the latest
European design, resulting in European
eyewear manufacturers fighting
back in the best way they know how.
mivision is a trade mark
of Toma Publishing Pty. Ltd.
Managing Editor Mark Cushway (+61) 02 8336 8613 [email protected] | Publishers Todd Tai and Mark Cushway |
Senior Writer: Norm Lipson | Contributors Sharon Smith, Jim Kokkinakis, Jacqui Attard, Laura Macfarlane, Glenn Marsh,
Heather Machin, Greg Johnson, Geoff Squibb, Andrew McKinnon, Terri Smith, Tony Martella, Dr Gerard Sutton, Andre Karney
| Design Red 5 Kathryn Gilbert, May Lam | Display Advertising (+61) 02 8336 8613 | Production Manager Leigh Cushway
(+61) 02 8336 8619 [email protected] | Production Coordinator Nikki Byrne (+61) 02 8336 8616 [email protected].
au | Business Development Todd Tai (+61) 02 8336 8614 [email protected] | Accounts/Classifieds Nikki Byrne (+61)
02 8336 8616 | Legal Advisor Leigh Cushway (+61) 02 8336 8619 [email protected] | Published by Toma Publishing
Pty Ltd, 1627 Botany Road, Banksmeadow, NSW, 2019 Australia T 1300 668 201 F 02 9666 1274 | Circulation Average net
distribution 6966 as at September 2008 (CAB)
Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from Toma Publishing Pty Ltd is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors and
not necessarily those of the Publisher. Information provided was believed correct at the time of publication. All reasonable efforts have been made to contact copyright holders.
Editorial
FEATU R ED
CONTR IBUTORS
Anthony J. Phillips MPhil.,
Welcome to the May issue of mivision.
I started ‘tromboning’ around this time
last year. I don’t know if ‘tromboning’
is an actual ‘optometric term’ but I
adopted it after being told by one of
the exhibitors at SRC that’s what I was
doing, when I was trying to read one of
his pamphlets. Since then, I’ve accepted
my life as a presbyopic and am now
wearing reading glasses, which finally
make me feel my age.
I can honestly say that as a first-time
spectacle wearer, I’m not a fan. I write
a lot and need my glasses. I can’t see the
keyboard without them. Because I’ve never
worn them before; I leave them in the car
when I go into the office, at home when I
go down to the café, I rely on my wife to
sort the mail and heaven knows what it
says on the back of those medicine bottles
at 3am. There has to be another option.
The contact lens companies make a
noise about fitting presbyopics with
CLs and I can see why. I’m the target
audience and am desperate for an
alternate solution to specs. In this issue,
in our business section, we look at the
opportunities with presbyopics.
In this issue we also bring you a real
mivision coup with former Australian
cricketer and Pakistan cricket coach
and optometrist Geoff Lawson’s
maiden column. Geoff will be a regular
contributor and in this issue he looks at
the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan
cricketers in Pakistan and how it affects
the ordinary and decent folk in that
country where cricket has been the
“alternative narrative” for Pakistan,
which is a vastly different story,
divorced from terrorism, militancy, the
hiding place of Al-Qaeda, the Taliban
and mis-government.
As this month marks Macular
Degeneration Week we draw attention
to this leading cause of blindness and
severe vision loss among Australians,
while recent optometry graduate, Kady
Brandon, writes about her inspiration
and perspective on her career choice and
serving the community.
Tony Phillips has published The
Optometrists’ Practitioner-Patient
Manual, designed for all optometrists
who want to be able to show their patients
simple, clear illustrations of procedures
and conditions. In this issue, the author
explains the reasoning behind the manual
and how it can help practitioners.
Very few businesses in the world have
themselves financially and strategically
set for a recession before it arrives. Here,
in our business section, we examine the
five mistakes businesses make during
times of recession.
In the world of fashion, Sharon Smith
brings us the latest looks from Europe
and James Wright makes his annual
trek to MIDO and looks at the viability
of tradeshows.
There’s all this and more in this issue of
mivision. Enjoy.
Mark Cushway
Managing Editor
Organisation Contributors
G O L D
N A T I O N A L
M E D I A
S P O N S O R
Advertising Partners
AUSTRALIA
2 • mivision
FBOA, HD, FAAO, FBCO,
FVCO, FCLSA, DCLP,
works for the Department
of Ophthalmology,
Flinders Medical Centre
and The Women’s and
Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, Australia.
Anthony is the author of The Optometrists’
Practitioner-Patient Manual which has been
designed to help optometrists illustrate to
their patients’ procedures and conditions.
Geoff Lawson, OAM, is a
qualified optometrist who
graduated with a Bachelor
of Optometry from the
University of New South
Wales and an ambassador
for Optometry Giving Sight.
He is a former Australian Cricketer and the
former coach of the Pakistan cricket team.
In 1990 he received an OAM for services to
cricket and in 2002 was given the Australian
Sports Medal.
Vijay Mistry is an
optometrist in private
practice who works with
Kate Johnson at Gerry
& Johnson Optometrists
in Brisbane. He has an
interest in rigid lens fitting,
particularly orthokeratology.
Darren Shirlaw is the
founder of Shirlaws,
which was established in
Australia in 1999, and now
operates in the UK, USA,
NZ and Spain.
NEWS
Flinders Uni Starts Optom Course
IN BRIEF
Plans by Adelaide’s Flinders University to
introduce its own optometry course have been
hailed by the profession and academics alike.
Sauflon Eyecare Launch
The new course is expected to have a solid
uptake and is likely to reduce the flow of
South Australian students interstate as
well as boost eye health in indigenous
and rural communities.
Sauflon, the UK based
contact lens and solution
manufacturer, launched its
Australian operation Sauflon
Eyecare at Queensland Vision
2009 in last month (April).
Chris Harous, Sauflon
Eyecare Managing Director
said: “Sauflon manufacture
a wide range of the highest
quality contact lenses and
solutions at competitive
prices, exclusively available
to Eye Care Professionals.
Sauflon’s dedication to
ongoing research and
development has led to
the perfect combination of
comfort and health in contact
lens wear with the Clariti and
Synergi products.”
Mr. Harous also announced
the appointment of Corinne
Le Cornu to the position
of Sales and Marketing
Manager for Australia and
New Zealand. Corinne’s
experience in her previous role
as a merchandise manager
involved a hands on role in
Sales and Marketing for Le
Cornu Furniture Centre.
“I am excited to be working
with the new Sauflon team
and I am looking forward to
being able to provide products
which are exclusively available
to the practitioner. Sauflon’s
contact lenses and solutions
are only available through
eyecare professionals. You
will not see our products for
sale on the internet, chemist
or supermarket shelves. It is
the practitioner that uses their
time, skills and efforts fitting
the contact lens and it is my
view that the repeat sales
should come back to them.”
At present, in Australia, optometrists are
educated to degree level at one of the three
institutes conducting optometric courses - the
University of New South Wales, University
of Melbourne and the Queensland University
of Technology. Each course is or is about to
become five years in duration and leads to a
Bachelor degree in optometry.
According to Flinders University, the new
course will fill a crucial gap in optometry
training with the only qualifications currently
offered in N.S.W, Victoria and Queensland.
University authorities say that South
Australia’s lack of optometry studies – which
provide the skills to test eyes and prescribe
glasses – is compounded by the fact that some
South Australian students remain and practise
interstate after graduation.
While details are yet to be finalised in
consultation with optometry practitioners
and the national accreditation body, Flinders
optometry course will be introduced as a
specialisation in Vision Science within a
three-year Bachelor of Medical Science, to be
followed by a two-year Master of Optometry.
Flinders newly-appointed Executive
Dean of Health Sciences, Professor Michael
Kidd, says the new course will further
enhance the University’s existing strength in
teaching medicine and nursing, and will also
draw on Flinders advanced eye and vision
research capability.
“Flinders School of Medicine and Faculty of
Health Sciences are highly regarded teaching
institutions and a degree in Vision Science and
a Master of Optometry will further consolidate
the University’s leadership in health sciences
education. Flinders aims to be the first choice
for health professional courses in South
Australia,” says Professor Kidd.
Libby Boschen, the President of the South
Australian branch of the Optometrists
Association of Australia (OAA) is a little more
sanguine about the new optometry course.
She says: “Whilst we welcome a new approach
to undergraduate training that may assist in
getting optometrists to country and regional
areas, we have serious concerns about where
the increasing number of graduates are going
to be employed. Queensland, NSW and
4 • mivision
Melbourne have all significantly increased
their number of optometry student intakes
and an additional 40 from Flinders per
year has the potential to create problems.
Furthermore, though the idea of extended
clinical placements is sound, experience tells
us that sourcing sufficient optometrists with
the appropriate facilities and resources able to
take the students is likely to be problematic.”
Chris Beer, CEO of Australia’s largest optical
group, Luxottica, has welcomed the move
saying it would help relieve the shortage of
optometrists in Australia.
“The study confirmed
a relative undersupply
of optometrists in
rural areas...”
Luxottica is the largest employer of
optometrists in the country and according
to the company’s CEO for Australasia,
South East Asia and Africa, Mr Chris Beer:
“Any initiative that eases the shortage of
optometrists in Australia, especially in rural
and remote regions, is a good thing. There is
a strong expectation that any course offered
by Flinders University meets the current high
standards of academic rigour and clinical
training offered by other optometry schools in
Australia. We look forward to learning more
about the content and structure of Flinders
University’s proposed course.”
Last year, Luxottica called for a boost to
optometry training places and more support for
qualified overseas-trained optometrists wanting
to practice in Australia, after the release of a
major study that concludes future numbers
of optometrists may not be enough to meet
future eye health needs.The study - conducted
by Access Economics and commissioned by
Luxottica, modelled a nationwide shortage of up
to 3,300 full-time equivalent1 (FTE) optometrists
in 2026, 46 per cent of the estimated number
required to meet demand for optometry services,
if current policy trends continued.
The study confirmed a relative undersupply of
optometrists in rural areas, with only 24.8 per
cent of optometry services provided in
Continued on page 8...
1
NO67 S
W TO
OP RES
EN
!
CONSIDERING
PRACTICE OWNERSHIP
IN 2009?
IF SO, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING….
OPSM*
A MESSAGE TO ALL OPTOMETRISTS,
DISPENSERS AND STORE MANAGERS
- from Doug Perkins, Founder, Specsavers.
Specsavers franchise partnership has taken Australia by storm in the past year
with more than 160 full-scope Specsavers stores opened around Australia under
a whole-of-business franchise agreement.
So now, OPSM is offering a range of options and trying to lock you in – hoping
to stop you from advancing your full-scope practice ownership with Specsavers.
We believe that, once you compare what the two companies offer, you’ll quickly
conclude that a Specsavers partnership offers the least risk and the greatest
reward... and join the growing number of optical professionals with your very
own Specsavers partner store.
So, whether its an OPSM Optometry Alliance Model, a Business Collaboration
or a Full Franchise Model, we strongly advise you against signing any agreement
until you see what’s on offer from the Specsavers store development team in 2009.
The following two pages highlight the options for Optometrists, Dispensers
& Store Managers...
Whole business
philosophy built
around franchising
9
8
More than 160
full-scope store
franchises opened
in Australia since
February 2008
9
8
All metro &
regional store
locations available
for franchise
9
8
100% of store
profits belong to
franchise partners
9
8
No company
owned stores
competing with
franchised stores
9
8
9
9
8
8
Whole business
geared to franchise
support
25 years in
franchising
So, now’s the time to compare what is on offer and make your move. Our store
development team is awaiting your call on 1300 773 272 – or by email on
[email protected]
All optometry &
dispensing revenue
and profit owned by
franchise partners
9
8
Warm Regards
Both dispensers
and optometrists
welcomed as
franchise partners
9
8
* OPSM is part of the Luxottica group.
Doug Perkins
L
L
A
C S
U !
NOW
Call our Partnership Enquiries
Hotline on 1300 773 272
or email your interest to
[email protected]
www.specsavers.com.au/
opportunities
OPTOMETRIST
OWNERSHIP OPTIONS
– 2 OPTIONS, 2 GUARANTEES!*
“Optometrists! Before you
sign up for any other franchise
including OPSM’s Optometry
Alliance Model, make sure
it will not restrict your future
optometry career options.”
Dr. Harrison Weisinger B.Sc.Optom., M.Sc.Optom., MB.BS., Ph.D.,
Director of Professional Services
OPTION 1:
OPTION 2:
OWNERSHIP IN 12 MONTHS – ‘PARTNER-DESIGNATE’
OWNERSHIP RIGHT NOW – WITH SALARY MATCH
GUARANTEE
Minimum $120k Package from clinical income generated
by you – Guaranteed!
We’ll match your current salary package – Guaranteed!
You’re an Optometrist and you’ve spent the past year hearing about the
benefits of the Specsavers partnership model – and, while it all sounds good,
the questions is, will it work for you personally?
You’re an Optometrist and you know peers and former colleagues that have
taken up a Specsavers store partnership – you’ve heard about the success
they’re having and you’re ready for a store of your own.
Our ‘Partner-Designate’ model enables you to take up a partnership in your
own store in two simple steps. Step one, you join your store for 12 months
as a Partner-Designate with a minimum guaranteed salary package of
$120,000. Your Dispensing Partner is already in place, and the business
is there for the taking.
‘Ownership Right Now’ means just that – we set you up in a joint venture
partnership with a Dispenser Partner ‘right now’, matching and guaranteeing
your current salary package to ensure your personal income is not
compromised while you focus on building the business.
Step two, once your 12 months are up, you make a choice – take up the
partnership (and the business equity that goes with it!) or take on another
guaranteed Optometry role within the Specsavers family.
KEY BENEFITS:
• minimum $120k package from your clinical income - guaranteed
• no entry fees
• no floor space rental, no staff costs
• no equipment fees
• in fact, no store costs whatsoever
p equity
q y option
p
• ownership
locked in
L
CALS
U !
NOW
As a partner, your ownership equity is locked in from day one and you’ll
share in 100% of the profits of your store.
KEY BENEFITS:
• only $30,000 set-up contribution, refunded to you within 3 years
• personal income guaranteed via our ‘Salary Match’ program
• 100% of store profits go to partners
• no distinction between Optometry and Dispensing revenue and profit
• equity locked in from day one, to focus you on building future value
To get the conversation started, contact us now on the numbers, email
or webpage listed below.
* Both guarantees subject to application approval. Salary match program limited to three years and
conditional upon the performance clauses described in the Specsavers franchise agreement.
C our Partnership Enquiries Hotline on 1300 773 272 or email your interest to [email protected]
Call
www.specsavers.com.au/opportunities
w
DISPENSERS &
STORE MANAGERS
‘DOUBLE-YOUR-INCOME’ – THE SPECSAVERS GUARANTEE!*
“Dispensers – when you
join us as a Partner you will
double your income within
4 years. You have my
personal guarantee!”
Doug Perkins, Founder, Specsavers
At Specsavers, we understand the importance of the whole dispensing team
and, in particular, the pivotal role of the leader of the retail team – that’s
why in a Specsavers joint venture store, the Dispensing Partner stands
alongside the Optometry Partner as an owner of the store. In fact, we’re the
only optical group in Australia that offers nationwide store-ownership for
Dispensers/Store Managers.
As a Dispenser you’ve spent your career helping other people make money
in their optical businesses – now, with the right support from Specsavers,
you know you’re ready to build your own business and make your own
profits. Not only that, you’re ready to super-charge your salary and grow
the asset value of your store, generating future wealth and security.
So, get ready to ‘double-your-income’ and join Specsavers as a Dispensing
Partner in a store of your own.
KEY BENEFITS:
• only nationwide store equity opportunity in Australia for Dispensers
• double your income within 4 years – guaranteed!
• only $30,000 set-up contribution, refunded to you within 3 years
• 100% of store profits go to partners
• no distinction between Optometry and Dispensing revenue or profit
• equity locked in from day one, to focus you on building future value
State Development Directors
NSW/ACT: Russell Johnston – 0420 984 919
Charles Nightingale – 0424 509 531
QLD/NT: Neil Hamilton – 0420 984 916
SA:
Michael Gleeson – 0404 886 293
VIC/TAS: Jonathan Cawley – 0416 923 145
Raj Sundarjee – 0424 135 485
WA:
Paul Hobson – 0420 984 915
WHAT DO SPECSAVERS PARTNERS BENEFIT FROM?
• a tried a tested Optometry business model with more than 1200 partner
stores in 10 countries
• 100% of store profits going to partners
• the equity value of their store when it’s time to retire and sell the business
• world class marketing, recruitment, IT, merchandising and retail support
• world class supply chain, exerting constant pressure to drive down the
cost of goods
• a career development program that looks after all team members via the
Specsavers Training Academy
• the low cost of entry into a partner store; only $30,000 set-up contribution,
refunded to you over 3 years
• the fact that, once opened, no Specsavers store has ever closed
• our growth. Brand new stores are growing fast with an average weekly store
turnover in February of more than $25,000 per week
• unrivalled administration, accounting and payroll support service
To get the conversation started, contact us now on the numbers, email
or webpage listed below.
* Subject to franchise application approval and conditional upon the performance clauses described
in the Specsavers franchise agreement.
Professional Services Director
National: Dr Harrison Weisinger – 0418 244 277
Alternatively, call us on our Partnership Enquiries
Hotline 1300 773 272 or email your interest to
[email protected]
www.specsavers.com.au/opportunities
For employment opportunities call
Specsavers Recruitment Services on 1300 889 350
NEWS
Dramatic Changes in Safilo Retail
IN BRIEF
It was Friday, March 20, the end of a gruelling
week for Paul Sheehan, then Managing
Director of Safilo Retail Australia’s offshoot,
Optifashion, when he received a fateful call
from head office in Italy. It was none other
than Giovanni Pesce, director of Safilo’s retail
worldwide retail arm and the news wasn’t good.
Pesce was calling to unceremoniously dump
Sheehan, the man he had head-hunted almost
three years prior. Pesce told Sheehan not to
return on Monday and that Ives Palmer would
be taking over the running of Optifashion.
Transitions Optical
in Big Cash Promo
Transitions Optical is
launching the year’s biggest
promotion within the optical
industry aimed at encouraging
consumers about healthy
sight and recognising eye
care professionals for their
ongoing support of benefits of
Transitions lenses.
During June and July,
all patients who purchase
a pair of Transitions lenses
could win $20,000 by
sharing a photo and caption
illustrating how healthy sight
helps them realise their
dreams and aspirations.
“It could be anything from
conquering your fear by
skydiving out of a plane, doing
charity work in a developing
country, or just spending
time with loved ones. The
point is that the enjoyment
and satisfaction you feel is
enhanced by having healthy
sight,” Marketing Manager for
Australia and New Zealand,
Kate Mulcahy, said.
Eye care professionals also
have a chance to win simply
by discussing Transitions
lenses with patients. By
recommending Transitions
lenses you could instantly
win $150 with details in the
Transitions Live Your Vision
pack arriving at your practice
this month.
According to Ms Mulcahy,
as patients will be naturally
inclined to consider the
purchase of Transitions
lenses, the promotion is
also the perfect opportunity
to increase the value of
each sale.
The sacking not only left Sheehan confused and
bewildered, but according to Safilo insiders, it
left many of the staff bemused and stunned.
“We have no idea what’s behind this,”
said one member of staff who asked to
remain anonymous.
To allay the concerns, Pesce organised a
telephone link-up to reassure his Australian
staff and managers that it would be business
as usual and not to listen to idle rumours that
were abounding from competitors…rumours
such as Safilo losing Gucci when in fact it had
signed a 10 year agreement with Gucci.
When asked for a comment about his sacking,
Sheehan said he was confined in what he
could say as he had signed a confidentiality
agreement, but did say he was at a loss to
understand his termination. “But if they
terminated me they must have been unhappy
with my performance,” he added wryly.
Paul Sheehan has an extensive background in
the industry. He is a trained optometrist and
spent 25 years in the health insurance industry
establishing and running eye care centres for
Australian Health Management and NIB
Health Funds. He is also a former member
of the Registration Board of NSW, President
Sheehan pointed out that between February
and December of 2008, he was Optifashion's
only employee and in that time the company
either acquired or opened 66 practices.
“Until May 2008, I was the only employee
and then I hired further employees and now
there are 10. The acquisitions and openings
of new practices took place between February
and December 2008. It was a pretty good
performance by a very under-resourced
operation. I can’t go into more detail as to why
they let me go, but in these economic times,
everybody is under economic pressure. I have
some bewilderment about the separation and
I would have thought that my performance
was beyond excellent. My opinion was, having
done that amount of work in that period of
time, being greatly under resourced, that the
termination couldn’t have been justified on
performance indicators,” said Sheehan.
Insiders claim the reasons come down to the
economic concerns of the mother company.
Safilo began its retail operations in Australia
with high hopes, the promise of great resources
and plans to open 150 mid to upmarket optical
centres throughout Australia.
Thanks to the world economic downturn,
those plans have now all but evaporated and
because the company is so highly geared, the
whole nature of the relationship changed last
Ocotober when the financial crisis hit. In
the past 12 months, Safilo’s share price has
tumbled more than 80 per cent.
Mivision has tried to contact Sheehan’s
replacement, Ives Palmer for a comment, but
has so far been unsuccessful.
Flinders Uni Starts Optom Course
Continued from page 4...
regional Australia, where 29.4 per cent of the
population resided.
The study concluded that present numbers
of new optometrists entering practice were
insufficient to keep pace. Training places
at Australia’s three optometry schools were
tightly capped – around 130 optometrists
graduate each year - and relatively few
overseas-trained optometrists receive
accreditation to practice in Australia.
The Flinders initiative will help overcome a
shortage of optometrists in the city and, with
a particular focus on rural and remote health,
offers a potential boost for the treatment
8 • mivision
of the Optometrists Association (now
defunct) and practised in Sydney, Melbourne,
Newcastle, Wollongong and rural NSW.
of serious eye problems in indigenous
communities. The University has strong
teaching and research activities throughout
South Australia and the Northern Territory
with its Rural Clinical School, NT Rural
Clinical School, Centre for Remote Health,
NT Clinical School and Greater Green
Triangle University Department of Rural
Health.
Professor Kidd says Flinders regional teaching
model, which includes long term placements
of medical students in local communities,
could be applied to the optometry courses.
Flinders is also exploring possible links and
partnerships with optical lens and frame
manufacturers in South Australia.
Last call for Foundation Partners
- few prime locations remaining
In association with BUPA Australia (trading as MBF, HBA, and
Mutual Community), Blink Optical is seeking partners for their
last few remaining stores in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania.
The Blink Optical network now has 48 outlets nationally and
this completes the highly successful rollout of the first stage of
the Blink Optical Business Plan.
If you are a qualified Optometrist or Optical Dispenser with an
eye for the future, joining Blink as a partner in one of these
stores is your last chance to become a “Foundation Partner”
in the Blink Optical Business.
For further information go to www.blinkoptical.com.au and
click on Partners or call Andrew Reeves (Group Business
Development Manager) on 0403 567 818. But hurry! This
opportunity will not last long … Blink and you’ll miss it!
Distributed exclusively
in Australia by
FRAMES ETCETERA
Toll free: 1800 708 771
www.framesetc.com.au
[email protected]
W
E
N
Dry and irritated
Protective Eye Drops
To find out more about our products or to place an order,
please contact our Customer Service Team on 1800 266 111
Dr. Epstein Drops in on Australia’s
Longest Running Talkback Eye Programme
Dr. Art Epstein appeared on Allan Ared’s ‘All
About Eyes’ radio programme on 2GB in April
as part of a busy whistle stop visit to Sydney
before heading back to Europe for a series of
talks. Dr. Epstein has been on an international
speaking roadshow, taking him from several
Asian countries through to New Zealand and
then to Sydney where he dropped in to 2GB to
talk to callers on various eye care topics.
On the show he also discussed the similarities
and differences of optometry both here and the
U.S. and cracked a few jokes. It was Art’s third
visit to Australia accompanied by his wife Dr.
Shannon Steinhauser OD.
The night before he was on 2GB, Art spoke
on lens care to about 160 optometrists at
Watersedge in The Rocks, then backed that up,
the night after the show with a lecture at the
University of NSW.
The All About Eyes radio programme on
2GB is Australia’s longest running talk back
eye programme. The show has been rated
Number 1 in its timeslot for 10 years. The
show is hosted by Sydney optometrist
Allan Ared who begun his moonlighting
broadcasting career in 1999.
Dr. Epstein is the chief medical editor of
Optometric Physician (a weekly e-journal) and
has written more than two hundred articles,
book chapters and scientific papers. He is
an internationally recognised contact lens
specialist and an acknowledged expert on the
medical complications of contact lenses and
corneal disease.
Optometrist Recognised
for Outstanding Global Achievements
Professor Kovin Naidoo, distinguished
academic, optometrist and prominent public
health leader, has been recognised for his
outstanding contributions to optometry and
prevention of avoidable blindness and vision
impairment, with the award of an Honorary
Fellowship by the British College
of Optometrists.
As Global Director of Programmes for the
International Centre for Eyecare Education
(ICEE), Professor Naidoo has been resolute
in his commitment to raise awareness of the
impact of unnecessary vision loss, deliver
basic eye care services to people in need and
especially, campaigning at all levels to develop
a systematic global solution.
“This award reflects a broader trend in
optometry. Optometrists across the globe are
increasingly identifying the value of public health
efforts in truly making eye care services available
to the most underprivileged and recognising and
supporting such efforts,” he said.
‘It is also a tribute to all my colleagues at
ICEE and IAPB who work tirelessly to
make eye care available to the poor of our
world. Uncorrected refractive error drives
children and adults further into poverty by
limiting their opportunities for education,
employment and seriously impacts on their
quality of life and their ability to contribute to
their communities.”
According to Professor Brien Holden, CEO of
ICEE and a previous Honorary Fellow of the
British College of Optometrists, the award
was due recognition for Professor Naidoo’s
outstanding contributions to eye care.
“His leadership through ICEE, IAPB, World
Health Organization Refractive Error Working
Group and the World Council of Optometry
has been instrumental in significantly
advancing blindness prevention strategies and
outcomes,” Professor Holden said.
“Professor Naidoo has
been resolute in his
commitment to raise
awareness of the impact of
unnecessary vision loss...”
NEWS
IN BRIEF
Essilor Launch
New Website
Using the existing www.
essilor.com.au domain Essilor
is now offering customers and
the public a more enhanced
online service.
Professionals and consumers
will find a number of topics
of interest such as the
‘Lens Design’ section,
which features links to a
multitude of information about
Essilor products as well as
explanations of common
refractive and other classic
visual issues.
According to Ann Guethoff,
Marketing Manager for
Essilor Australia: “It was time
to refresh our website as
new products and our new
corporate image needed to be
included. At the same time,
we simplified the navigation
and brought its look more
in line with other Essilor
international sites”.
Transitions Champions
World Golf &
Healthy Eyesight
Transitions Optical has
announced a four year global
deal as the Official Eyewear
of the PGA, Champions and
Nationwide Tours.
Broadcasted to 500 million
homes in 200 countries, the
company considers the PGA
TOUR as the perfect way to
raise awareness of healthy
eyesight among audiences in
Australia, New Zealand, and
around the world.
“We view this global
commitment as an opportunity
to demonstrate that vision is
a crucial component to overall
health. It enables us to spread
this message even further
within Australia and New
Zealand,” said Transitions
Optical Business Director
Australia and New Zealand,
Eric Breda.
mivision • 11
News on time,
every time.
With almost 7,000 eye care decision makers
as readers, mivision Australia and NZ is the
most effective way to reach your market.
mivision is distributed to every optometrist,
ophthalmologist, dispenser and optical
retailer in Australia and New Zealand.
To advertise in mivision contact
Todd Tai on: (AUS) 02 8336 8614
or [email protected].
ODMAFAIR 09 Continuing Education
NEWS
ODMAFAIR 09 continues to draw strong
interest from in the lead up to opening at the
Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre from
July 10 - 12. Spanning three exhibition halls,
this year’s Fair will feature more than 130
suppliers offering a diverse range of products,
equipment and services; from display racks to
ophthalmic drugs, high tech equipment and
the very latest trends in eyewear and eye care.
Seeing Beyond the Glare: This is a special
focus workshop being presented by Maui
Jim’s Rx Training Manager, Dave Burch and
will concentrate on the importance of sun
wear protection. The focus is on technology
available to protect eyes, debunking myth from
reality and summarising some of the newest
technologies available like colour enhancement
and digital surfacing of Rx sunwear.
IN BRIEF
With a strong focus on visitor satisfaction,
ODMAFAIR will offer visitors five new
seminar and workshop sessions as part of the
its continuing education program. All sessions
attract CPD points and are held within the
ODMAFAIR 09 exhibition halls.
ODMA is also staging a special retail workshop,
“Baking A Business” on Sunday, July 12. The
session will provide recipes for reinvigorating
businesses, increasing profitability, maximising
cash flow and freeing up time! Once again, Carl
Zeiss will host a special Breakfast Session on
Saturday July 11. This year’s topic…GDx and
OCT: Where They Fit in the Clinical Setting.
Sessions include:
Dry Eye, Past, Present & Future: Presented
by Professor Minas Coroneo, this session will
include case studies and review recent research
advances and how they will impact on dry eye
management in the future.
Retinal Surgery – Today & Beyond: Presented
by Dr. Kwon Kang, this will provide insights
into the current state of vitreoretinal surgery.
Practical considerations for the role of
optometrists in managing surgical retinal
patients will be discussed and delegates
provided with a glimpse of new retinal surgery
innovations in the pipeline.
The Long & Winding Road to Better
Outcomes in Cataract Surgery: Presented
by Dr. Richard Smith, it will take delegates
on a walk through the last decade of
cataract surgery, examining the problems,
shortcomings and complications and
discussing the technologies and techniques
that are dramatically improving outcomes.
Dr. Allan Bank (Head of Ophthalmology at
Bankstown Hospital and Head of Glaucoma
Service at Prince of Wales Hospital) and Anna
Delmadoros (Senior Staff Optometrist at the
School of Optometry UNSW and Josef Lederer
Award winner) will draw on their extensive
experience to answer many of the questions you
might have about these technologies. To register
for this session, contact [email protected] or
call (AUS) 02 9020 1333
ODMAFAIR will again provide free internet
facilities for visitors. Three cafes/lounges will
be in operation throughout the fair and visitors
will be able to take advantage of free crèche
facilities during opening hours!
All attendees can go in to the draw to win from
an impressive prize pool, including a seven day
return trip for two to Silmo Paris 2009. Prebookings are essential for all sessions and this
can be done on line at www.odmafair.com.au
BCLA Conference Latest News
The British Contact Lens Association (BCLA)
has announced that its Clinical Conference
and Exhibition will be held in Manchester
from May 28-31 and one of its guest speakers
will be Australia’s Professor Deborah Sweeney,
BCLA medallist and CEO of Vision CRC.
Some the highlights of this, the 33rd running
of the Conference include:
• World class education from leading U.K. and
international authorities on contact lenses
and anterior eye
• Special sessions on topical issues such
as whether silicone hydrogel lenses have
fulfilled their promise, the optimum
replacement frequency for soft lenses, and
how to interpret manufacturers’ clinical data
• Hands-on experience of new lenses and
techniques • Presentations on developments in product
technology
• A specially designed ‘Training day for medics’
on contact lens fitting for ophthalmologists
Key note speakers are Dr Ray Applegate from
Indiana University and Dr. Ian Cox the Adjunct
Professor at the University of Rochester.
Dr. Cox is the holder of 12 patents and has
published over 35 book chapters and peer
reviewed articles. He has given over 100 invited
and peer reviewed lectures at conferences both
internationally and domestically.
Safilo Feels The Crunch
The world economic crisis has
hit the eyewear industry in
a big way with Safilo, one of
the world’s biggest makers of
spectacles and sunglasses
reportedly laying off workers
and cutting production.
Reuters reported Safilo had
net debt of 570 million euros
at the end of last year and
could need a capital injection
of about 250 million euros,
according to analysts.
Safilo told Reuters it was
reducing production facilities
in Italy and Slovenia, shutting
down an Italian plant and
laying off 1,250 people.
It said it is shifting some
production operations to
China, but wouldn’t lose its
‘Made In Italy’ label.
As the economic crisis bites
into demand Safilo is bracing
itself for a tough year and
expects first-quarter sales to
be down 10-15 percent.
Italian eyewear production
has fallen more than 10
percent during the first
quarter, according to industry
body Anfao.
“One of the few great assets
of Italy is the eyewear
industry ... I really hope the
industry comes out in good
shape,” Andrea Guerra, CEO
of market leader Luxottica told
a recent presentation.
“In the next two, three,
four months, some things
will happen in the industry
around the world. There are
many (players) which are not
healthy today, so let’s see
what happens.”
Visit the BCLA www.bcla.org.uk for full details
of the conference programme and exhibition as
well as to register for the Conference.
mivision • 13
NEWS
IN BRIEF
Atropine inhibits
myopia in children
Long-term treatment with
atropine may inhibit myopia
in child patients.
In a study looking at
myopia progression one
year after stopping either
atropine or placebo in children
aged six to 12, patients who
had received atropine had a
mean progression of –1.14 ±
0.8 D, higher than the –0.38
± 0.39 D observed in the
placebo group.
However, after three years
into the trial, including two
years of treatment and a oneyear cessation period, children
treated with atropine had
significantly less progression
of myopia when compared
with children treated with
vehicle alone.
In atropine-treated eyes,
the spherical equivalent
was –4.29 ± 1.67 D, which
compared favorably with the
–5.22 ± 1.38 D in placebotreated eyes. Axial length in
the treated group was 0.29 ±
0.37 mm compared with
0.52 ± 0.45 mm in the
untreated group.
“Although atropine was
only used in the first two
years of the study, the
beneficial effect of the drug
on myopia progression was
still evident one year after
cessation of atropine,” the
study authors said.
There was a brief impairment
of accommodation and
blurring of near vision
associated with atropine
use in some patients, but
both returned to baseline
levels within six months of
stopping treatment. No other
complications were noted in
the study.
14 • mivision
Luxottica v Specsavers: Luxottica
Win or Storm in a Tea Cup? Leigh Cushway
The legal stoush between sunglass and
prescription eyewear retail rivals, Luxottica
and Specsavers, came to a head when the
parties recently appeared before Justice White
(White J) in the NSW Supreme Court.
The First Round
Luxottica sought injunctive relief for the return
of sensitive documents forwarded by Janet
Grant (at the time, a Luxottica employee) she
emailed to her home and one document she sent
to her husband, an employee of Specsavers.
At the first hearing of this matter in September
2008, the Supreme Court issued an order
restraining Grant from making any improper
use of the information in the documents. At
the final hearing in February, Grant confirmed
her consent, without admissions, to orders
that all of the emailed documents, together
with certain other documents she had in the
course of her employment, and all copies of the
documents, would be delivered to Luxottica,
and that all electronic copies of the documents
would be deleted.1
The substantive issue remaining in the case,
apart from costs, was Luxottica’s claim for
breach of contract and copyright infringement.
In his decision handed down on 9 March,
White J was careful to point out that
Grant had breached her employment
contract, by forwarding emails containing
Luxottica proprietary information to her
home email address.2
What Happened? What Documents?
Janet Grant resigned from Luxottica after
accepting a position with market rival,
Specsavers. Before departing, she forwarded
23 Luxottica emails to her home email
address “for her own personal use”3. She later
forwarded one email to her husband’s email
address, an employee of Specsavers.
As part of her employment arrangement, Grant
worked on Luxottica business from home.4
Accordingly, Grant also had other documents
belonging to Luxottica at her home.
Upon giving her resignation, Luxottica
inspected Grant’s emails and, upon finding
the offending emails, requested her to leave the
same day5. Injunctive relief was sought against
the Grants and Specsavers four days later for
breach of contract and copyright infringement.
Luxottica claimed “that in sending the emails
to [Grant’s] home, and then later forwarding
one of them to her husband at his work,
[Grant] infringed its copyright and breached
her contract of employment”.6
Four of the documents the subject of
Luxottica’s claim became the centre of the
dispute. These four documents included a
guidebook or procedures manual for new
graduate optometrists7, a document called
‘Optometrist Referrals’8, a Powerpoint
presentation providing training to optometrists
on how Medicare might be billed in different
circumstances9 and a fourth document called
‘Coaching for Conversion Tool Kit’10.
On the first day of the final hearing in
February, Grant, without admissions,
consented to Court orders requiring the return
of Luxottica’s documents.11 After consenting
to the orders for the return of 172 documents,
all that remained for the Court to decide
was whether or not Luxottica had copyright
in the four documents sent by Grant to her
home email address and a claim for nominal
damages, and Luxottica’s claim for additional
damages under the Copyright Act.
On the afternoon of the first day of the
hearing, the Grants and Specsavers conceded
that Luxottica had copyright in the documents
and the remaining substantive issue was
whether or not Luxottica was entitled to
nominal damages for breach of contract
and copyright infringement and additional
damages under the Copyright Act.
Luxottica claimed additional damages for
copyright infringement, believing its prompt
action in seeking injunctive relief had prevented
the opportunity for such damage to occur.12
However, the Court dismissed this claim.
White J’s Findings
At all times, White J accepted that Grant
did not turn her mind to the propriety of
her conduct13; that she appeared a frank and
truthful witness and readily made concessions
against her interests14; and, that she had
forwarded the emails to her home address for
her own personal use. He also accepted that
Grant did not use or disclose any confidential
information because “there was nothing in
her forwarding those documents to her home
email that amounted to an attempt to use or
disclose the documents.”15
Notwithstanding this, White J found that
the four documents did contain proprietary
information, sent without consent, and did
breach Grant’s employment contract with
Luxottica. In this regard, White J stated,
“There was ultimately no dispute that the four
documents in question were of a kind which
could validly be the subject of a contractual
restraint against disclosure”16 and ordered
Continued on page 16...
L
EN
FO
RT
1, 2
U RS
O
H
S COM
Australia’s
No.1 seller
3
QLD/NSW/SA/NT: Stephen O’Keeffe 0407 592 409
QLD: Diane Omodei 0408 185 358
SYDNEY/CANBERRA: Daniela Iannello 0438 844 733
VICTORIA: Warren Inkster 0412 726 321
WA: Aaron McColl 0438 844 737
The only
solution with
TearGlyde
technology for
contact lenses
TearGlyde® is a proprietary tear-actuating complex that reconditions
silicone hydrogel and soft contact lenses for enhanced daily comfort.
Available from Shaan Eyeworks.
Simply call 07/3205 3324 to arrange a viewing in store (Australia/NZ only).
1.Data on file. Alcon Laboratories, Inc. 2.Meadows DL, Ketelson HA, Stone R. Dynamic wetting behaviour
of pHEMA-MAA and silicone hydrogel contact lenses.Alcon Laboratories, FT. Worth, Tex, ARVO Poster.
2004 3.IMS YTD Nov 2008 PROFITS data, Value Share by Brand. ® Registered Trademark. PCLC 0552
NEWS
IN BRIEF
Luxottica v Specsavers: Luxottica
Win or Storm in a Tea Cup? Leigh Cushway
Continued from page 14...
Urgent Need
For Basic Eyecare
Grant to pay Luxottica nominal damages of
just AUD$10.
Professor Brien Holden,
CEO of the Institute for
Eye Research, has called for
the urgent need to reassess
health care provision and
ensure greater equity in
access to basic health
care services.
On the issue of copyright infringement,
there was no dispute by Grant or Luxottica
that the four emails were emailed by Grant
without Luxottica’s consent.17 Being literary
works, White J held that the documents were
reproduced in a material form when they were
emailed to Grant’s home and her husband’s
work email, irrespective of whether she, or her
husband, read the emails, thereby infringing
Luxottica’s copyright.18
During a recent lecture
on healthcare values and
ethics for the Delta Gamma
Foundation at the University
of Houston, the Australian
eye care expert pointed out
that the reforms in the U.S.
healthcare system under the
new Obama Presidency, there
was now a unique opportunity
to provide more opportunity
for basic healthcare.
Professor Holden has made
history by becoming the first
non-American speaker in the
lecture series – established
in 1992 by the Delta Gamma
Foundation. He joins a list
of previous speakers that
includes former President
Gerald Ford, former U.S.
Secretary of State Madeline
Albright, billionaire Steve
Forbes, poet Maya Angelou
and reporter Carl Bernstein.
“An estimated 670 million
people are unnecessarily blind
or vision impaired because of
uncorrected refractive error.
With an eye examination and
the right pair of glasses we
can restore sight to these
people”, he said.
Professor Holden called on
wealthy nations to provide
the USD$4 billion needed
over five years to reverse this
tragedy, not only appealing
to our sense of humanity but
also highlighting the economic
sense – not acting would cost
USD$269 billion.
While the documents were proprietary, no
additional damages were awarded, particularly
as the court acknowledged Grant was not
conscious of any wrongdoing, had not
derived any benefit from the infringement
of Luxottica’s copyright and, because the
interests of deterrence did not warrant such
an award.19 The Court took into account that
the documents had already been delivered up
to Grant’s lawyers and did not contain trade
secrets or important financial information.20
White J was particularly critical that the sensible
accommodation, namely the consent to an order
for the return of the confidential documents,
was only reached on the first day of the hearing
in February. He went on to indicate that it is
likely to be a matter relevant to the question
of which party pays legal costs and noted that
he would receive submissions in relation to
‘without prejudice’ correspondence which had
passed between the parties on this point.21
White J concluded that “no award of
additional damages should be made. I am
concerned about the considerable resources
that both sides have evidently deployed in this
case where the sole remaining substantial issue
is a claim for damages of AUD$10,000 or less.
The procedures and costs appear to be out of
proportion to the amount at stake.”22
In his final orders, White J dismissed all other
claims against the Grants and Specsavers. The
parties have made written submissions in relation
to costs and are awaiting orders of the Court.
The Parties’ Response
Upon the finding being handed down,
Luxottica stated that “[we] are pleased the
court has supported our claim and ordered the
return of Luxottica’s … documents and the
protection of our intellectual property.”23
Specsavers founder, Doug Perkins, who from
the beginning, thought this case was an overexaggeration, said: “It has all been a very
expensive storm in a tea-cup …”24
16 • mivision
Mr. Grant, husband of Janet Grant,
commented: “I never asked to receive this
OPSM document and the court acknowledged
that I never opened it and never passed it on
from my email account. I don’t know why this
ever came to the courts.”25
Janet Grant commented: “What’s so annoying
is that I offered to delete the four documents
they fought the case about immediately upon
Luxottica commencing the court case. I also
told them that I would have given them back
all of the documents I had been working on at
home if I had been given the opportunity to do
so. The Court acknowledged this point. If only
OPSM had told me what their concern was, all
of this could have been resolved without any
need for going to court.”26
This case is an important reminder to be aware
that employment contracts generally contain
standard terms that prevent employees from using
company documents in any manner it has not
authorised. This includes emailing documents
outside the company, without consent.
Leigh Cushway (n. Anscombe) B.IT (Bus. Systems) (Hons.),
B.LLB, is a qualified lawyer, registered with the Law Society
of New South Wales and mivision’s legal advisor.
Footnotes
1. Luxottica Retail Australia v Grant & Ors [2009] NSWSC 126
at par18 | 2. par 52 | 3. par 8, 11 | 4. par 17, in letter to Norton
White, solicitors for Grant from Minter Ellison, solicitors for
Luxottica. | 5. par 14 | 6. par 5 | 7. par6 | 8. par 7 | 9. par 8 | 10.
par 9 | 11. par 15 | 12. par 45 | 13. par 33 | 14. ibid. | 15. par 23
| 16. par 26 | 17. par 29 | 18. par 49 | 19. par 45 | 20. ibid. | 21.
par 50 | 22. ibid. | 23. Luxottica Press Release, 9 March 2009 | 24.
Specsavers Press Release, 9 March 2009 | 25. ibid. | 26. ibid.
“No award of additional
damages should be
made. I am concerned
about the considerable
resources that both sides
have evidently deployed in
this case where the sole
remaining substantial issue
is a claim for damages of
AUD$10,000 or less……”
Varilux Physio Short 360
®
Enhanced High Resolution Vision in Small Frames
Australia’s most popular Varilux design
is now available in a short version.
Varilux Physio Short 360o is the first progressive design to use W.A.V.E TechnologyTM
and Essilor’s Advanced Digital SurfacingTM to increase performance in small frames.
Availability: 1.5 1.59 1.6 1.67 All in clear and Transitions
Minimum Fitting Height: 14mm (85% of the add at 9mm)
Please ask your Essilor Account Manager now for further information.
™
NEWS
IN BRIEF
Red Meat Eaters May
Risk Blindness
Eating too much red meat may
raise the risk of going blind by
50 per cent, according to a
recent study.
The study by Dr Elaine E-W.
T. Chong from the Centre for
Eye Research Australia at
the University of Melbourne,
and supported by awards
from the National Health and
Medical Research Council, the
Ophthalmic Research Institute
of Australia and others bodies
was published in the American
Journal of Epidemiology, a
peer-reviewed medical journal.
It said that research has
shown that eating red meat
at least 10 times a week
makes people more likely to
develop age-related macular
degeneration (AMD).
The study followed 5,600
middle-aged men and
women for 13 years. The
researchers say that they
took into account several
known major risk factors for
AMD, such as smoking. They
admit however, that rather
than directly raising the risk of
AMD, red meat consumption
could actually be a marker for
other lifestyle factors that are
causing the damage.
The researchers obtained
their data from the Melbourne
Collaborative Cohort Study of
41,528 Melbourne residents
(17,049 men) between the
ages of 40 and 69 who were
recruited between 1990
and 1994. During follow-up
between 2003 and 2006,
all the participants had eye
examinations and retinal
photographs of both eyes
were taken.
Luxottica Predicts Global Eyewear
Contraction, Except in Australasia
The global eyewear industry is likely to
contract by around 10 per cent, according to
eyewear manufacturer Luxottica.
It announced a series of measures to drive
sales and reduce costs including a 10 per cent
reduction in the entry prices of its luxury and
premium frames. Cost-cutting action will
include making manufacturing reductions,
closing stores, eliminating brands and making
cuts to advertising.
A company statement to analysts said that what
the industry was seeing was ‘not a temporary
crisis, not a drastic and definitive change, but
a global structural reset of the relevant market
resulting in resizing by 10 per cent’.
The consequences for Luxottica’s wholesale
business will include a 15 per cent reduction in
its eyewear manufacturing volume as well as
the dropping of three low-performing brands
and a reduction in the number of frame styles.
Luxottica intends to reduce its capital
expenditure and close117 stores in North
America and will franchise another 56
stores. A further 110 retail units are also
‘under review’ according to Luxottica’s chief
executive officer, Andrea Guerra.
However, in stark contrast to this gloomy
outlook, Luxottica has set its sights on the New
The company, which has more than 6000
optical and sun wear retail stores around the
globe and has household names such as Oakley
and Ray-Ban amongst its brand portfolio, is
looking to increase the number of local stores
from 100 to 160 over the next five years.
This would see its New Zealand workforce
increase from 400 to 600 at a time many retailers
are struggling to overcome consumer apathy.
Luxottica Australia, South East Asia and
South Africa chief executive Chris Beer
says that despite the softening in sales, the
company’s operations in Australasia were
continuing to see profit growth.
“Our strategic plan is to grow our brands, so
that is what we are focused on now. The tough
economic times won’t last forever and we will
be well placed in terms of market share when
the economy turns around.”
Mr. Beer says the New Zealand expansion
follows a similarly aggressive growth plan in
Australia, but will still have a local focus.
Finally, Qld Optoms Get Therapeutic O.K.
The Optometrists Association of Queensland
has welcomed the appointment of Mr. Paul
Lucas as Health Minister in the newly elected
Queensland Government, hailing it as a
victory for eye care in the state.
The President of the OAA in Queensland,
Ms. Shannon Pugh, said that the state’s
900 optometrists and two million patients
had cause to celebrate the appointment
because of his promise to introduce well
overdue regulations allowing optometrists in
Queensland, like their counterparts in other
states, to prescribe eye drops for sufferers of
glaucoma and other eye conditions.
“Optometry patients have been treated as
second class citizens by a succession of
disinterested Health Ministers and they now
have cause for optimism with the appointment
of Mr. Lucas,” said Ms. Pugh.
The Association, its members and patients
waged a highly visible campaign during the
18 • mivision
Zealand retail scene, with the announcement
that it will invest at least AUD$30 million
in its OPSM and Sunglass Hut outlets and
increase its workforce there by 50 per cent over
the next few years.
state election process. Candidates of
both persuasions were visited, thousands
of letters were sent to Premier Bligh and
then Health Minister Robertson, optometrists
called talkback radio programs and
hundreds of media articles appeared
culminating in a full-page advertisement in
The Courier-Mail which was reproduced
throughout the state.
Three days before the election Mr. Robertson
relented and agreed to change the regulations.
“Getting parity for Queensland optometry
patients resulted from a ten-year struggle
and I’d like to think that the next initiative
for optometry patients would take a lot less.
We have had very cordial dealings with Mr.
Lucas in the past and I am extremely confident
that we can work together to jointly provide
patients with easy, quick, affordable and safe
access to treatments for common eye diseases,”
Ms. Pugh said.
GT2 3D
GT2the3D
Closing
gap between vision and reality.
Closing
the gap between vision and reality.
I]Zegd\gZhh^kZaZchi]ViZc]VcXZhndjgk^h^dca^`ZcZkZgWZ[dgZ#
L9B&.)&(
L9B&.)&(
I]Zegd\gZhh^kZaZchi]ViZc]VcXZhndjgk^h^dca^`ZcZkZgWZ[dgZ#
Key Design Elements
Key Design Elements
CVijgVaheVi^VaeZgXZei^dc
™
h]Vge(9k^h^dc^cVaaY^hiVcXZhi]gdj\]eZg[ZXi
CVijgVaheVi^VaeZgXZei^dc
™Va^\cbZcid[VaaodcZh
h]Vge(9k^h^dc^cVaaY^hiVcXZhi]gdj\]eZg[ZXi
Va^\cbZcid[VaaodcZh
=^\]hedciVcZdjhVXXZeiVcXZ
™gVe^YVcYZVhnVYVeiVi^dc
=^\]hedciVcZdjhVXXZeiVcXZ
™
eZg[ZXihncX]gdc^hVi^dcd[W^cdXjaVg
™gVe^YVcYZVhnVYVeiVi^dc
™(9odcZh
eZg[ZXihncX]gdc^hVi^dcd[W^cdXjaVg
(9odcZh
AVg\Zk^Zl^c\odcZh
™aVg\ZVcYXaZVgY^hiVcXZodcZ
AVg\Zk^Zl^c\odcZh
™
lZaaWVaVcXZY^ciZgbZY^ViZodcZVXXdgY^c\id
™aVg\ZVcYXaZVgY^hiVcXZodcZ
™e]nh^dad\^XVagZfj^gZbZcih!Xdgg^YdgaZc\i]VcY
lZaaWVaVcXZY^ciZgbZY^ViZodcZVXXdgY^c\id
eZg^e]ZgVaVhi^\bVi^hb
e]nh^dad\^XVagZfj^gZbZcih!Xdgg^YdgaZc\i]VcY
™aeZg^e]ZgVaVhi^\bVi^hb
Vg\ZVcYXaZVgcZVgodcZl^i]XdggZXiedlZg[dg
™i]ZlZVgZgÉhZnZeVi]
aVg\ZVcYXaZVgcZVgodcZl^i]XdggZXiedlZg[dg
™ji]ZlZVgZgÉhZnZeVi]
eid)%aVg\ZgW^cdXjaVgodcZhi]Vcl^i]
igVY^i^dcVaegd\gZhh^kZaZchYZh^\c
™jeid)%aVg\ZgW^cdXjaVgodcZhi]Vcl^i]
igVY^i^dcVaegd\gZhh^kZaZchYZh^\c
<I'(9^hVkV^aVWaZ^cVl^YZgVc\Zd[bViZg^VahVcY^cYZmZh#
<I'(9^hVkV^aVWaZ^cVl^YZgVc\Zd[bViZg^VahVcY^cYZmZh#
EgdjYanHjeedgi^c\/
EgdjYanHjeedgi^c\/
;dgbdgZ^c[dgbVi^dceaZVhZXdciVXi8VgaOZ^hhK^h^dc 8jhidbZgHZgk^XZdgndjgIZgg^idgnBVcV\Zg#
;dgbdgZ^c[dgbVi^dceaZVhZXdciVXi8VgaOZ^hhK^h^dc 8jhidbZgHZgk^XZdgndjgIZgg^idgnBVcV\Zg#
8jhidbZgHZgk^XZ8ZcigZ6jhigVa^V&-%%--'%)&CZlOZVaVcY%*%-,+*',&
:bV^aXokVXjhidbZghZgk^XZ5k^h^dc#oZ^hh#Xdblll#k^h^dc#oZ^hh#Xdb
8jhidbZgHZgk^XZ8ZcigZ6jhigVa^V&-%%--'%)&CZlOZVaVcY%*%-,+*',&
:bV^aXokVXjhidbZghZgk^XZ5k^h^dc#oZ^hh#Xdblll#k^h^dc#oZ^hh#Xdb
<I'(9
™
[dg[gVbZhl^i]VYZei]d[bdgZi]Vc(%bb
<I'(9
™b^c^bjbÒii^c\]Z^\]id[&-bb
™ [dg[gVbZhl^i]VYZei]d[bdgZi]Vc(%bb
™b^c^bjbÒii^c\]Z^\]id[&-bb
<I'(9H]dgi
™
[dg[gVbZhl^i]VYZei]d[aZhhi]Vc(%bb
<I'(9H]dgi
™
™ b^c^bjbÒii^c\]Z^\]id[&)bb
[dg[gVbZhl^i]VYZei]d[aZhhi]Vc(%bb
™ b^c^bjbÒii^c\]Z^\]id[&)bb
:chjgZdei^bjbk^h^dcVcYZVhnXaZVc^c\#
GZXdbbZcYAdijIZXžVci^"gZ[aZXi^kZXdVi^c\#
:chjgZdei^bjbk^h^dcVcYZVhnXaZVc^c\#
GZXdbbZcYAdijIZXžVci^"gZ[aZXi^kZXdVi^c\#
mistor y
MD
Macular Degeneration:
Don’t be Blind to the Risks
National Macular Degeneration Awareness Week
– from 24 to 30 May – aims to raise awareness
of macular degeneration, the leading cause
of blindness and severe vision loss among
Australians. The message of the campaign is
clear: Get your macular checked now! Norm Lipson
For the past month or so, the Australian
airwaves have been blitzed by a major media
campaign to not only make people aware of
Macular Degeneration and the fact that it’s
Australia’s leading cause of blindness, but to
convince the entire population to have their
macula checked now.
The highlight of this campaign is Macular
Degeneration Awareness Week from 24 to
30 May, which aims to save the sight of as
many Australians as possible.
According to research released by
the Macular Degeneration (MD)
Foundation to launch MD Awareness
Week, Australians are unaware of
the importance of diet and lifestyle in
reducing their risk of developing MD –
Australia’s leading cause of blindness and
severe vision loss.
More than one third (37 per cent) of those
surveyed do not believe (or are not sure)
any food is beneficial to eye health. Of
those who are aware that some foods are
20 • mivision
beneficial for eye health, most are still
confused about which foods are best. Low
awareness levels were recorded for the
‘green and gold’ foods that are actually
beneficial for eye health such as spinach
(five per cent) and corn (zero).
“The most important thing you can do
when it comes to MD, is to have your eyes
tested and make sure the macula is checked,
because we know at the foundation we are
placing the Australian public and especially
those at riskof MD int the care of the
primary eye health care professionals for
screening and guidance.” says the CEO of
the MD Foundation, Julie Heraghty.
“While it’s encouraging to know that many
Australians are heeding the Foundation’s
call to have their eyes checked, it appears
many are unaware of the important role
nutrition and diet can play in promoting
good eye health,” she adds.
“MD Awareness Week is an opportunity
for all Australians to have their eyes
tested, making sure the macula is
checked, to understand the symptoms
of MD for early detection and to start
making simple, everyday dietary and
lifestyle changes; the same way they
would for heart disease or diabetes.
“Eating a healthy diet that includes the
antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin as
well as omega-3s, controlling weight,
exercising regularly and not smoking will
all help reduce the risk of developing MD.
In consultation with a doctor, some may
also consider an appropriate eye-health
supplement,” she says.
To build awareness and make eating for
eye health an easy part of everyday life,
the MD Foundation has partnered with
Australian media icon and Patron of the
Foundation, Ita Buttrose, and leading
Sydney Chef, Vanessa Jones, to develop
the Eating for Eye Health cookbook.
Ita Told Me So
Ita Buttrose says she first became involved
with the MD Foundation about three
years ago because her late father Charles,
a celebrated journalist and author,
suffered from it as did his three siblings.
“Dad died about ten years ago, but he
lost his lost his sight in his eighties. They
know a lot more about it now than it was
when dad got it,” Ms. Buttrose explains.
“He was diagnosed in that time, and when
he did lose his vision, the MD Foundation
didn’t even exist. I took him out to the
“…the Australian airwaves have been blitzed by a major media campaign to not
only make people aware of Macular Degeneration and the fact that it’s Australia’s
leading cause of blindness, but to convince the entire population to have their
macula checked now.”
Royal Blind Society and that’s where I
found out what MD was. He wanted to
stay at home, which he did and I made
sure he had all the things possible that
would make it easier for him to stay there.
But it was terrible for him because as a
journalist and author, he started the day
reading the papers and that’s where I got
it from. He loved to read books and he
couldn’t see TV either,” Ms. Buttrose says.
history. If it’s in your family your risk is
high. I now have a 50 per cent chance.
Ms. Buttrose says she now has her macula
regularly checked because she is in the
high risk category.
That’s why I’m passionate about eye health
and I’m involved with the MD Foundation.
“It is highly hereditary. There are three
risk factors … age, smoking and family
“My message is get your macula checked.
Don’t take your vision for granted. People
do take their vision for granted and even
mivision • 21
MD
when they are having problems with
their eyes…they might be having slight
problems with their vision, they ignore
it and think ‘oh, I’m getting old…I’ll
put up with it’. You should never put up
with anything at all that’s not quite right
with your eyes. You should go off to your
optometrist or your eye specialist to get
your eyes checked.
“It mightn’t be MD, but you should get
your eyes checked and don’t take your
vision for granted. And when you do get
your eyes checked, make sure they check
your macula,” Ms. Buttrose warns.
She suggests the public take note of
the points to the cook book, Eating
for Eye Health.
“It’s so easy and not a terrible thing
to do. It’s delicious and if you eat
more omega-3 and green vegetables
and fresh fruit you’ll be doing your
eyes a lot of good.
“And you know there is now treatment
for the wet MD. It’s a significant
breakthrough. It can’t cure it, but can
stabilise it.
“In fact, dad’s youngest brother,
Uncle Gerald, who’s about 88,
has had the sight in one of the
eyes saved thanks to this breakthrough.
MD can be treated if caught early
enough. Early detection and regular
check-ups is vital…every two years,”
says Ms. Buttrose.
About the MD Foundation
The Macular Degeneration Foundation
is a national charity. It has a strong focus
on early detection, risk reduction and
treatment of Macular Degeneration.
The MD Foundation is the peak body
committed to working on behalf of the
entire MD community, specifically those
with the disease, their family and carers.
The Foundation also provides support to
eye care professionals. Raising awareness
of the disease and its potential impacts
has been and continues to be one of the
key objectives of the Foundation.
For more information about MD, contact
the Foundation on its free helpline 1800 111
709 or visit www.mdfoundation.com.au.
Macular Degeneration: The Facts
What is Macular
Degeneration (MD)?
• T he macula is the central part of the
retina, the light sensitive tissue at the
back of the eye.
•M
D causes progressive damage to the
macula resulting in central vision loss.
•C
entral vision loss can affect your
ability to read, recognise faces, drive
and see colours clearly.
loss of vision and is caused by abnormal
blood vessels growing into the retina.
What are the symptoms of MD?
• Difficulty in reading or doing any other
activity which requires fine vision.
• Distortion – straight lines
appear wavy or bent.
• Distinguishing faces
becomes a problem.
• Early detection of MD & seeking
treatment immediately is vital in
saving sight.
• Dark patches or empty spaces in the
centre of one’s vision.
How many Australians have MD?
People over the age of 50, smokers and
those with a family history of MD are
most at risk of developing the disease.
•M
D is the leading cause of blindness
and severe vision loss in Australia.
•M
D is responsible for 48 per cent of
severe vision loss in Australia.
•O
ne in seven Australians over the age
of 50 is affected by MD and the
incidence increases with age and is
often called Age- related Macular
Degeneration or AMD
What’s the difference between
Wet and Dry MD?
•D
ry MD results in a gradual loss of
central vision.
• Wet MD is characterised by a sudden
22 • mivision
What are the risk factors for MD?
What can you do to
reduce your risk?
•H
ave your eyes tested and make sure
the macula is checked.
• Don’t smoke.
•K
eep a healthy lifestyle. Control
your weight and exercise regularly.
•E
at a healthy, well-balanced diet, eat
fish two to three times a week, eat
dark green leafy vegetables and fresh
fruit daily and eat a handful of nuts
weekly and limit your intake of fats.
• In consultation with your doctor,
consider taking an appropriate
supplement for macula health which
could include a zinc and antioxidant
supplement; a lutein supplement; or
a high strength lutein, zeaxanthin and
concentrated omega-3s supplement.
•P
rovide adequate protection for
your eyes from sunlight exposure,
particularly when young.
What treatments are
available for MD?
Current Wet MD treatments aim to keep
the best vision for as long as possible
(and in some cases may potentially
provide visual improvement) but there
is presently no cure. However, early
detection is critical in order to save
sight. There is no treatment for Dry MD.
What is the MD Foundation?
The MD Foundation is a not-for-profit
organisation which aims to reduce
the incidence and impact of Macular
Degeneration in Australia. The
Foundation’s Patron is Ita Buttrose AO.
The Foundation’s objective is to provide
education, awareness, research, and
support services; as well as be the voice
of the MD Community.
Co-author & patron of the MD Foundation, Ita Buttrose
Co-author of Eating for Eye Health, Vanessa Jones
Eating for Eye Health – Recipes with a Vision
The Macular Degeneration Foundation
says nutrition can play a vital role
in reducing the risk of Macular
Degeneration…and with that in mind,
the Foundation has launched a cook
book called, Eating for Eye Health.
This book gives Australians the tools
they need to make simple, everyday
changes to their diets to promote good
eye health.
‘Eating for Eye Health’ is a partnership
between the Macular Degeneration
Foundation, Australian media icon and
Foundation Patron, Ita Buttrose, and
leading Sydney chef, Vanessa Jones,
and contains information on nutrition
and eye health, and most importantly,
provides delicious recipes for
every occasion.
Just one of the delicious recipes in
the cook book, Individual English
Spinach & Zucchini Frittatas, is not
just a culinary delight, but also important
for healthy eyes.
Investec Experien Pty Limited (Experien) ABN 94 110 704 464. Investec Bank (Australia) Limited (Investec Bank) ABN 55 071 292 594.
Deposit products are issued by Investec Bank and distributed by Experien as an Authorised Representative of Investec Bank (AR No 286935).
Experien is a subsidiar y of Investec Bank
Investec Experien
A healthy decision
Experien, a wholly owned subsidiary of Investec.
Investec Experien, a specialist finance company that provides financial solutions
specifically created for healthcare professionals. Combining the international
specialist bank expertise and select niche market focus results in innovative
thinking and breakthrough ideas that give you a distinctive range of specialist
banking products and services.
1300 131 141 Australia wide
NSW QLD SA VIC WA
Asset Finance • Commercial Property Finance • Deposit Facilities • Goodwill & Practice
Purchase Loans • Home Loans • Income Protection & Life Insurance • Professional Overdraft
mivision • 23
mifeature
The Optometrists’
Practitioner-Patient Manual:
A picture tells
a thousand words
The Optometrists’ Practitioner-Patient Manual has
been designed for all optometrists who want to be
able to show their patients simple, clear illustrations
of procedures and conditions. Author Tony Phillips
explains the reasoning behind the Manual and how
it can help practitioners. Anthony J. Phillips
A successful optometric practice depends
on a multitude of factors. Whilst a small
percentage of patients will be motivated
by cost, most look beyond the simple cost
factor and will accept all the processes
involved in a visit to their optometrist.
In all aspects of this, expertise and
communication are the over-riding factors.
In terms of the eye examination, it is of
little value if a particular pathological
condition is found, or a particular lens
prescribed, if the patient does not fully
understand what it is that the practitioner
has found, or why they are advising a
particular course of action.
Getting the Message Across
Some 15 years ago, I attended a lecture
given by an educational psychologist on
children’s learning. In simple terms, he
24 • mivision
said that all of us are either visual, audio
or kinesthetic learners (although many
people are mixtures of these). Teachers
who acquire a reputation of overall
excellence with their classes are those
who can get their message across to all
three groups. This is, of course, now more
widely accepted, but at that moment in
time, this was an eye opener for me!
It struck me that most clinicians are, or
largely are, audio learners. They have
been to university and have learnt by
listening to lectures. An audio learning
optometrist trying to explain Fuch’s
Dystrophy, for example, to an 85 year old
visual learner, is wasting their time. This
can lead to confusion, misunderstanding
and a patient who may well go elsewhere
next time for a better explanation. All
this coincides with a public who are
“For many years I have tried to supplement the
verbal advice I give patients with leaflets and,
where appropriate, drawing sketches or finding
pictures in text-books. More and more I have found
this to be a very mediocre approach and also very
time-consuming.”
increasingly demanding in terms of
understanding their health problems and
the treatment and risks involved.
For many years I have tried to supplement
the verbal advice I give patients with leaflets
and, where appropriate, drawing sketches
or finding pictures in text-books. More and
more I have found this to be a very mediocre
approach and also very time-consuming.
Text book pictures are also largely aimed
at the expert clinician and not to the lay
person. Sketches can look very amateurish
and may not be very clear.
In the Manual, I have put together
250 pictures and diagrams relating to
questions I am often asked, spectacles lens
designs, common abnormal conditions,
contact lenses, and binocular vision.
The aim is to simplify the explanation
to the patient. Clear visual explanations,
which can be supplemented by a verbal
explanation tailored to the patient’s
interest, their intellectual level, and the
time available. Wording on each page has
therefore been kept to a minimum.
Although I have covered all the common
conditions and questions that my
practice career has covered, undoubtedly,
colleagues will think of other areas of need
or may be able to provide better diagrams
or photographs. Please contact me!
PAL Designs
My aim is also to show the patient
the different designs of PALs, their
advantages and their limitations. Many
patients have little understanding of the
“Many patients have little understanding of the
limitations of a progressive lens design let alone
the differences in design and those prescribed for a
specific visual task.”
limitations of a progressive lens design
let alone the differences in design and
those prescribed for a specific visual
task. Understanding all this makes for
a significantly happy patient! Doing
drawings of these, often once or twice
every day over the years was one of the
major factors that drove me to produce
the Manual. However, we have a very
high rate of PAL prescribing and a great
many happy patients so it has been well
worth the effort. Whilst manufacturers
often produce their own leaflets, these are
typically biased towards a single product
and can rarely be found at the end of a
busy eye examination.
The Manual also attempts to answer
the commonly asked questions, such as,
“What do you see at the back of my eye?”;
“What do you mean by 6/6 or 20/20?”;
What does my colour defective son see?”,
to name a few.
The Optometrist’s Practitioner-Patient
Manual is available from the publisher
Butterworth Heinemann Elsevier, online
at www.elsevierhealth.com, or at the
OAA Bookshop.
Anthony J. Phillips, MPhil., FBOA, HD, FAAO, FBCO,
FVCO, FCLSA, DCLP, Department of Ophthalmology,
Flinders Medical Centre and The Women’s and
Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, Australia.
mivision • 25
mifeature
Through Rose Coloured Lenses:
Optometry – An Opportunity for Life
With the graduation of the latest
batch of wide-eyed high school
students and the impending start of
yet another new university year, the
topic of conversation for many students
inevitably turns to career choices.
While the choices may be varied,
often the resources and time to assist
with decision-making are limited.
Few, if any, choices in life have as much
impact on our lives as our career choice.
I remember only too well the anxiety and
consternation of my own career choice.
Four years ago when I was agonising over
the choice between medicine, optometry
and law, a family friend said, “There are
any number of ways to make a living, but
you should choose a career that allows
you to make a life.”
This remark was the catalyst for
me choosing a career in optometry
and I could not be happier with my
choice. Optometry is truly unique in
26 • mivision
its combination of the challenge and
stimulation of science, the satisfaction
of personal interaction with patients and
the flexibility that allows for a fulfilling
personal and family life.
I have always wanted to make a difference
in peoples’ lives. For me, optometry
clearly provides this opportunity. The
chance to make a difference, to make
a living and to make a life – to me, the
choice was simple.
A Unique Career
After four long years of intensive
education and clinical practice – at times
a little too challenging – my peers and
I have graduated and commenced our
careers as optometrists.
Of course, I now know much more about
optometry than when I first chose this
career path. To be honest, I am even
more convinced that optometry is an
opportunity for life.
Our patients are real people with real
problems. Their vision is important to
them and it is important to me. Longterm relationships with a wide range of
patients, with a variety of ocular issues,
ensure each day is interesting, challenging
and fulfilling.
As primary eye care practitioners we are
often the first to detect serious conditions
such as diabetes and hypertension and
are directly involved in the health care of
our patients. Optometry boasts a variety
of specialty areas including contact
lenses and children’s vision, allowing
optometrists the opportunity to focus on
specific areas of practice if they wish.
Post Graduation
One of my father’s self-coined,
favourite clichés that he often reassured
my endless study with was: “the biggest
obstacle to learning anything is
knowing everything.”
Photo by Michelle Holman
A recent optometry graduate from Ayr in North
Queensland shines a light on her new role in the
industry, revealing her inspiration for commencing
a career in optometry. Her refreshing perspective
serves as a reminder of the invaluable work
optometrists provide the community. Kady Brandon
While I sometimes tire of my father’s
irritating truisms, I admit he has a point.
Despite the years of hard work, long
nights of study and hours of honing
clinical skills, we can’t know it all.
I’m looking forward to this next phase
of my optometric career. In January this
year I started my professional career with
Eyes on Edward in Brisbane’s CBD and
am enjoying my position. Working in a
team of experienced optometrists, optical
dispensers, and sales staff has provided
me with invaluable experience and
professional development.
which can only be learnt from practical
experience, with the assistance of
unfortunate, yet inevitable errors. While
no-one likes to make errors, we are no
longer in a position where the answers
can be found in Kanski or with a quick
pub-med search.
I anticipate that the next twelve months
will be both interesting and illuminating.
In addition to gaining extensive clinical
experience, each of us will obtain valuable
knowledge about practice management
and how to effectively and efficiently run
a practice.
The inclusive nature of our industry really
appeals to me. We work in a tight-knit and
supportive environment where colleagues
are enthusiastic and generous with
assistance, advice and guidance.
Many of us will also continue our formal
tertiary education with CPD programs
and postgraduate study such as the
Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics, which
I personally hope to commence this year.
The Road Ahead
As a student observer with the OAA
QLD/NT council for the past two years,
I witnessed first-hand the struggle for
As graduates we still have a long road
ahead and many lessons to learn, most of
Queensland practicing optometrists
to attain professional parity with our
interstate counterparts in the area of
ocular drug prescribing rights.
Despite this current impediment to
delivering the highest ocular care possible
to our patients, I believe we are entering
optometry at an exciting time where the
scope of our profession has increased to
embrace a holistic approach to diagnosis
and treatment.
I’m excited about the future of optometry
and my future in it. Ours is a vibrant
and progressive profession, in a constant
state of evolution. It is professionally
stimulating, intellectually challenging and
emotionally satisfying. Optometry really
is an opportunity for life.
Kady Brandon is an optometrist at Eyes on Edward
in Brisbane. She graduated from QUT Optometry
in 2008 and is currently an observer on the OAA
QLD/NT Council.
mivision • 27
Confidently fit more patients
with the number one selling
Lo-Torque contact lens design
for astigmatic correction.
NEW
The science behind the Lo-Torque design:
ballasting geometry designed
™ Prism
to deliver fast, stable orientation
comfort chamfer to facilitate
™ 360
a smooth lens / lid interaction
Balanced vertical thickness profile
™ designed
to provide stable vision
Refined optic zones provide uniform
™ fitting
across the entire lens range
o
So fit your patients today or for more information,
visit www.bausch.com.au or www.bausch.co.nz
© 2009 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated. ®/TM are trademarks of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated. Bausch & Lomb (Australia) Pty Limited. ABN 34 000 650 251 Level 4,
113 Wicks Road, North Ryde NSW 2113. Phone: 1800 251 150. Bausch & Lomb (New Zealand) Ltd. C/O, 2A Fisher Crescent, Mt Wellington, Auckland NZ. Phone: 0800 658 386.
micolumn
As I See It:
A view of the
world from
optometrist,
and former
Australian
cricketer and
former coach
of the Pakistan
cricket team,
Geoff Lawson,
OAM.
Pakistan, Pomegranates
and Cricket
Since my return last November to Australia, after
almost 15 months living in Pakistan, there are
recurring questions that almost everyone asks
me as the first three options. That is, shortly after
“hello” and well before “how are you going?”
Mostly, the interrogatives come as
statements, with people assuming that
they have a broad knowledge of all
things sub-continental and Central Asian
because they have “seen it on the news”.
The misconceptions are enormous in
breadth and depth, somewhat akin to
Americans and Europeans believing
that kangaroos hop down George Street,
poisonous snakes are on every suburban
street and all the local spiders will bite
your hand off.
1. With all those bombs going off, it must
have been so scary over there. How
concerned for your safety were you?
2. You must have gotten tired of the spicy
food all of the time. I bet you’re glad to
be back to normal meals.
3. Those Pakistani cricketers are so
uncontrollable; you had the toughest
job in world cricket!
I can honestly say that in all the time
I was residing in Lahore, or visiting other
parts of the country, from the southern
coast of Karachi, to the Army School of
Physical Training at Kakul (at 6,000 feet
on the way to the Karakoram mountains),
I did not have one single second where the
fear of an attack, or random suicide bomb,
ever entered my (or my fitness coach Dave
Dwyer from Sydney) mind.
Dave and I went about our day to day
business in Lahore without any security
to accompany us. Life was normal – going
to the supermarket or the movies or the
golf course. The only genuine fear comes
when you get in the traffic! Now that is
an experience.
The roads in Lahore City are mainly
wide boulevards that allow the traffic
to get up a good pace between the sets
of signals. On one of my first days in
Lahore, the first thing I asked my driver
was, “… there any road rules at all?”
such was the apparent chaos to my
western mind. He replied in an indignant
tone that “yes, of course there are!!! But
if we took any notice of them we would
never get anywhere”.
It is with all those considerations in mind
that the brutal attack against the Sri
Lankan cricket team in March came as a
significant shock. The Sri Lankans had
completed the First Test of the series in
Karachi without incident. The heaviest
criticism has been directed at the head
groundsmen who produced a pitch of
unforgiveable flatness that saw Younis
Khan make 313. Even he found fault
with such a surface. Security seemed
fine, adequate at least. No threats were
received or perceived. The players
and fans went about their business of
participating and spectating with interest
and diligence.
The first two days of play at the Gaddafi
Stadium in Lahore (so named after Libyan
dictator Mohmmar Gaddafi, who gave a
serious financial gift for its construction
in the late 1970s) went, as they say,
“without incident” apart from broken
hearted bowlers once more.
Cricket has been the “alternative
narrative” for Pakistan, which is a vastly
different story, divorced from terrorism,
militancy, the hiding place of Al-Qaeda,
the Taliban and mis-government.
mivision • 29
As I See It:
“I did not have one
single second where
the fear of an attack,
or random suicide
bomb, ever entered
my (or my fitness
coach Dave Dwyer
from Sydney) mind.”
The average Pakistani is a cricket fan, and
Pakistan is the most populous country
in the world. That means a lot of people
watch and love the game. At the time of
writing, the perpetrators had not been
identified, but it would be safe to say that
they are not ‘average Pakistanis’.
I am very familiar with the exact
location of the attack in Gulberg’s Main
Boulevard. It is only a couple of hundred
metres from my residence at the National
Cricket Academy.
I have driven through the Liberty
Roundabout hundreds of times. I had my
first Punjabi motor accident at the very
spot which the terrorists fired a rocket
at the visitor’s bus. The traffic control
site is probably 70 metres wide through
the centre, grass covered, manicured
lawn with well cared for flower beds
brightening the asphalt carpet.
Businesses occupy the outer margins on
two quadrants of the ‘Aussie Rules’ sized
oval. The fresh Boulli juice shop, where
the staff will bring a freshly squeezed
pomegranate, grapefruit or orange juice
to your car as you wait at kerb, blocking
a lane or two. A sole trader barber has
the lone outdoor chair, mirror cracked,
30 • mivision
perilously close to the passing rickshaws,
motor bikes, buses and camel drawn carts.
He looks old enough to have been trading
when the camels were the only source of
transport. Another businessman plies live
fish into a plastic bag; I have never seen
anyone actually make a purchase and
can’t imagine what the price would be.
When the cricket is on at the stadium,
their profits skyrocket. They will be
struggling for many a year since the
lunatics decided that the formally
sacrosanct British game became another
target to satisfy extremist views.
I feel for many Pakistani friends who have
to endure the power outages and rising
food prices.
In downtown Gulberg, Lahore City, there
are the most modern optometry practices
where the frames are fashion contemporary
and the equipment is state of the art.
Eye care is not so good in the rural areas
though, and although India and other
developing Asian countries benefit from
such wonderful charities as Optometry
Giving Sight, it was another aim of mine to
be involved with the local delivery of such
charities. The hospitality of the people of
Pakistan deserves a good turn.
THERE ARE SOME THINGS YOUR EYES NEVER GROW TIRED OF
Help your patients continue to see what’s precious to them.
Xalatan, providing sustained IOP * reduction and proven tolerability for up to 5 years.1^,2,3
latanoprost
PBS Information: This drug is listed on the PBS for the treatment
of Open Angle Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension.
*Low IOP is associated with reduced progression of visual field defect in patients with glaucoma.4,5 ^Xalatan used as adjunctive therapy.1
REFER TO PRODUCT INFORMATION BEFORE PRESCRIBING. MINIMUM PRODUCT INFORMATION: XALATAN® (Latanoprost 50 micrograms/mL) Eye Drops. Indications: Reduction of intraocular
pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Dosage and administration: One eye drop in the affected eye(s) once daily. Other eye drops at least 5 minutes
apart. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to ingredients. Precautions: Change in eye colour due to increased iris pigmentation, heterochromia; eyelid skin darkening; changes in eyelashes
and vellus hair; macular oedema; other types of glaucoma; pseudophakia; aphakia; contact lenses. Severe or brittle asthma. Pregnancy category B3, lactation. Children. Interactions: other
prostaglandins, thiomersal. Blurring of vision. Adverse effects: Increased iris pigmentation; eye irritation (burning, grittiness, itching, stinging and foreign body sensation); eyelash and vellus hair
changes (darkening, thickening, lengthening, increased number); mild to moderate conjunctival hyperaemia; transient punctate epithelial erosions; blepharitis; eye pain; conjunctivitis; vision
blurred; eyelid oedema, macular oedema. Muscle/joint pain; dizziness; headache; localised skin reaction on the eyelids; skin rash. Uncommonly: keratitis; non-specific chest pain; Others, see
full PI. PBS dispensed price $41.71. The full disclosure Product Information is available on request from Pfizer Australia Pty Limited. ABN 50 008 442 348. 38-42 Wharf Road, West Ryde
NSW 2114. Full PI approved by the TGA on 4 February 2003, last amended 20 November 2006. Pfizer Medical Information 1800 675 229. References: 1. Alm A et al. Arch Ophthalmol
2004; 112: 957–965. 2. Goldberg I et al. Eur J Ophthalmol 2008; 18(3): 408–416. 3. Hedman K et al. Surv Ophthalmol 2002; 47(Suppl 1): S65-S76 4. The AGIS
investigators. Am J Ophthalmol 2000; 130: 429-440. 5. Goldberg I. Surv Ophthalmol 2003; 48(Suppl 1): S3-S7. 04/09 McCann Healthcare XALAT0065/MV/W
miophthalmology
Dr. Iain Dunlop,
RANZCO’s President,
is moving for an
integrated eye care
team approach to help
meet the growing needs
of an ageing population.
A N I N T E G R AT E D A P P R O A C H T O
Tackling the Ageing Eye
The ever-increasing workload the ageing
population is bringing to the eye care
sector, necessitates a fundamental shift
in the way the different groups within the
sector operate.
People are living longer, and medical
advances mean more treatment options are
available. This creates a demand for services
that is more than any one group of eye care
professionals can deal with in isolation.
“Ageing comes to all of us, and with that
comes the likelihood we will suffer some
sort of eye disease at some stage,” says
RANZCO President, Canberra-based
ophthalmologist Dr. Iain Dunlop. “It is
inevitable that as the population ages,
more people will experience one or more
age-related eye conditions.”
The ‘Big Five’ causes of vision loss amongst
the elderly are macular degeneration,
glaucoma, cataract, diabetic eye disease
and under-corrected refractive error.
These five conditions cause three quarters
of the vision loss in Australia, and
impacts more than just eye health. There
are quality of life issues, loss of social
independence and the resultant burden
on family, community and health services.
“Compared with an elderly person with
good vision, one with poor vision or
32 • mivision
blindness is twice as likely to have a
fall and three times as likely to suffer
depression,” says Dr. Dunlop. “They are
up to eight times more likely to sustain
hip fractures and are admitted to nursing
homes three years earlier than their
counterparts with good vision.”
Many issues affect the eye care sector’s
ability to cope with the needs of an
ageing population. There are workforce
shortages and maldistribution amongst
general practitioners, ophthalmologists,
optometrists and low vision practitioners.
Aged people with eye disease often have
a number of co-morbidities, and people in
rural and remote areas have compromised
access to health care.
“We are treating some of the most
vulnerable in our community – the
elderly,” says Dr. Dunlop. “They have
difficulty attending health practitioners;
treatment costs and travel costs are
high; and they may need appointment
reminders. They also struggle to remember
diagnoses and medicines, and may have
trouble complying with regular treatment
and prioritising their health problems.”
Historically, the fact that health
practitioners were used to working in
isolation – concentrating on their own area
of expertise – compounded the problem.
The general practitioner didn’t always
know what the optometrist was doing in
relation to vision care. They, in turn, may
not have known what the ophthalmologist
was doing. Some of the elderly had never
heard of an orthoptist or low-vision
specialist, let alone had access to the vast
array of eye care services they offered.
An Integrated Approach
Dr. Dunlop says it is now more widely
accepted that the only way to deal with
these complex challenges is an integrated,
team approach to eye care. “The ageing
population coupled with the need for more
‘man-hours’ to manage all these people
means we need an integrated eye care
team to deliver the care,” he says.
In his first year as president of RANZCO,
Dr. Dunlop says his impression from
working with various eye care groups is
that an integrated team model is not as
controversial as it once was.
“The integrated eye care team is more
widely accepted as being necessary. I
haven’t spoken to anybody who is still
advocating separate ‘silos’ of care,” he
says. “Everyone who broaches the topic
agrees the integrated team approach is
the way to go, in the sense we all want to
feel safe with what we’re doing, and that
we’ve got someone working alongside us
to consult if we wish. It breaks down the
idea of ‘us and them’.”
Conceptually, the team approach to
eye care makes sense. However it may
still take a while to become a widespread reality in practical, day to day
eye care delivery.
“Until it actually affects the people
providing eye care, in terms of
unmanageable demands on their
time and resources, they won’t
commit to the integrated team
approach,” says Dr. Dunlop.
There are some inroads being made.
Public hospital clinics and large private
practices already have these teams
working together: eye doctors and eye
nurses, registrars and orthoptists. “It’s
just a matter of whether optometrists can
come and join the medical aspect and that
comes down to training and funding,”
says Dr. Dunlop.
The integrated team model doesn’t
mean that eye care has to all happen
under the one roof. “It just means that
if several people are managing the one
patient, they share what they’re doing and
communicate with others when there is
a change in condition or treatment.” Dr.
Dunlop says there has been a big push for
the collaborative care model when dealing
with people with glaucoma. “It is a
template for how other medical and paramedical people work – whether that be
obstetricians and midwives, or surgeons
and podiatrists.”
“The patient benefits because they get
better, more informed, timely care,” says
Dr. Dunlop. “The practitioner benefits
in that they learn a lot by working with
others, by seeing what other people do
and by being observed themselves. It is
a more open system. And if you think of
the number of services that can be rolled
out with the number of practitioners
doing it, it’s far cheaper to fund that
group of services if you do it through
a team approach.”
It’s not just in the clinical setting where
the integrated team model is beneficial.
Last year, the New Zealand National Eye
Centre opened in Auckland. “This centre
is a teaching and research institution –
linked with Auckland Hospital – where
traditionally disparate groups are working
together: optometry, ophthalmology and
visual sciences. It’s a good model for
parallel education,” says Dr. Dunlop.
Funding
Telemedicine is one of the newer
ways a team can work together for the
benefit of the patient – particularly
patients living in rural and remote areas.
Nurses, community health workers,
GPs and para-medical practitioners in
remote areas consult with specialists
in larger cities using email, internet
and video conferencing.
However, in order for this technology to
be more widely adopted, the Medicare
funding model for electronic teleconsultation needs to change.
“One issue is that under current Medicare
legislation, in any one consultation only
one doctor can charge,” says Dr. Dunlop.
“With a telemedicine consultation, often
there is more than one doctor consulting
the one patient at the one episode of care.”
Funding issues have also been implicated
in medical workforce shortages. There
is an increase in medical students and
residents coming through the system over
the next five years. Historically it has been
hard to find funded positions for them in
clinical settings where they can get wide
clinical exposure.
“The Federal Government has allocated
‘(AUD) 1.1 billion to pay for education and
to find training placements for medical
students, interns and residents up to year
two,” says Dr. Dunlop. “We’re hoping
the government will then fund training
positions within hospitals for the specialty
positions in medicine, including eyes.”
A large proportion of eye disease goes
undetected, and integrated eye care teams
could play an important part in screening
and prevention strategies. This would
require significant changes to current
funding models.
“We have to treat the treatable and
prevent the preventable,” says Dr. Dunlop.
“We don’t have sufficient screening
procedures in place to pick up the true
extent of eye disease. Fifty percent of
glaucoma, for example, is undiagnosed.
A screening program would lead to early
detection and therefore early intervention,
and better visual outcomes for patients.
But screening is not funded because
screening is not a therapy, and Medicare
only funds therapy.”
During Dr. Dunlop’s first year as
RANZCO President, he has urged
governments to fund eye screening
within Medicare, and to fund
prevention strategies and allocate
more resources to eye research.
“The eye care sector has to lobby for
Medicare funding on the evidence base.
We have to show that screening and early
intervention leads to better eye health,
and that the overall cost to the
community is much reduced.”
There is a huge amount of work to be
done to deal with the level of vision
impairment and blindness that will
become evident as people live longer.
“That is why we need a team approach:
ophthalmologists, GPs, optometrists,
orthoptists and ophthalmic nurses
working in an integrated way to treat
eye disease and promote eye health.”
This column is contributed by The Royal Australian
and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists with a
view to improving communication with the eye care
community in the interests of helping to achieve
optimum patient outcomes.
“The ageing population coupled with the need for more
‘man-hours’ to manage all these people means we
need an integrated eye care team to deliver the care.”
mivision • 33
miophthalmology
WET AGE-RELATED MACULAR
DEGENERATION THERAPIES:
Is More Better
Than Less?
Age-related macular degeneration
(AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible
visual loss and blindness in elderly
Australians. The most severe vision loss
arises from the neovascular, or wet form
of the disease, which is less common than
the atrophic, or dry form, but is more
rapid in onset and progression as well as
being more destructive. AMD is the most
common visual reason for the elderly to
stop reading, driving and ultimately losing
their independence.
Anti-VEGF therapy
Angiogenesis has come a long way since
the concept was first introduced by Dr.
Judah Folkman in 1971 based upon
experimental research on rabbit and mouse
corneas. Anti-angiogenesis therapy with
anti-vascular endothelial growth factor
(anti-VEGF) agents has recently taken on a
pivotal role in oncology and medical retina
therapies. Avastin (Bevacizumab) and
Lucentis (Ranibizumab) are two related
anti-VEGF agents that have revolutionised
the management of wet AMD due to their
34 • mivision
The effect of AMD on quality of life together
with the social, emotional and economic impact
on families and the community is enormous. The
Centre for Eye Research Australia estimates that
AMD currently costs the community and government
approximately (AUD)$3 billion annually, a figure that
will more than double within the next decade.
Dr. Jeff Friedrich MBBS, FRACS, FRANZCO and
Dr. Simon Chen BSc, MBBS, FRCOphth, FRANZCO
ability to prevent the growth and leakage
of the choroidal new vessels which occur in
this condition.
The landmark MARINA and ANCHOR
trials showed that treatment with Lucentis
was superior to the natural history of wet
AMD or treatment with photodynamic
therapy (PDT) respectively. Lucentis
stabilised vision in over 90 per cent of
patients (stabilisation was defined as a loss
of less than three lines of vision). Between
one quarter and one third of patients gained
three or more lines of vision with treatment.
These unprecedentedly good results
were achieved using a regime of monthly
intravitreal Lucentis injections continued
Figure 1 (Left): Wet AMD with
exudation and haemorrhage.
Figure 2 (Below): Fluorescein
angiogram demonstrating choroidal
neovascular membrane.
“The majority of ophthalmologists initiate treatment
with an ‘induction course’ of three consecutive
monthly Lucentis injections.”
for two years. The PIER study assessed
whether Lucentis could be administered
less often than every month and still be
effective for the treatment of wet AMD.
Treated patients received an initial
‘induction phase’ of monthly injections
for three months, followed by a reduced
frequency of injections every three
months for nine months. PIER showed a
significant improvement in vision during
the initial induction phase of monthly
Lucentis injections. However, when patients
were switched to a reduced frequency of
injections at three monthly intervals, they
lost most of the vision gained during the
induction phase and on average, returned
to their baseline visual acuity. These results
were clearly not as good as in the MARINA
and ANCHOR in which continued monthly
injections led to an overall improvement in
vision as opposed to only stabilisation of
vision as seen in PIER.
The PRONTO study was a relatively
small and uncontrolled study in which
patients were treated with an induction
phase of monthly Lucentis injections
for three months, followed by injections
on a pro re nata (prn) basis according to
criteria such as a drop in vision, recurrent
retinal haemorrhage or increasing retinal
thickness (fluid) on Optical Coherence
Tomography (OCT). The results of
PRONTO were comparable to those
achieved in MARINA and ANCHOR,
with 82 per cent of patients having stable
vision and 35 per cent improving by
three lines or more. These results were
achieved with an average of 5.5 injections
during one year in PRONTO compared
to 12 injections per year in MARINA
and ANCHOR. Additionally, 17 per cent
of patients in PRONTO did not require
any additional injections after the initial
induction phase of three injections. Despite
its limitations, PRONTO had a profound
influence on the subsequent development
of prn dosing regimes for Lucentis.
Current Anti-VEGF
Treatment Regimes
The majority of ophthalmologists initiate
treatment with an ‘induction course’
of three consecutive monthly Lucentis
injections. Following the induction
course, further treatment is typically
administered according to one of the
following regimes;
(i) Treat and Observe
Injections are continued every month
until the macula is dry i.e. no intraretinal
or subretinal fluid can be detected on
OCT scanning. Once the macula is dry,
treatment is stopped and only restarted
if fluid or haemorrhage recurs in the
macula. This approach has the advantage
of requiring the smallest number of
injections which has obvious benefits in
terms of cost, convenience and minimising
the cumulative risk of treatment related
complications such as endophthalmitis.
However, this regime potentially carries
the greatest risk of permanent visual
loss because a recurrence of leakage
from choroidal new vessels may lead to
irreversible retinal damage with the result
that vision lost during the recurrence may
not always be recovered when Lucentis
treatment is recommenced.
(ii) Treat and Extend
Injections are continued every month
until the macula is dry. Once the macula
is dry, the interval between injections is
gradually extended until macular fluid
or haemorrhage recurs. For example,
once fluid has resolved with monthly
injections, the next injection would
be scheduled five weeks later, then
six weeks later then seven weeks later
and so on, until macular fluid recurs
between injections. The injections are
then administered at intervals such that
macular fluid or blood does not reappear
between injections. This interval is known
as the ‘fluid free interval’ and typically
appears to be relatively constant for any
mivision • 35
“The Centre for Eye Research Australia estimates that
AMD currently costs the Australian community and
government approximately (AUD)$3 billion annually.”
Figure 3: 3D spectral OCT showing elevated pigment epithelial detachment due to wet AMD.
particular patient. The advantage of this
strategy is that it may be a convenient and
cost-effective way to individualise therapy
whilst minimising the risk of a prolonged
recurrence of macular fluid. The
disadvantage of this method is that it has
not yet been proven in large randomised
clinical trials and it may carry a risk of
visual loss occurring when the macular
fluid recurs. A common observation in
the retinal clinic is that when patients
lose vision during a period of poor clinic
attendance (e.g. due to an intercurrent
illness or overseas travel), the lost vision
may not always be recovered following
resumption of Lucentis treatment.
(iii) Monthly treatment
Injections are continued every month
regardless of whether fluid or haemorrhage
is present. This was the approach used
in MARINA and ANCHOR. The
advantage of this paradigm is that it
is currently considered to be the gold
standard of treatment because it is the only
regime supported by evidence from large
randomised controlled clinical trials. The
disadvantages are that this approach carries
the greatest treatment burden for patients
and doctors as it is the most intensive in
terms of monitoring, treatment and cost.
The authors prefer to adopt a variety of
these treatment regimes, tailored to the
individual patient following an informed
discussion of the various options. No
two patients are identical and factors
such as ability and willingness to
attend for frequent follow-up, patient
preference, physician preference, financial
circumstances, general health, visual
acuity, unilateral or bilateral involvement,
and previous response to treatment are all
important in the decision making process.
An alternative strategy developed to reduce
the burden of monthly injections includes
the use of combination therapies involving
anti-VEGF agents with photodynamic
therapy (PDT) and intravitreal steroids.
Trials have shown that combination
therapy may reduce the number of
36 • mivision
injections, but PDT can be associated with
severe visual loss due to induced choroidal
ischaemia and it is unclear whether
the visual outcomes of combination
therapy can match those of Lucentis
monotherapy. The results of the large
ongoing SUMMIT series of trials looking
at combination treatment with Lucentis
and PDT are awaited and will clarify the
potential benefits of this approach.
What About Off-label Anti-VEGFs?
Avastin has a longer half life in the
vitreous as it is a bigger molecule than
Lucentis and thus may be longer acting.
Many clinicians have an impression that
the efficacy of Avastin is longer than that
of Lucentis. However, Avastin does not
currently have Medicare approval for
intraocular use. The Comparison of AMD
Treatments Trials (CATT) is currently
underway in the United States. The
results of this head to head comparison of
Avastin and Lucentis are eagerly awaited
by retina specialists throughout the world.
VEGF Trap-Eye
VEGF Trap-Eye is a super-charged antiVEGF agent with fused VEGF receptor
proteins on one arm of the molecule
giving it a binding affinity for VEGF
that is 140 times greater than Lucentis.
VEGF Trap-Eye has a longer half life
in the rabbit vitreous than Lucentis and
modelling studies predict biological
activity in the human vitreous persisting
for between 73 and 87 days following
intravitreal injection depending upon
the dosage given. This has the enormous
potential to enable the use of lower drug
concentrations with longer treatment
intervals between injections.
The CLEAR-IT 2 study of VEGF TrapEye for wet AMD recently reported
promising results in a group of 157
patients randomised to treatment with
various doses of VEGF Trap-Eye at
varying injection intervals. The results
showed that patients receiving 2mg
of VEGF Trap-Eye monthly for three
months then prn required an average of
4.6 injections over 12 months with visual
results that compared favourably with
MARINA and ANCHOR.
VIEW 2 is a large international
randomised, controlled clinical trial
comparing the efficacy and safety of VEGF
Trap-Eye with Lucentis. The results of the
trial will demonstrate whether less frequent
treatment regimes with VEGF Trap-eye
will be more beneficial than the more
frequent treatment regimes of Lucentis.
Dr. Simon Chen and Dr. Jeff Friedrich are
currently enrolling patients for this study
at Vision Eye Institute, Chatswood in New
South Wales.
Conclusion
The recognition of a drop in the visual
acuity of many patients being treated
with prn regimes has led some clinicians
to favour regular monthly injections
over prn regimes and this may result
in a pendulum swing towards more
frequent monthly dosing with Lucentis.
Alternative approaches to reducing the
burden of treatment such as combination
therapies and VEGF Trap-Eye are being
investigated. Presently however, the
question of “is more better than less?” not
only in terms of injections but in terms of
follow up remains unanswered.
The importance of early detection, prompt
referral, timely treatment and regular
follow-up for wet AMD to achieve and
maintain good visual outcomes with
modern anti-VEGF therapies cannot be
over-emphasised.
Dr. Jeff Friedrich is a General and Medical Retina
Ophthalmologist practising at the Vision Eye Institute
in Chatswood and Cremorne, NSW. He specialises
in intravitreal therapies for age related macular
degeneration and retinal vascular diseases.
Dr. Simon Chen is a Retina Specialist at the
Vision Eye Institute in Bondi Junction, Chatswood,
Drummoyne and Hurstville in NSW. His areas of
expertise are Medical and Surgical Retina with a
particular interest in intravitreal drug treatments for
age related macular degeneration and sutureless
retinal surgery for retinal detachments, epiretinal
membranes and macular holes.
NEW from Designs For Vision
Non-mydriatic Fundus Camera
superb optics • new software • high resolution internal CCD
DESIGNS FOR VISION www.dfv.com.au
Designing the future of eyecare
ORDERS + ENQUIRIES
1800 225 307
mioptometr y
Optometry Association Reports
Happenings and events from the optometry divisions in Australia and NZ
OAA Vic
We are here to serve! One of the most
important services we provide for
members is the capacity to call their state
division with a query. We love talking
with members and are always happy to
respond to a query or hear member views.
We get calls from members on all sorts of
topics. Our members ask questions, share
anecdotes or raise concerns about things
like Medicare, buying or selling a practice
and the pros and cons of franchising.
Sometimes the topic is therapeutics, or
legislative and administrative matters like
patient record management or privacy
laws. We receive a lot of calls about salaries
and contracts. You would be surprised at
the range of questions we are asked. In a complex and changing optometry
environment there are many issues our
members are considering. When they call
us and ask us a question it firstly gives us
the chance to help and secondly helps us
gather information about the key issues
for our members. Members can trust that
the information they give us is treated in
confidence unless they explicitly give us
permission to share it.
We encourage members to make contact
with the office throughout the year.
However big or small your issue, we
welcome the communication. If we can
give you a quick and easy answer we will.
If not, we will try and find it or refer you
to someone who can help. Sometimes
we are able to put a caller in touch with
another member who has dealt with a
similar issue. We’re also interested if
members just want to share a piece of
news, or raise an issue they think we
should consider as a policy or project
matter for the Association.
Last year, we developed some information
about prescribing and dispensing issues,
in response to concerns raised by members
and discussions with optometrists who’d
contacted the office to ask for practical
advice or share recent experiences.
We also welcome your input into our
publications and Association activities.
So if you have an idea for a Scope article,
or a topic you’d like to see included in our
Continuing Professional Development
programs, feel free to give us a call, send
us an email … or even write us a letter.
Either Kirsty Machon, our Policy
Manager, or myself are only too happy to
help out with queries.
To contact us – Kirsty Machon, Policy
Manager ([email protected]) or
Terri Smith, Chief Executive Officer
([email protected]) or call the
office on (AUS) 03 9654 2122. Terri Smith
OAA NSW
This month’s article is a post-script to the
wonderful mivision article last month on
World Glaucoma Day.
Glaucoma Australia, Pfizer and the
Optometrists Association combined to
run three days of vision screenings in
Tamworth in regional New South Wales.
Over the three days, we took retinal
photographs and tonometry readings from
over 350 people, detecting about three per
“Our members ask questions, share anecdotes or
raise concerns about things like Medicare, buying
or selling a practice and the pros and cons of
franchising.” Terri Smith
38 • mivision
cent of those attending with a significant,
undiagnosed vision problem.
As well as glaucoma, we found instances
of macular degeneration, diabetes and
other retinal problems – all of which came
as quite a surprise to the people involved.
One of the great things about working
in rural areas is the interest of and
support from the media, who really do
go out of their way to make sure that the
community knows about what is being
done and actively encourages people to
get involved.
Over the three days I don’t think we
ever had a waiting time of less than 20
minutes, and on many occasions, people
were patiently waiting for up to an hour
for their screening.
Being involved in these screenings is
a great opportunity to connect with
the local community and we were very
grateful for the assistance offered by local
optometrists Quynh Lam, Phil Anderton,
Andrew Greer and Paul Harvey – it
wouldn’t have happened without them.
And many thanks also to mivision, who
very willingly promoted the event and got
right behind the screening effort – very
much appreciated! Andrew McKinnon
OAA QLD
Queensland has a new government led by
the first Australian female Premier to be
re-elected (Anna Bligh).
Finally, Queensland optometry
patients will be better off with access
to an enhanced list of topical drugs
from optometrists.
The OAA’s campaign was relentless and
started well before the 21 March election
was called by Anna Bligh. Some 50
dedicated members engaged in hundreds
of meetings with candidates of both
persuasions, sent letters to editors of local
newspapers and called talkback radio
asking for fair go for Queensland optometry
patients. Several hundred more members
mobilised their patients to send pre-prepared
/FFERFIRSTTIME
CONTACTLENSWEARERS
SUPERIORCOMFORT
HASSLEFREECONVENIENCE
o $!9!#565%…-/)34ISANIDEALCHOICE
FORFIRSTTIMEWEARERSDUETO
…
o 3UPERIORENDOFDAYCOMFORTpDUETO,!#2%/. 4ECHNOLOGY
o (EALTHIESTMODALITYpFRESHNEWLENSEVERYDAY
o (ASSLEFREEpNOMAINTENANCEREQUIRED
#OMFORTTHATWONlTBLINKAWAY
4HE,!#2%/.…4ECHNOLOGYPERMANENTLYEMBEDSAWATERHOLDING
INGREDIENTLOCKINGMOISTUREINTOTHELENSMAINTAININGCOMFORT
ANDPERFORMANCETHROUGHOUTTHEDAY
bdgZi]Vck^h^dcXdggZXi^dc
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care. A division of Johnson & Johnson Pacific Pty Ltd. 45 Jones Street, Ultimo NSW 2007. Ph: 1800 125 024 www.acuvue.com.au
A division of Johnson & Johnson New Zealand Ltd. Ground Floor, Tonkin & Taylor House, 105 Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket, Auckland New Zealand. Ph: 0800 449 535 www.acuvue.co.nz
® TRADE MARK
“Finally, Queensland optometry patients will be better
off with access to an enhanced list of topical drugs
from optometrists.” Greg Johnson
letters to Premier Bligh and Health Minister
Robertson and contacted their local GP’s
and pharmacists to do likewise.
and Prednisolone thus bringing the list
into line with those operating in most
Australian states and territories.”
The OAA targeted sitting members and
other candidates with briefing papers and
participated in many media interviews as
well as writing letters to the editor.
Optometrists prescribing therapeutic eye
drops in Queensland must have completed
training in ocular therapeutics approved by
the Optometry Council of Australia and
New Zealand and be registered to so practice
by the Optometrists Board of Queensland.
From the outset, the LNP affirmed its
support with the following public policy:
“Immediately upon election in March
2009 the LNP government will instruct
the Optometrists Board of Queensland
to amend the list of therapeutic eye
drops prescribed by optometrists in
Queensland to include all topical
glaucoma medications and the uveitis
topical medications Dexamethasone
Labor was a less enthusiastic participant,
but as the campaign wore on it came
around, firstly with agreed undertakings
on a glaucoma shared care model and
later on timelines for delivery of two
outstanding anti-inflammatory drops.
The result was a victory for the patients of
Queensland. Their enthusiastic support of
The new Medmont FOCUS Perimeter
The new Medmont FOCUS Perimeter
offers many of the current facilities
of the M700 Automated Perimeter in
a significantly smaller body.
and Medmont DV2000 Digital Imaging
Software as well as integrating with 3rd
Party Practice Management Software
(eg: Optomate Premier & Sunix Elite).
The FOCUS Perimeter has an integrated
ergonomic hood on it allowing it to be
utilised in pre-testing environments that
don’t have the ability to lower the room
lighting, freeing up the need to occupy
the Consultation Room.
Contact Details:
Medmont International Pty Ltd
Unit 1, 170-180 Rooks Rd
Vermont Victoria 3133
The FOCUS Perimeter utilises Medmont
Studio 4 Software and can interface
with other Medmont Applications such
as, Medmont E300 Corneal Topographer
Phone: (03) 9874 1388
Fax: (03) 9874 1488
Email: [email protected]
Sales Email: [email protected]
30% TAX REBATE BEFORE 30 JUNE 09
CONTACT YOUR TAX ADVISOR FOR ELIGIBILITY
the OAA has delivered them a standard
of optometric care long afforded to other
Australians. Greg Johnson
OAA WA
This month see’s the start of the Rural and
Remote Optometry program for the North
West of WA for 2009.
Building on from the success of last
year’s inaugural program, the volunteer
optometrists are back for their second year
of working in these remote communities.
In 2008, an additional 34 weeks of eye
service to these remote and regional
areas of the Kimberley and Pilbara
was delivered. All available Aboriginal
Medical Service locations were attended;
providing sight and acute care for eye
disorders and effectively triaging patients
for tertiary care by specialists.
With almost 20 volunteers now
available, the program continues to
grow under the supervision and
involvement of local optometrist,
Margie O’Neill, based in Kununurra.
This year will be another important year
in not only continuing to deliver this
much needed service, but will also provide
a lasting platform for the program to build
upon well into the future.
Welcome to New Members
Each year the WA Division holds a
welcome to New Members to WA
evening. Twenty new members have
now relocated to WA in the past 12
months and are well underway in their
careers the west.
The evening was supported by Lynn
Dowdell and Helen Gleave from Ciba
Vision. Also in attendance were WA
Registration Board members, Garry
Fitzpatrick and Lisa Jansen, OAAWA
President Geoff Smith and the WA
Executive Councillors. Tony Martella
NZAO
Optometrist exemptions have been
approved for ketotifen 0.025 per cent and
chloramphenicol for ophthalmic use.
The Medicines Classification Committee
(MCC) considered the joint submission
from NZAO and Novartis for the
reclassification of ketotifen fumarate 0.025
per cent at their meeting in November 2008.
The result is that MCC has
recommended that ketotifen be
reclassified from restricted medicine
to pharmacy-only medicine when
for ophthalmic use in medicines
containing 0.025 per cent or less,
except when sold in practice by a
registered optometrist.
status when sold in practice by a
registered optometrist.
The MCC also reviewed the classification
of chloramphenicol and has recommended
that it should remain a prescription
medicine but be exempt from prescription
This is tremendous recognition of
the diagnostic role that optometrists
fulfil. The New Zealand Association
Provided no valid objections to the
recommendation are lodged, the
change came into effect by means of a
notice in the New Zealand Gazette on
19 March 2009.
of Optometrists
“Being involved in [the World Glaucoma Day]
screenings is a great opportunity to connect with
the local community and we were very grateful for
the assistance offered by local optometrists Quynh
Lam, Phil Anderton, Andrew Greer and Paul Harvey.”
Andrew McKinnon
Widevue
Lenses Just
For You!
WI DE V U E
Lenses that see,
Naturally
Digitally surfaced lenses that deliver:
• Superior lens quality, with smoother lens surfaces that facilitate enhanced vision
for the wearer.
• Overall a more accurately manufactured prescription, personalized for the wearer,
customised to their frame of choice.
• Peripheral distortion and Image jump, reduced by up to 50%, compared to
traditional progressive lenses.
• Thinner and lighter lens for high prescription patients.
• Lens more cosmetically appealing in appearance.
• Expanded fields of vision by up to 40%.
• Greater wearer comfort and quicker user adaptation, compared to traditional
progressive lenses.
WI D EV UE
Lenses that see,
W I DEVU E
Lenses that see,
Naturally
Up to 40% expanded fields of vision
Up to 50% less peripheral distortion!
Naturally
• Available in 4 unique corridor lengths, 7mm, 9mm, 11mm and 13mm to
accommodate the latest frame designs, and sizes.
We are the only Independent
Australian Laboratory that can lay
claim to the distinction of producing
lenses in a dust controlled and
clinical environment. Contact us
to see how we can assist you to
simplify and enhance your lens
purchasing experience.
ptical
arc
L
A
B
O
R
A
T
O
R
I
E
S
ARC OPTICAL LABORATORIES
Unit 13, 489 Nicholson Road,
Canning Vale,
Western Australia 6155
Telephone: 08 6253 0777
Fax: 08 62530799
Email: [email protected]
Sydney Convention
and Exhibition Centre
10-12 July 2009
Make no mistake, in 2009 ODMAFAIR
– Australia’s premier optical trade Fair,
will continue to bring you the very latest
in eyecare and eyewear technology,
innovations and trends!
Exciting Stuff!
Exhibitors are gearing up to bring the very best
the world and Australia has to offer, so if you think
you’ve seen it all before, take another look!
ODMAFAIR 09 will meet all your needs, bringing
you many of the finest names in optical products
and equipment. There’ll be hundreds of new
ranges on show, a huge array of state-of-the art
equipment and, with exhibitors having scoured
the world - the latest looks from Europe, USA,
Asia and Australia!
In just one visit you’ll have the opportunity to see:
s4HELATESTINCUTTINGEDGEINSTRUMENTSFOR
optometry and ophthalmology
s4HEVERYBESTINEYEWEARFASHIONTRENDSFOR
spectacle frames and sunglasses, including
adult and children’s frames and sports
eyewear/goggles
s-ACHINERYTOOLSANDEQUIPMENTFOROPTICAL
workshops
s-ACHINERYTOOLSANDEQUIPMENTFORTHEFRAME
and lens industry
s%YEGLASSCASESANDACCESSORIES
s4HELATESTINOPTICALANDOPHTHALMOLOGICAL
lenses, contact lenses, sunglass lenses, sport
lenses, accessories and solutions for lenses
s-ICROSCOPESBINOCULARSMAGNIFYINGGLASSES
and low vision aids
s0ARTSANDEYEGLASSES
s3AMPLECASESANDDISPLAYSTANDS
s3HOPlTTINGSLOSSPREVENTIONCUSTOMERLOYALTY
and management programmes
0LUSLOTSLOTSMORE
Back for Visitors in 2009
s&REEINTERNETLOUNGE
s#OMPLIMENTARY#HILDCAREFACILITIES
s'REATDISCOUNTEDACCOMMODATION
packages for regional and interstate visitors
s!LLTHEHOSPITALITYFORWHICH/$-!&!)2
exhibitors are famous for!
And true to the spirit of ODMAFAIR, on all days
visitors will enjoy a wealth of entertainers moving
throughout the Fair and the chance to rub shoulders
with special guests – from designers and sporting
personalities to celebrities and trend setters!
Australia’s Premier Optical Trade Show!
Trade Entry is FREE!
Admission is free to all optical
industry practitioners, optical
and sunglass retailers and
their staff. Register early
and save time on arrival
by arranging to receive
your trade ID badge
in advance!
Simply complete the ID badge form on the
ODMAFAIR web site from 6th April onward.
Make a note to do this before Monday 6th July so
we can get your badge to you in good time. If you
miss this deadline, don’t worry – you can easily
complete the simple formalities on arrival.
#OMBINE"USINESSWITH,EISURE
It doesn’t matter whether you attend on one, two
or three days, your visit to ODMAFAIR 09 will help
you keep one step ahead and make informed
purchasing decisions on the right products
and services for your business and it’s a great
opportunity to combine business with leisure!
4HE3YDNEY#ONVENTION%XHIBITION#ENTRE
is located in the heart of the Darling Harbour
leisure and entertainment precinct in Sydney,
one of the world’s great waterfront destinations.
With its spectacular setting, Darling Harbour has
many of Australia’s key tourist attractions, shops,
cafes and restaurants and provides excellent
networking and hospitality options for colleagues
and family.
All NEW content Seminar
& Workshop Series
Where and When?
Don’t miss your chance to get
involved in the clinical education
SEMINARS!TTRACTING#0$POINTS
seminars and workshop must be
pre-booked online.
Friday 10 July
Saturday 11 July
Sunday 12 July
Earn
CPD points
here!
Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre
Darling Harbour, Sydney Australia
10.00am - 6.00pm
9.00am - 6.00pm
9.00am - 5.00pm
This year’s clinical education seminar and
workshop program includes the following sessions:
‘Dry Eye, Past, Present and Future’
PRESENTEDBY0ROFESSOR-INAS#ORONEO
Further Information?
For further information including venue
amenities, travel and accommodation packages,
exhibitor listing, show updates, ODMAFAIR
E-News subscriptions and how to pre-order your
entry pass, visit www.odmafair.com.au
ODMAFAIR 2009 is presented by
‘Retinal Surgery – Today and Beyond’
presented by Dr Kwon Kang
‘The Long and Winding Road to Better
Outcomes in Cataract Surgery’
presented by Dr Richard Smith
Visitors will also be able to attend the special
#ARL:EISS!USTRALIA"REAKFASTSESSION‘GDx and
OCT: Where They Fit in the Clinical Setting’
featuring speakers Dr Allan Bank and Anna
Delmadoros to be held on Saturday 11 July 2009.
Attendees will enjoy a special FREE session by
Dave Burch, ‘Seeing Beyond the Glare’, whilst
practitioners, retail staff and business managers
will all have the opportunity to take part in a
specially tailored workshop ‘How to Bake a
Business’, presented by The Business Baker,
Julia Bickerstaff.
For all the details including registration and
fees, visit www.odmafair.com.au
Attend & Win!
Win a trip for 2 to Paris!
Simply attend ODMAFAIR 09 for your
chance to win from an impressive
prize pool including a 7 day Return
Trip for 2 to Silmo Paris 2009!
In addition to the trip to Paris,
5 lucky visitors will each receive
a $1000 gift voucher from ODMA
to be redeemed for goods or services
from any ODMAFAIR 09 exhibitor.
You can also win one of 5 great
holiday packages to the beautiful
Kingfisher Bay Resort courtesy of
mivision and eyetalk!
NSW PERMIT NUMBER: LTPS/09/02743
Order your FREE trade entry pass now – visit www.odmafair.com.au
mioptometr y
SRC 2009:
1001 Optometrists
Can’t be Wrong
Southern Regional Congress (SRC), consistently
the largest optometry conference in Australia,
will draw together over 1,000 optometrists from
within and beyond Australia, from Saturday 16
to Monday 18 May 2009. Norm Lipson
The SRC has gained a reputation as
Australia’s foremost optometry conference.
“SRC has earned its reputation,” says
OAA CEO Terri Smith. “Our clinical
program is of the highest standard. Our
speakers are independent experts – with
a focus on good solid evidence. We drum
into all speakers our expectation that
delegates should leave the conference with
new ideas to implement when they walk
back into their practice.”
SRC Speakers
Dr. Ron Melton and Dr. Randall Thomas,
a popular duo from the United States, are
among the many high calibre speakers
who will present at SRC 2009.
Ron and Randall, internationally
renowned for their ability to mix highenergy entertainment and clinical acumen
in a unique package, will lecture on topics
including ‘Assaults on the Ocular Surface
(and how to treat them)’, ‘Therapeutics
in optometric care’ and ‘Differential
diagnosis with glaucoma’.
A further keynote speaker is Adjunct
Professor Peter Swann, who divides his
time between Queensland University of
Technology and the School of Optometry
44 • mivision
in Hong Kong. A teacher in areas
including clinical examination and
paralytic strabismus, Professor Swann’s
lectures at SRC 2009 will cover diplopia,
problems of the optic disc, visual fields,
and pigmentation problems in the ciliary
body, choroid and retina.
“As a large conference, SRC has the
flexibility to run a dual stream all day
on Sunday. This means that delegates
have more choice about the sessions they
attend,” says Ms. Smith.
“The Sunday lecture program, in two
concurrent streams, will give participants
a wide choice of lecture topics, including
stroke (Dr. Neil Shuey), safety standards
in clinical practice (Ms. Jennifer Long),
and primary care for children aged three
and under (Rod Baker). There is also
the popular Clinician Grand Rounds
(this year, on contact lenses). The Vision
Research session includes a look at
developments in eye movement testing,
sports vision and retinal tomography.”
A highlight of the program will
undoubtedly be Monday’s in-depth update
on diabetes, including histopathology (Dr.
Erica Fletcher), and the latest on clinical
care and treatment, from noted Victorian
ophthalmologist Dr. Alex Harper.
General practitioner and diabetes
expert Dr. Ralph Audehm will discuss
how GPs and optometrists fit into the
primary care picture.
Monday’s program will also feature a
session on cataract treatment, with Dr.
Anthony Hall, head of the ophthalmology
department at the Alfred Hospital, who
has worked closely with optometrists in
the co-management of cataract patients.
Free forums on Saturday will cover
innovation in silicone hydrogels
(Johnson & Johnson), and multifocals
(CooperVision). The Optical Dispensers
and Manufacturers Association (ODMA)
will also present The Independent’s
Survival Guide, a special workshop
on surviving and prospering as an
independent practice.
Of course, SRC is not only about the
serious side of practice. This year’s dinner,
sponsored by Ciba Vision, and included at
no extra charge in your registration, will
be held at Zinc Restaurant, at Federation
Square. Registration to SRC also includes
entry to the Essilor Trade Expo Cocktails,
and the Essilor Breakfast – this year
hosted by Mrs. Melton and Thomas.
SRC is supported by Bausch and Lomb
and Essilor Nikon as Platinum sponsors.
SRC 2009 attracts up to 53 CPD points.
Day registrations or full conference
registrations are available. Practice
managers, trade staff and others may also
register just for the trade expo. To register
for SRC 2009 go to www.vicoptom.asn.au
or phone (AUS) 03 9654 2122.
1
2
5
6
Something to Celebrate!
Launched in Australia at SRC in 2004,
Optometry Giving Sight is celebrating its fifth
birthday. The optometry professions charity of
choice has come a long way in a very short time.
This month, Optometry Giving Sight in
Australia celebrates its fifth birthday.
During the last five years, optometrists,
optical corporations, the OAA and State
Divisions, have committed to ending
refractive error blindness by choosing
Optometry Giving Sight as their charity of
choice. The funds entrusted to Optometry
Giving Sight have been used to transform
the lives of people in need through the
gift of vision.
They have started work in three newly
created vision centres which will provide
affordable, accessible eye care to the
local community. Three more Sri Lankan
trainees excelled in the vision technician
course and have been accepted onto the
full four-year optometry degree program.
When they graduate, they too will return
from India to provide high quality vision
care to the people of Sri Lanka for
generations to come.
The Giving Sight to Sri Lanka Program
was one of the first programs Optometry
Giving Sight funded. The devastating
tsunami in 2004 was the catalyst
for an incredible vision care program
implemented by the International Centre
for Eyecare Education. Initial funds
helped to screen more than 33,000
people and provide glasses to more
than 28,000. The program has since
developed to focus on the sustainable
component of supplying affordable,
accessible vision care. In March, four
Sri Lankans returned from India where
they had completed a year-long training
program to become vision technicians.
For some children in Zambia, poor vision
is part of life. They struggle to see the
chalkboard, lose interest in school and
are unable to gain the skills they need
to find work; which leads them into the
desperate cycle of poverty.
Optometry Giving Sight funds are
currently being used to train 612
teachers to screen more than 110,000
school children and provide them with
glasses and low vision devices. Program
implementers, Sightsavers International,
hope that the result will be more
children staying in school and gaining a
good education which will help them, in
time, provide for their own families.
3
7
4
1. Joanne Wood
2. Ralph Melton
3. Erica Fletcher
4. Neil Shuey
5. Randall Thomas
6. Ralph Audehm
7. Rod Baker
The ProVision Optometric Teams are
a long-time recipient of Optometry
Giving Sight funding and have provided
eye care to thousands of people while
working as part of the East Timor Eye
Program. They have also provided
training and mentoring for six local eye
care professionals. These eye care
nurses form part of a vision care system
which will provide eye care to the people
of East Timor for many years.
In 2008, Optometry Giving Sight
provided funding to the OAA WA’s
Remote Optometry Outreach Service
which provides vision care to remote
Indigenous Australians. Twenty locum
optometrists have now been recruited
and trained to enable the expansion
of existing optometric services to rural
and remote Indigenous communities
within the Pilbara and Kimberley regions
of Western Australia. In addition to
the programs previously mentioned,
Optometry Giving Sight has also funded
programs in Nicaragua, Sumba and
South Africa.
“Those who have donated to Optometry
Giving Sight should be proud of what they
have helped achieve over the last five
years”, said Bob Lees, Chair of Optometry
Giving Sight in Australia. “Please visit the
Optometry Giving Sight stand at the SRC
to help celebrate our fifth birthday!”
To find out more go to www.givingsight.org
or visit the Optometry Giving Sight stand
at SRC.
mivision magazine to proud to be
Optometry Giving Sights Gold National
Media Sponsor.
mivision • 45
miequipment
ODMAFAIR EQUIPMENT PREVIEW
Eye care professionals will be able to preview
the latest ocular technology from equipment
companies exhibiting at Odmafair 2009 in
July, the largest showing of equipment in the
southern hemisphere.
Tradeshows are the perfect way to
experience the latest equipment.
The exhibiting companies below
provide a snapshot of what will be
on display – at Odmafair.
Exhibiting Company: Carl Zeiss
Carl Zeiss has announced the release of
Cirrus HD-OCT Ver. 4.0 software.
The new Ver. 4.0 software adds a
number of functionalities. Using physical
landmarks to precisely register to an
earlier scan, the macular change analysis
shows the change in macular thickness
using a thickness difference map. Best
of all, the B-scans from both cubes are
synchronised so detailed qualitative
analysis can be made by co-navigating
through both cubes in unison.
To overcome problems with poor patient
fixation and increase repeatability, the
Carl Zeiss CIRRUS hd-oct
Automatic Fovea Finder Version 4.0
automatically locates the fovea. This is
made possible only by the density of the
standard Cirrus HD-OCT cube (512x128).
Using the same progression alerts as
your Humphrey Field Analyser, the
RNFL Guided Progression Analysis
(GPA) software conducts a trend analysis
on up to eight registered exams. The
software uses three different analyses,
each of which are designed to detect
focal or diffuse RNFL defects. Precise
registration and software-driven
placement of the measurement circle
ensures high repeatability. By introducing
two new scan patterns, the Cirrus HDOCT Version 4.0 software enables high
resolution scans of the cornea and the
angle. Stratus-like radial lines can now be
extracted from the cube to enable a more
direct comparison to previous Stratus
OCT scans.
Single Visit Multi-Slice Report enables
viewing of more tomograms than are
available on the standard Macula
Thickness Report using the optional
multi-slice report. Tomograms are
extracted from the data cube; the selection
is configurable.
DICOM Export opens up a new world
of possibilities for networking, including
two hospital PACS systems. This feature
allows import to the Cirrus of patient
names from a compatible electronic
medical records system and seamless
export back of results.
Carl Zeiss is committed to continue
developing tools to assist clinicians make
the most of OCT technology. We can look
forward to even more developments into
the future.
Carl Zeiss will be located at Stand
207 at Odmafair.
Exhibiting Company:
BOC Ophthalmic Instruments
RTVue Fourier-Domain OCT –
Developments and Updates.
Optovue Inc. U.S. has launched the first
FDA approved FD ultra-high resolution
and speed OCT in 2006. This company
has recently published the first two
volumes of texts on FD OCT imaging
with the assistance of contributing authors
and specialists. Volume I of this primer
series covers Retinal conditions and
abnormalities, providing the practitioner
with a comprehensive understanding
of Retinal scan images and analysis,
whilst extensively presenting numerous
conditions acquired with the RTVue
OCT system.
Volume II of this primer series
demonstrates numerous uses of the
RTVue OCT Cornea and Anterior
Segment functionality, including
scanned images and analysis for a
variety of conditions.
All RTVue customers have been sent
these complimentary texts and shall also
be receiving Vol III for Glaucoma, which
is being published. Practitioners are
46 • mivision
FINISHING
SYSTEM
Automatic Centering
Shape Modification
Tilted Drilling
The Kappa CTD Finishing System is the latest addition to the highly popular
Kappa product family. With its Automatic Centering, Shape Modification,
and Tilted Drilling features, Kappa CTD integrates the most critical process
functions into one, simple to use, top-of-the-line, versatile system that will
give practices the edge to drive performance to the next level.
The new Kappa CTD system consists of the Kappa CT Tracer and Blocker
and the Kappa CTD Edger and Drill. Designed to meet the requirements of
the most challenging practices, Kappa CTD system’s design and technology
enables the practice manager to reduce non-value added steps and deliver
the highest quality lenses to the market at the lowest cost of ownership.
Combine this design and technology with the expertise from a true market
leader and Kappa CTD delivers the best return on investment in the market.
wdm15380
KAPPA CT TRACER AND BLOCKER
The Kappa CT Tracer and Blocker elevate layout and blocking to a new
level with its intelligent Centering Technology. What used to be the most
complicated part of the finishing process is now reduced to a simple touch
of a button. With powerful software and a little ingenuity, Kappa CT will
accurately locate the optical center, bifocal segment or fitting cross, and
then precisely place a block in the prescribed location. Furthermore, Kappa
CT offers the flexibility to customize the frame shapes for today’s latest
eyewear trends and to detect drill holes for rimless mounts.
KAPPA CTD EDGER AND DRILL
The Kappa CTD Edger and Drill processes all materials – glass, CR39®, hi-index,
polycarbonate, and Trivex® - edge polishes bevels and flats with unmatched speed
and accuracy, and now locates and drills holes for drill mounts.
Contact your local GC Territory Manager for a quotation or product trial.
Gerber Coburn PO Box 219, Lonsdale, South Australia 5160 TOLL FREE PHONE: 1800 888 266
RTVue Fourier-Domain OCT
boc RTVue Fourier-Domain OCT
welcome to call BOC Instruments for free
copies as PDF files, or for printed texts at
a nominal fee.
BOC Instruments is also currently
upgrading all customers’ RTVue systems
with the next complimentary software
upgrade Version 4, providing numerous
additional enhancements. A new report
form combining ONH and peripapillary
RNFL mapping with adjacent Ganglion
Cell Complex (GCC) analysis in the
macular region conveniently provides an
extensive view for glaucoma evaluation.
Powerful new analysis includes two
new parameters. Percentage Focal
Loss Volume (FLV) provides a
quantitative measure for the amount of
significant GCC loss and Global Loss
Volume (GLV) represents the percentage
loss of GCC thickness.
A vastly expanded specific normative
database categorised by different
ethnicities with data accumulated
from fifteen global clinical sites
further improves sensitivity and
specificity, and serves as a better
guide for disease diagnosis.
omf MPOD
Automatic RPE tip and disk boundary
allocation improves ease of use and ensures
ONH scans are repeatedly presented
concentric to the centre of the optic disk for
consistency and repeatability.
BOC Ophthalmic Instruments are
located at Stand 201 at Odmafair.
Optical Manufacturers (OMF)
I’ve got an iPod but what is an MPOD?
MPOD stands for Macular Pigment
Optical Density. Low macular pigment
has been linked to age-related macular
degeneration but until now there has
not been a definitive way to screen for
macular pigment levels in our patients.
“Enter the instrument that allows optometrists
to achieve this, the Macular Pigment Optical
Densitrometer (MPOD for short).”
48 • mivision
Enter the instrument that allows
optometrists to achieve this, the Macular
Pigment Optical Densitrometer (MPOD
for short). This instrument is the first
of its kind to quantify the patient’s
macular pigment using a technique called
heterochromatic flicker photometry
(HFP). This technology has been
available for decades, but never in a form
that can be utilised in practice. All this
has recently changed with the advent of
high quality blue LEDs that have enabled
MPOD engineers to devise a system that
is not only easy for both practitioner and
patient to operate but has a small footprint
in a more compact, easy to use, format.
So how does it work? Simply the patient
looks into the instrument at a small disc
RTVUE 3D OCT
Comprehensive OCT Technology
Fourier Domain OCT
Ultra-high speed & resolution
In-vivo histology
The most powerful & comprehensive tool for
early pathology detection and monitoring
RETINA
U Normative database, Significance & Segmented
Retinal Analysis
U Thickness, Elevation, Progression Overview and
asymmetry reports
GLAUCOMA
U Exclusive Ganglion Cell Complex (GCC) Analysis
U Normative Database, Significance and
Progression Overview of GCC, RNFL & ONH
CORNEA & ANTERIOR SEGMENT
U Pachymetry, Keratoconus, Angle, TISA &
Epithelium Flap Measurement & Analysis
U Surgical, Shunt, IOL Vault, Pathology & Foreign
Body Imaging & Documentation
2007 WINNER
Tel: (02) 9643 7888
Toll Free: 1800 804 331
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bocinstruments.com.au
designs for vision Vantage Plus LED Binocular Indirect Ophthalmoscope
of light that rapidly alternates between
two different frequencies of light. When
a flicker is just noticed, the patient
presses a response button and these
responses are graphed on the monitor
of an attached PC. At the end of the
testing period, the other eye is assessed
and a risk factor for low optical pigment
is given for each eye. Connection to a
PC or laptop running windows is not
essential but is recommended to allow
results to be graphically analysed. The
included software allows for longitudinal
monitoring for each patient as well as
quantitative analysis of the patients
response to dietary supplements. A report
of the patient’s macular condition can be
saved and printed if required.
The MPOD has been granted approval
by the TGA for use in Australia
and is distributed locally by Optical
Manufacturers on behalf of leading
international supplier for OptoGlobal.
The MPOD can also be transported for
home visits, surgeries and hospitals as
well as within the practice.
Optical Manufacturers are located at
Stand 318 at Odmafair.
OPTECH hrt
Exhibiting Company:
Designs for Vision
Designs for Vision will display a
comprehensive range of conventional and
new optometric equipment at Odmafair this
year. The latest consulting room furniture
from Frastema of Italy will be displayed
in conjunction with the C.S.O. Elite Slit
Lamp with high resolution digital imaging.
New digital series and Gonio lenses from
Volk USA together with the new Keeler
UK Vantage Plus LED Binocular Indirect
Ophthalmoscope will be presented. Keeler
& Volk will be in a dedicated area due to
the popularity of these products.
From Oculus Germany, the Pentacam
Anterior Segment Analysis system and the
PARK 1 Non Contact Pachymeter Auto
Refractor/Keratometer combination.
Kowa Japan, will be introducing their
new Alpha D3 Retinal Camera, with a
range of new features.
The iCARE Tonometer, which has proven
so popular, combined with the Pachmate
pen-style Pachymeter, will be there for all to
see. We are introducing the new Vista Vision
LCD all-in-one Visual Acuity system.
Stereo Optical have produced a new vision
screener for industrial situations and this
will be on display.
Dry Eye analysis takes a new leap forward
with the introduction of the TearLab
50 • mivision
– Lab on a Chip, Tear Osmolarity
measurement system.
Practitioners will be interested in the Eye
Kiosk, which is an interactive patient
education unit to be used within
any practice.
Designs For Vision have taken more space
at Odmafair this year in anticipation of
a great event – you’ll find them at Stands
233 & 236.
Exhibiting Company: Optech
Diagnostic and Surgical
The Heidelberg Retina Tomograph
(HRT) is a proven, essential tool for
detecting and managing glaucoma,
especially for assisting in the
identification of pre-perimetric disease
and tracking progression. The Ancillary
Study to the Ocular Hypertension
Treatment Study (OHTS) demonstrated
that optic disc analysis detected glaucoma
conversion in 55 per cent of cases, before
any detectable loss of visual function. The
HRT has proved to be a robust predictor
of glaucoma.
OHTS also concluded that the HRT
recognised temporal superior defects
which later developed into confirmed
glaucoma in 40 per cent of cases - looking
only at baseline measurements – then
confirmed the diagnosis with an average
of five years of follow-up. Equally
impressive was that 93 per cent of all HRT
cases flagged as within normal limits at
baseline remained within normal limits
during the same time period.
and well priced disposable tips. The new
ultra high resolution Spectral Domain
OPTOPOL Copernicus HR 3D OCT
has a three micron axial scan with
normative data for macula and disc, with
fast movement and scanning with autoalignment and tracking.
The Optopol PTS 1000 Projection VFA
is a new projection type perimeter which
offers faster full threshold algorithms that
benefits patient and practitioner alike. It is
packed with features and testing strategies.
Optimed also has a compact range of chairs
and stands that offer European quality at
affordable prices. Perfect for small rooms or
those who are looking for a quality low-cost
consult room set-up.
You can see all this and more at the
Optimed at Odmafair, Stand 211.
Odmafair takes place within Halls 1, 2 &
3 of the Sydney Convention & Exhibition
Centre, Darling Harbour from 10-12 July
2009. Organise your free entry passes
online now at www.odmafair.com.au.
“OHTS also concluded
that the HRT recognised
temporal superior
defects which later
developed into
confirmed glaucoma in
40 per cent of cases looking only at baseline
measurements – then
confirmed the diagnosis
with an average of five
years of follow-up.”
Optimed CR1 18
Optech are located at Stand G09
at Odmafair.
Exhibiting Company: Optimed
Canon CR-1 Retinal Camera is Canon’s
all-new non-mydriatic retinal camera
achieves outstanding image quality with
low flash intensity. It is easy to use and
has amazing performance through small
pupils. FISO custom consulting room
furniture is a new range of innovative and
practical chairs and stands designed and
made in Milan. Custom configurations
available, and colour options from mild
to wild!
The Takagi Digital Imaging Slit Lamp is
superb new slit lamp optics will satisfy the
most discerning practitioners. Live video
preview and stunning high resolution
digital images at a very reasonable price.
The Accutome Accupen cordless hand
held digital tonometer uses waveform
analysis to accurately measure IOP.
Ergonomic design, long lasting battery
mivision • 51
mieyecare
ORT HOK ER AT OL O GY:
Changing the
of
Optometry
Improve your patient’s vision overnight, literally,
and expand your scope of practice with
orthokeratology by providing patients with this
safe, stable and trouble-free alternative form
of vision correction. Following is an overview of
modern OK techniques and a discussion of the
issues surrounding this innovative, important
option for vision correction. Vijay Mistry
The basic principles of orthokeratology
have been around since the ancient
Chinese who, according to tradition, slept
with sandbags or small weights on their
eyelids to improve vision for the next
day. The foundations for this technique
were first described by George Jensen,
who presented a paper on what he termed
‘orthofocus’ in 19621.
Recent advances in corneal topography
measurements and improved reverse
geometry lens designs in the last decade
have produced an increased interest in
modern Orthokeratology (OK).
What is Orthokeratology?
Orthokeratology (also known as OrthoK,
OK, corneal reshaping, corneal refractive
therapy (CRT), or vision shaping
treatment (VST)) involves designing and
52 • mivision
fitting a high-Dk rigid gas permeable
contact lens to reshape the cornea to
temporarily modify or eliminate refractive
error2. OK is an innovative way of
wearing contact lenses – custom lenses
are worn overnight, temporarily altering
the shape of the cornea enough to produce
clear, lasting vision after removal and
throughout the day. The modern success
of OK goes hand in hand with both the
advent of the reverse geometry lens and
improvements in corneal topography
measurement, discussed later.
Who is a Candidate?
Patient selection is critical in ensuring
long-term success and a happy patient.
Clinical studies into myopic OK have
shown that low to moderate amounts
of myopia of up to -5.00D respond
most effectively.
In addition, corneal astigmatism of less
than 1.50DC with-the-rule and 0.75DC
against-the-rule increase chances of
success. Nonetheless it is not uncommon
to hear of successful OK treatments on
myopia up to -6.00D3. So far, no studies
have directly investigated the safe upper
limit of refractive change that is achievable
with current lens designs used in OK 2.
There are obvious contraindications to
this procedure. Patients presenting with
corneal pathology such as keratoconus,
epithelial basement membrane dystrophy,
endothelial dystrophy, recurrent epithelial
erosions or severe dry eye are unsuitable
candidates for OK.
Communication is the key to success, as
is it in other contact lens fitting. Patients
need to be informed of the possible visual
disturbances of flare and glare, which are
related to pupil size, in addition to being
taught correct lens care and maintenance.
Furthermore, patients must be given
realistic expectations. It is a fairly
common misconception that at some
point the usage of theses lenses can cease
and the treatment will remain permanent.
Patients need to be reminded that OK is a
fully reversible process.
Quality of Vision
Numerous clinical studies have
documented the efficacy of myopic OK
and the resulting improved unaided
vision4-8. These recent studies show that
the large majority of subjects achieve
Figure 1 – An example of a reverse-geometry
myopic OK lens on eye showing the brightly
fluorescent reverse curve surrounding the
central area of flat alignment.
6/6 or better after treatment. While
the main refractive changes induced by
OK occur within the first week of lens
wear 9, statistically significant changes
in refraction, unaided vision, unaided
contrast sensitivity and unaided low
contrast visual acuity occur after only one
night of OK wear10.
Similar to laser refractive surgery, a
small or decentred central treatment zone
can reduce best corrected visual acuity
(BCVA) and induce ghosting and flare.
Nonetheless, when properly fitted and
managed, Johnson et. al showed that
corneal topography changes do not induce
changes in aberrations that are large
enough to significantly diminish visual
performance10. Furthermore, reductions
in BCVA following OK treatment have
rarely been reported 2.
With these results in mind, it is not
surprising that Swarbrick 2 found high
levels of patient satisfaction with
overnight OK in a number of qualityof-life (QOL) surveys. Swarbrick 2 also
comments that, “Unlike refractive
surgery, if patients fail to achieve a
subjectively successful outcome, they
can cease lens wear and return to other
corrective options, such as spectacles or
conventional contact lenses.”
How Does it Work?
Conventional rigid lens designs involve a
central alignment (back optic) zone which
is surrounded by a series of concentric
curves, each one progressively flatter
than the central alignment curve. In
comparison, the reverse geometry lens
for myopic OK features a central optic
zone fitted flat relative to central corneal
curvature, surrounded by one or more
steeper secondary or ‘reverse’curves2.
Following this is the alignment curve for
appropriate lens centration, and finally
the peripheral curve for edge lift and tear
exchange (see Figures 1 and 2).
In myopic OK, the combination of a
centrally flat and mid-peripherally steep
contact lens shape induces hydraulic
forces in the post-lens tear film, which
redistributes corneal tissue to mimic the
lens shape. The central flattening, specific
to the level of myopia, brings about the
change in refraction and allows for clear
unaided vision during waking hours.
Many previous scientific works have
been dedicated to the mechanisms and
models occurring during OK treatment;
the general consensus is that the thin
tear film created beneath the centre
of the lens creates shear forces which
move tangentially across the corneal
epithelium11. The resulting compression12
of the corneal tissue produces a central
epithelial thinning together with midperipheral epithelial/stromal thickening.
What does it look like?
Optimally fitted reverse geometry lenses
used in myopic OK produce corneal
topography changes resembling that of
myopic refractive surgery such as PRK
and LASIK. The change in refractive
error after lens wear is described by
difference maps. The aim in myopic OK
is to produce a central flattened zone,
known as the treatment zone. This zone
is surrounded by a mid-peripheral ring of
steepening which is a result of the reversecurve zone of the reverse geometry lens.
In Figure 3 you will see an optimal myopic
OK scenario known as a ‘bulls-eye’, which
indicates a lens fitting centrally under the
closed eyelid. In this example, after one
week of lens wear, the central corneal
curvature has become flatter by 3.5D.
Safety
The change in corneal curvature achieved
in myopic OK is achieved by central
epithelial thinning and this has raised
concerns about compromise of the
epithelial barrier to microbial infection 2.
Epithelial bacterial binding, considered
a risk factor for corneal infection is
more likely under hypoxic conditions,
which can occur in the extended wear
(overnight) contact lens wear situation.
It is disconcerting that patients may feel
that OK is unduly risky with reports of
more than 100 cases of infectious keratitis
since 20012, 3. While this figure makes the
practice OK seem rather dubious, there is
more to the story. The majority of these
reports of microbial keratitis originated
in the East Asian region, in particular
in China and Hong Kong, where
contact lens fitting was previously less
regulated. Since these reports emerged,
mivision • 53
Who is suitable for OK?
• Mild to moderate
myopia (-0.75 to –5.00D)
• Corneal astigmatism
up to 1.5D (WTR)
• Mild hyperopes, upto +3.00D
• Presbyopes – monovision corrections
• Active individuals or those
with occupational demands
not suited to standard RGP or
disposable contact lenses.
• Patients are free of any optical
correction during waking hours
of which two resulted in a loss of BCVA.
Ultimately, safety is more likely to be
achieved with ethical and knowledgeable
practitioners and educated patients.
Here’s food for thought: can OK be
considered any more unsafe than
disposable extended wear silicon-hydrogel
contact lenses? In the OK overnight-wear
modality the lenses are removed during
waking hours, rather than worn 24
hours per day as silicon-hydrogel lenses
can be. It could be anticipated that the
OK wearing pattern could mitigate the
safety concerns of overnight lens wear
by allowing a waking-hours ‘recovery’
period as compared with an extended or
continuous lens wear regimen 2.
• Effect is completely reversible
Children and Myopia Control
• Minimal risks
Another emergent yet controversial
topic with OK is its usage in children.
Firstly, in terms of lens handling and care
there needs to be a clear understanding
of associated risks between the patient,
parents and the practitioner. Clinical
experience has shown those children
particularly keen to wear contact lenses
are motivated to comply with proper care
and maintenance. The age limit varies
according to practitioner confidence
and patient skill. Soft lens wearers,
particularly young teenagers are able to
make to smooth transition to OK as the
desensitisation to wearing contacts is well
established. Comfort is rarely an issue as
there is no daytime lens wear and the care
and maintenance regimen is analogous to
that of a soft lens regimen.
• Eliminates contact lens-induced
dry eye symptoms during the day.
Figure 2 – Back surface lens design in a reverse
geometry lens1. (Image courtesy of John Mountford)
The second part of the issue is myopia
control. Large amounts of anecdotal
evidence suggest that when correctly
fitted, these lenses have shown to slow or
halt the progression of myopia, and this is
the newest area of scientific contribution
to the topic of OK.
Figure 3 – Topography analysis showing preand post- treatment on the left. The difference
map shows a change of -3.5D of the anterior
corneal power.]
these countries have actively intervened
to regulate the practice of OK and to
improve safety through both practitioner
and patient education.
Now consider over a similar eight year
period, an Australian-based study in 2007
conducted by Watt and colleagues13 found
only a total of nine cases of presumed
microbial keratitis associated with OK, out
54 • mivision
Cho and co-workers14 found after six
months, the OK lens-wearing subjects
already showed a decrease in myopia
progression compared to the control group
and this effect was consistent throughout
the two-year study period. This is
certainly a contentious issue amongst
clinicians and researchers, however
one thing is certain; more rigorously
controlled, prospective, randomised and
masked clinical studies are required in
order to make an educated conclusion.
The Future
OK certainly has a bright and promising
future. Advances in corneal topography
and lathe design are allowing lenses
to successfully correct astigmatism,
hyperopia and high myopia15. Further
advancement may lead to aberrationcontrolled corrections, akin to that in
refractive surgery2. In fact, at the 2008
Orthokeratology Society of Oceania
(OSO) Congress, delegates were given
an insight into the extensive application
of OK in post-LASIK, high myopia
and keratoconus which is already being
practiced in other countries.
With an estimated 2.5 billion
people worldwide predicted to be
myopic by 2020, optometrists have
an opportunity to truly give their
patients freedom from their glasses
and improve their quality of life.
OK has been proven to work effectively
and is extremely safe when completed
in a conducive environment.
Vijay Mistry is an optometrist in private practice
who works with Kate Johnson at Gerry & Johnson
Optometrists in Brisbane. He has an interest in rigid
lens fitting, particularly orthokeratology. For any
queries or comments, please email [email protected].
References
1.Mountford, J., Ruston, D., and Dave, T., Orthokeratology:
Principles and Practice. 2004: Butterworth-Heinemann.
2.Swarbrick, H.A., Orthokeratology review and update.
Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 2006. 89(3): p.
124-143.
3.Van Meter, W.S., et al., Safety of Overnight
Orthokeratology for Myopia. Ophthalmology, 2008.
115(12): p. 2301-2313.
4.Mountford, J., An analysis of the changes in corneal
shape and refractive error induced by accelerated
orthokeratology. Contact Lens & Anterior Eye, 1997.
24(4): p. 128-144.
5.Cho, P., et al., An assessment of consecutively presenting
orthokeratology patients in a Hong Kong based private
practice. Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 2003.
86(5).
6.Nicols, J., et al., Overnight Orthokeratology. Optometry
and Vision Science, 2000. 77(5): p. 252-259.
7.Soni, S., Nguyen, T., and Barr, J., Overnight
Orthokeratology: Visual and Corneal Changes. Eye &
Contact Lens, 2003. 29(3): p. 137-145.
8.Sorbara, L., Fonn, D., and Simpson, T., Reduction of
Myopia From Corneal Refractive Therapy. Optometry
and Vision Science, 2005. 82(6): p. 512-518.
9.Mountford, J., Retention and Regression of
Orthokeratology with Time. International Contact Lens
Clinic, 1998. 25(2): p. 59-64.
10.Johnson, K.L., et al., Visual performance after overnight
orthokeratology. Contact Lens & Anterior Eye, 2007. 30:
p. 29-36.
11. C
aroline, P., Contemporary Orthokeratology. Contact
Lens & Anterior Eye, 2001. 24: p. 41-46.
12.Choo, J., et al., Morphologic Changes in Cat Epithelium
Following Overnight Lens Wear with the Paragon CRT
Lens for Corneal Reshaping Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci,
2004. 45: p. E-Abstract 1552.
13.Watt, K.G., Boneham, G.C., and Swarbrick, H.A.,
Microbial keratitis in orthokeratology: the Australian
experience. Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 2007.
90(3): p. 182-189.
14.Cho, P., Cheung, S., and Edwards, M., The longitudinal
orthokeratology research in children (LORIC) in Hong
Kong: a pilot study on refractive changes and myopia
control. Curr Eye Res, 2005. 30: p. 71-80.
15.Worp, E.V.D., Correcting Astigmatism with
Orthokeratology. Contact Lens Spectrum,
2006. http://www.clspectrum.com/article.
aspx?article=&loc=archive\2006\july\0706021.htm.
National RX Eyewear
Collection Eyewear
Seiko Lenses
Services
Equipment
Software
Frame & Fit Package
Complete from $20 (plus GST)
Includes frame fitting and CR 39 lenses.
This unbeatable package has been designed to give you
ease of ordering, a wide choice of options, from basic to
premium ranges, and all packed with fantastic value.
Call Toll Free: 1800 251 852
PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN
mibusiness
Opportunities With
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is one
of the most common
types of refractive error
practitioners will come
across, but it is one for
which contact lenses
are least commonly
prescribed. Nina Tahhan
Presbyopic patients
want contact lenses
Patient lack of motivation cannot be blamed
for the poor number of presbyopic contact
lens wearers. A recent study conducted
across five European countries showed
that 50 per cent of women in their 40s felt
that contact lenses would have a positive
effect on their quality of life; and 41 per
cent said they would try contact lenses if
their optometrist recommended them; 22
per cent said that contact lenses would be
their first choice of vision correction3.
In another survey, people aged between
35 and 64 who had dropped out of
contact lens wear were asked to give
the reasons for their discontinuation.
Here, it was found that ‘comfort’
received the most ratings as the reason
for the discontinuation (Figure 1) 4.
However, what factors differentiate
older patients from the younger ones
that would help explain why they drop
out so suddenly when they enter those
early presbyopic years?
From this, it is evident that the
requirement for better vision is a much
more significant factor for successful
contact lens wear in those over 40
compared to those aged under 40 and
their previous correction had not met
this need.
56 • mivision
Expectations of
Compromises in Vision
There is a general acceptance by
practitioners that once patients hit
their presbyopic years, they should be
expected to compromise in some way with
their vision. To understand the relative
importance of near versus distance vision,
people in the same survey were shown the
following scale and asked their preference,
assuming they had to choose between
‘Perfect near and OK distance vision’ or
‘Perfect distance and OK near vision’. The
survey shows that most patients expect
not to have to compromise the quality
of either distance or near vision for one
or the other. The remaining were only
slightly more skewed towards those who
prefer perfect distance vision (26 per cent)
than those who prefer perfect near vision
(21 per cent).
Other Changes in the Ageing Eye
Apart from changes in visual demands,
the ageing eye presents, a number of
other physiological challenges to the
optometrist when it comes to fitting
contact lenses. This includes its ability
to cope with less oxygen due to the
reduced endothelial cell function5, 6 and
changes in tear chemistry resulting in
drier and more uncomfortable eyes7.
Although the industry had made many
marked breakthroughs when it comes to
improving the material properties and
comfort of modern-day soft contact lenses
to address these physiological changes,
innovations in optical design and visual
performance do not seem to have received
as much attention or appreciation. For
presbyopia, this is certainly a significant
factor for addressing the penetration of the
contact lenses in the presbyopic market.
Practitioner Factors
As well as patient factors, some
optometrists’ fear of the challenges,
increased chair time and risk of failure
can be a major impediment in the
prescribing and subsequent uptake of
contact lenses in the presbyopic age
group. Additionally, practitioners may
underestimate patient interest and
motivation, which as we have seen,
can be quite high.
On occasions where the optometrist
does fit a presbyopic patient with contact
lenses, monovision has traditionally been
the preferred option. Assuming they have
surpassed the limitations for prescribing
this method, including the necessity for
good starting acuity in both eyes and the
ability of patients to suppress, patients
fitted with this method often return with
complaints such as reduced reading times,
glare and poor night vision8.
With technological advances in contact
lens materials and optical design,
multifocal contact lenses are increasingly
becoming available and have been shown
to provide superior performance to
monovision for visual acuity, stereoacuity
and overall patient preference9.
Summary
Although presbyopia is the one refractive
error that is likely to affect all of us
during our life time, it is dissatisfying
that it is the one for which contact lenses
are the least commonly prescribed10, 11.
Vision, comfort and physiological factors
affecting the patient are certainly all
relevant to successful contact lens wear
for presbyopes.
However, optometrist motivation,
attitudes, confidence, awareness and
perception of patient interest
and motivation are the key to
unlocking the growth opportunity
that the presbyopic contact lens
market presents.
Aware of the enormous opportunity
that the untapped presbyopic market
present, particularly as the population
ages, the contact lens industry has
invested heavily in the research and
development of this market.
Footnotes
1. U.K. Statistics Authority. Retrieved 21 November, 2008
from www.statistics.gov.uk.
2. Mintel Optical Goods and Eyecare report, 2006.
3. Challinor, D. Presbyopia plagues daily life claims new
research, Optician, 2005; October.
4. U.S. Presbyopic Usage and Attidude Study 2004.
5. Niederer, RL., Perumal, D., Sherwin, T., McGhee, CNJ.,
Age-Related Differences in the Normal Human Cornea: A
laser scanning in vivo confocal microscopy study. British
Journal of Ophthalmology, 2007; Sept;91(9):1165-9.
6. Bourne, WM., Nelson, LR., Hodge, DO., Central Corneal
Endothelial Cell Changes Over a 10-Year Period. Invest
Ophthalmol Vis Sci, 1997;38:779-82.
7. Nichols, K., Aging, Hormones and Dry Eyes, Contact Lens
Spectrum, 1999; Sept, p21.
8. Bennet, ES., Contact Lens Correction of Presbyopia. Clin
Exp Optom, 2008;91:3:265-278.
9. Kollbaum, PS., Wong, JR., Are Today’s Aspheric Soft
Multifocals as Good as Monovision? AAO, 2008.
10. Morgan, PB., Efron, N., A Decade of Contact Lens
Prescribing Trends in the United Kingdom (1996-2005).
Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, 2006, 29(2), p59-68
11. Morgan, PB., U.K. Contact Lens Prescribing 2008,
Eurolens Research, Manchester University, 2008.
Nina Tahhan is an optometrist and professional
services manager at Ciba Vision, U.K. This article
is based on her original article published in the
first January issue of Optician (09.01.09) entitled
Opportunities With Presbyopia. This article has
been reprinted with kind permission from
Optician magazine.
“Patient lack of motivation cannot be blamed
for the poor number of presbyopic contact
lens wearers.”
mivision • 57
mibusiness
The
Five
Mistakes of a Recession...
Recessionary times normally surprise most business people.
It is almost like the recession sneaks up on them and
creates the surprise. Very few businesses in the world have
themselves financially and strategically set for a recession
before it arrives. Darren Shirlaw
58 • mivision
There are five common mistakes made
by business people when they implement
the consequent change in strategy and
adjustments to the business to cope with
the economic environment. In outlining
these, we hope that it helps you to avoid
these common pitfalls and use them to
your advantage.
Mistake 1: Timing
There are four stages to every
economic cycle:
• Down – as the market heads south
into a bear market;
• Drag – as the market bounces off the
bottom but drags out in a flat period
• Release – the market spikes downward
initially and then releases into a new
period of growth;
• Up – the market moves into the new
bull market.
More commonly than not, business
owners are implementing strategies
behind these cycles instead of getting
in front of them. The opportunity rests
with being able to see when these cycles
come into play in an economy and
investing in our businesses accordingly.
Mistake 2: Risk Profile
Risk Profile is a measure of how willing
an owner/management team is to taking
business risks. What typically happens
is the owner/manager reduces their risk
profile through a recession.
This puts them into the spiral of ‘sell low,
buy high’ – and creates the mismatch
of timing mentioned above. Measuring
a businesses risk profile and adjusting
tactics accordingly is what enables a
business to grow quickly when coming out
of recession – the ‘buy low,
sell high strategy.’
“Watching these cycles is critical to achieving
timing of individual business strategies.”
Mistake 3: Wind/Unwind
When a business is in growth mode we
describe this as ‘winding up’ – think of
a bicycle winding up to gain speed.
When a recession hits businesses start
to ‘unwind’ – think of slowing that bike
down; you have to put the brakes on.
When the market turns most owner/
managers still have their foot on the
brake, operating their businesses in the
‘unwind’ modality. And with a low risk
profile, they are reluctant to take their foot
off the brake until there is lots of proof
that we are genuinely out of recession.
Problem is, by the time there is plenty of
proof that we are out of recession and it
is safe to invest again, the opportunity is
gone as the market will have already picked
up 30 per cent to 50 per cent growth in the
initial stages of the new cycle.
The opportunity is now – at the bottom
of the cycle.
Mistake 4: Macro/Micro
During boom times business managers
tend to focus on the bigger strategic plays
available to them; mergers, acquisitions,
new markets, new branches/outlets etc.
It is what we call macro strategies.
What is forgotten during these times is
micro – all the detail that keeps a business
lean and efficient. You can hide these
mistakes during a boom period as the
growth will hide them. So during boom
times micro is the blind spot in a business.
The opposite is true during recessionary
periods. Owners tend to get dragged
back into all the detail of the business
and become very micro focused. This
means that the alignment of the detail to
the macro strategies and visions is often
overlooked. Businesses come out of the
recession in one piece but not aligned with
the growth strategies. They then waste
12 months plus aligning the business to
grow – but the market is already growing
– they miss the boat!
Mistake 5: Industry Cycle
And the last mistake is often linked to
cycles within industries. Owners tend to
get caught up in the conversations of ‘doom
and gloom’ across the market and fail to
watch the economic cycles within their own
industries. Not all industries move with the
same timing as the overall economy.
Watching these cycles is critical to achieving
timing of individual business strategies.
Five common mistakes; easy to see when
you are looking for them; easy to not see
if you forget about them.
The Opportunity is Now.
Darren Shirlaw is the founder of Shirlaws, which was
established in Australia in 1999, and now operates
in the U.K., USA, NZ and Spain.
Darren is responsible for developing the unique
business model and much of its IP. He has
spearheaded the global development of Shirlaws
and is responsible for the strategic development
of the organisation. Today he still continues to
coach clients, particularly CEOs of many household
named companies.
mivision • 59
midispenser
BASIC LENS
Dispensing
part 3
The ODMA board recognises that a crucial part of industry growth is ongoing
education and training. To that end, in this issue we continue our series of
articles from the ODMA Optical Retail Guide with the third part of our series
on the Basics of Lens Dispensing: Industry Terminology.
From parts 1 and 2 of the Basic Lens
Dispensing series, we know that poor
vision is caused by the eyes’ inability to
focus light onto the retina. An optometric
professional will examine a person’s eyes to
determine the level of correction required,
and then a prescription is produced
requesting a lens in terms of lens power.
Lens Power (D) = 1/f (focal length)
in metres.
Example:
1. Dioptre = 1/1=1 metre focal length
2.Dioptre = 1/2=1/2 metre focal length
Lens Types
Lens Form, Spherical Plus
Lens Power
Lens power is created by using two or more
curves, resulting in a bending of light. This
lens power is measured in dioptres.
Plus Lens
• Magnifies image
• Focal point on right
• Centre thicker than edges
Correct Form
• Allows for Rotation of the eye
• Better Peripheral Performance
• Avoids Eyelash Contact
Focal Length
Lenses will form either a real focal point
(+ power) or a virtual (imaginary) focal
point (– power).
The focal length is the distance from
the focal point to the lens. This length
is measured in metres.
Minus Lens
• Reduces image size
• Imaginary focal point on left of lens
• Edges thicker than the centre of the lens
Example: A magnifying glass forms a point
focus on paper and causes it to burn.
Incorrect Form
• Increases Peripheral Distortion
• Likely to cause Eyelash Contact
Dioptre Power
Plus Lens Power
Front Curves are usually Convex ( + )
Back Curves are usually Concave ( - )
Plano Lens
• Front and back curves the same,
therefore, the light does not bend at all.
The dioptric power of a lens is inversely
related to the distance between the lens
and the focal point (focal length).
60 • mivision
Constructing a Plus Lens
Front curve radius is shorter than
back curve radius. Therefore, has
more curvature.
F Curve + B Curve = Approx Lens Power
Target power +6.00
1.+12.00 FC + (-6.00 ) BC
- Poor Cosmetics
2.+6.00 FC + ( 0.00 ) BC
- Poor Optics
3.+9.00 FC + (-3.00) BC
- Best Balance
Successfully balances optical performance
and cosmetic appearance.
Cylindrical lenses are used
to correct astigmatism.
This diagram shows the positions
of the principle power meridians.
Constructing a Minus Lens
Spherical Lenses
Prism
Front curve radius is longer than
back curve radius. Therefore, has
less curvature.
Two lenses with the same curvature
providing the same focal lengths.
• What is it? What is its effect?
Lens Form, Spherical Minus
• Can be described as a wedge.
Cylindrical or Toric lenses
• Has the effect of moving or displacing
an image.
• Can be prescribed or unwanted due
to incorrect P.D. or vertical optical
centre errors.
Prescription Interpretation
• Ametropia requires a Sphere power.
Correct Form
Front Surface curvature,
Reduces Reflections
• Astigmatism requires a Cylinder power
and axis.
• Used to correct vision when the
amount of correction varies across
the eye’s surface.
Incorrect Form
• Flat surface increases surface
reflections
• Cosmetically unappealing
• Only used for very high minus
1.Add Sphere and cyl powers together –
this becomes your new sphere power.
• Cylindrical lenses have two meridians
of curvature that are 90 degrees
apart and are used to focus light
onto the retina.
2.Change the sign of the cyl power
(magnitude remains the same) – this
becomes your new cyl power.
Sphere Power
F Curve + B Curve = Approx Lens Power
3.+2.00 FC + ( -8.00 ) BC - Best Balance
Successfully balances cosmetics against
the difficulty of surfacing.
Lens Form
Lenses can be spherical or cylindrical
in nature.
Spherical - lens curves have the same
power across the whole surface). e.g.
soccer ball shape.
Cylindrical - lens curves are elliptical
and the power varies depending on the
viewing axis) e.g. rugby ball shape.
x Axis
Part 3 of the Basic Lens Dispensing series
has been reproduced with kind permission
from the ODMA.
Back Curves are usually Concave ( - )
2.+5.00 FC + (-11.00 ) BC - Too Difficult
3.Change the axis by 90 degrees.
Cylinder Power
Front Curves are usually Convex ( + )
1. 0.00 FC + (-6.00 ) BC - Poor Cosmetics
Transposition
• Lenses can be referred to as cylindrical,
toric, or compound.
Minus Lens Power
Target Power -6.00
• Presbyopia requires an Addition which
is always plus in power.
/RIGINAL2X
Cylindrical or Toric lenses
Two different lens curvatures providing
two different focal lengths.
Standard Notation – Axis
Right
Left
+3.00 x 160
-300 x 60
-2.00
-1.00
-2.00
-1.00 x 180
4RANSPOSED2X
-3.00
+1.00 x 90
This article appeared in the ODMA
Optical Retail Guide, in the Education
and Training section, under the heading
of ‘Basic Lens Dispensing Part 3’.
The first edition of the Optical Retail
Guide was distributed to independent
practitioners across Australia in early
December 2008.
Independent practitioners, who
would like to receive a copy of the
ODMA Optical Retail Guide, should
contact Tina Callaghan on
E: [email protected].
mivision • 61
10
miprofile
years
of Professional Education:
Varilux Academy and ICEE
Nearly 50 years ago a product was invented
that’s changed how people see, improved
their quality of life, and even increased
their lifespan. Kylie Evans
Progressive Addition Lenses (PALs)
provide an advanced vision correction
option, avoiding the sharp changes of focus
offered by bifocals. Essilor pioneered the
technology in1959 with Varilux, a brand
that remains the world leader.
“Virtually everyone over the age of 45
needs glasses for reading, and their choice
of spectacle lenses will have a large
effect on their lifestyle,” says Tim Thurn,
Director of Professional Services, Essilor
Asia Pacific Headquarters.
“If our sight is as normal as possible,
then our activities will also be normal.
Progressive lenses enable people as they
age to maintain their favourite activities
and hobbies. There is evidence that this
enhances their quality of life, keeps them
active, which in turn, extends their lifespan.
“Some people even go so far as to say that
bifocals are a community health hazard.
Approximately 50,000 Americans a year
have accidents on stairs or escalators
because they are wearing bifocals. This
in itself doesn’t sound so bad, except that
older people who break a leg or a hip,
lose mobility and their life expectancy is
reduced by at least five years.”
Encroaching Asia Pacific
Less than one per cent of presbyopes in
62 • mivision
Asia Pacific are experiencing the benefits
of wearing PALs. Increased technological
development in Asia Pacific and the
ageing employed population means
demand for this technology is increasing,
and while there was a great deal of interest
amongst practitioners in new technology,
ten years ago a general shortage of skills
limited the use of PALs.
Recognising this need led, in 1998,
to a unique partnership between the
International Centre for Eyecare
Education (ICEE) and Essilor, the world’s
largest manufacturer of spectacle lenses,
aimed at accelerating the successful
uptake of advanced lens technology in the
Asia Pacific region.
Ten years later more than 10,000
practitioners and 1,000 educators have
been taught by ICEE to provide the best
and latest care, first via the Presbyopia
Education Program (PEP) and now
through the Varilux Academy Asia
Pacific (VAAP) practitioner program and
the Varilux Academy Educator Initiative
(VAEI) educator training programs.
The training is conducted in Australia
and New Zealand and throughout Asia,
including China, India, Indonesia, Hong
Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea,
Thailand and the Philippines. In 2009,
the region will expand to incorporate the
Middle East and English-speaking Africa.
“Cultural diversity; professional
qualifications ranging from none at all
to university level; distance; languages
and dialects; plus limited time and
resources are all factors that, at first,
make delivering such training programs
in Asia Pacific a little daunting. But in
spite of the diverse nature of the region,
one factor unites all of the countries - the
need for the practitioners to understand
and be confident in the techniques
and knowledge required for today’s
sophisticated products,” said Mr Thurn.
PAL Progression
Bernard Maitenaz invented the first
Varilux progressive lens in 1959 and
practitioner education has been a key
factor in the product’s success. While
other manufacturers have also taken
on the technology, with more than 70
different brands available today, half
of all progressive lenses sold are still
Varilux. Linking the continuous shifts
in progressive lens technology with
innovative education is a logical fit.
The ICEE professional education team
frequently consults with Essilor’s research
and development scientists to keep the
program content up to date.
The lens design and technology of PALs
means these lenses must be prescribed
and fitted accurately by skilled eye care
practitioners, to ensure the wearers
receive all the benefits sought by the lens
designers, such as comfortable, clear
vision and enhanced task performance at
various distances.
Tailor Made Courses
The Varilux Academy focuses on
improving the quality of life for
presbyopes by developing the capacity of
local educators, practitioners and industry
staff to manage presbyopia, including
enabling them to confidently fit PALs.
The Varilux programs are tailored for
each location, taking into account cultural
and economic environments as well as
audience expertise. The materials are also
tailored for both developed and developing
markets to up-skill both experienced
practitioners and novices alike.
“Flexibility is needed not only in how the
program is delivered but also in its content
– a New Zealand optometrist with four
years university training and many hours
of compulsory continuing education,
has different needs and expectations to
a self-taught practitioner in a developing
country,” said Craig Butler, ICEE
Professional Education Team.
“To encompass the practitioner types, the
course is broken into optional modules
covering basic to advanced technical
subjects. The 29 modules now available
include everything from how to correctly
fit a progressive lens, to calculating
the refractive index, case studies, and
technology updates.”
In addition to teaching clinical skills,
Varilux Academy programs include
communication, psychology and sales
skills for improved patient management.
The programs offer small group
participation with hands-on practical
workshops, humorous role plays, and
demonstration tools to give participants a
realistic experience of what it is like to be
a PAL-wearing presbyope.
The most important aspect of the programs
is the training of local presenters.
“The demand for education in Asia Pacific
is so great that the Varilux Academy could
be presented every day of the year and it
would only slightly ease the demand. ICEE
plays the vital role of ‘training the trainers’
which is a key feature of sustainable eye
care,” said Mr. Butler.
“We train local Essilor staff, practitioners
or educators as Certified Presenters, so the
education can continue when the ICEE
team has gone home. So far, we have
certified more than 60 local presenters in
12 countries, and in turn they have trained
an additional 15,000 practitioners. Thus
we are seeing exponential growth in the
impact of education which improves the
eyecare options for the region.”
ICEE have translated program materials
to allow local presenters to conduct the
program in their preferred language,
including Mandarin, Cantonese, Tamil,
Bengali, Hindi, Bahasa Indonesian,
Korean, Filipino, Japanese and English.
“The program has been going for ten
years, and we anticipate it will keep
going for ten more. Most importantly,
by training local educators we know that
its impact will continue to be felt in the
future,” said Mr. Butler.
“Spectacle lenses continue to become
more sophisticated, which means the
markets require more skilled people to
prescribe them. Through the Varilux
Academy, ICEE and Essilor will continue
to train both practitioners and educators,
enhancing the eye care services available
to their communities.”
Future Impacts
To further the sustainable aspect of the
Varilux program, ICEE assessed curricula
in a sample of Asia Pacific universities
and colleges and found they often
lacked current information about PAL
technology. ICEE developed education
materials to address this problem plus
an Educator Training Program for local
teachers. The materials are designed to
be easily included in any undergraduate
ophthalmic, optometric or technical
education program and they are now
used in more than 45 institutions. The
institutions have also welcomed the
‘Virtual Refractor’, an elegant software
package developed by ICEE that teaches
students refraction from first principles.
This article has been authored by Kylie Evans, on
behalf of the Varilux Academy Steering Committee.
The Varilux Academy is a joint venture funded by
Essilor and delivered by the International Centre for
Eyecare Education (ICEE).
The endorsement of ICEE education
programs by Essilor subsidiary managers
in each country has been important in
achieving VAAP and VAEI objectives.
This includes following up practitioners,
educators and undergraduates, and
supporting them to implement the best
practices for managing presbyopia.
mivision • 63
mifashion
MIDO O9
Are Tradeshows still relevant?
The annual trek to MIDO this year was caged in
an air of uncertainty about what to expect. With
tradeshows losing support from exhibitors and with
the backdrop of the global financial crisis, I was
keen to assess what impact these factors may
have on our own Odmafair in July. James Wright
One of the main reasons for the much
publicised move of the world’s most
important optical event, from the
traditional May timeslot forward two
months to early March, was so it would
be held at the end of a 10 day period of 12
international exhibitions closing with the
four most important shows of footwear,
furs, handbags and eyewear: MICAM
“The Shoe Event”, MIPEL “The Bag
Show”, and MIFUR “The International
Fur and Leather Exhibition” and of
course MIDO.
accessories.” Whether this was achieved
time will tell.
My impression of the change in the
timetable was it was not well received by
exhibitors. The main reason they said
was because of the proximity to both
Silmo, held late last year in Paris, and
the Munich optical fair, held just over a
month before MIDO, in late January.
Early Signs
As a consequence, the expectation was
that this would somehow transform
MIDO from just another optical trade
fair to some kind of super fashion event,
which would allow exhibitors and visitors
to present and experience eyewear in a
new dimension.
There were early signs that maybe this
would be a low key event. In previous
years there has been heavy promotion of
the Fair around the centre of Milan and
at other key precincts. Also commuting
to the show has always been in a crowded
Metro carriage. This year, none of this
was apparent.
The organisers proclaimed in the preMIDO press conference the move to stage
MIDO in March “was a strategic decision
and a sign of confidence and will create
synergies among fashion, clothing and
On the opening day, there were only
small crowds queuing at the entrance and
not a lot of familiar faces. Visitors from
overseas were down 18 per cent with
overall attendance down by nine per cent.
64 • mivision
Clearly, the MIDO organisers were
expecting a downturn based on the
already grim news coming from within
the industry and presented in the MIDO
press. Italian eyewear production in 2008
was down by 6.4 per cent over 2007.
Exports were down 4.7 per cent overall
and exports of sunglasses fell 6.9 per cent.
While MIDO is primarily about Italian
eyewear, with 46 per cent of the visitors
from Italy, the majority of visitors come
from outside Italy and there are many
exhibitors from France, Germany, Asia
and Scandinavia making MIDO the most
important international eyewear fair, offering
a unique opportunity to gain a complete
overview of the entire eyewear sector.
The Italian Eyewear Industry
The focus of reporting about the fair
is from the point of view of the Italian
industry which remains the world’s largest
with 26 per cent of the world’s exports.
The move by the Italian industry to
reposition Italian eyewear is strategic
and important and has implications
for independent optometry in trying to
differentiate itself from the high profile
budget chains that are making their
presence felt in the Australian and New
Zealand markets. The dichotomy is as
simple as the contrast between quality,
style and innovation exemplified by MIDO
and the low cost copy-cat manufacturing
that is the basis of budget eyewear.
European eyewear is unashamedly about
brands, quality, style and innovation and
MIDO is the showcase.
Trends and New Collections
In spite of the economic cloud hanging
over the Fair, there was the excitement
of viewing the new collections from our
suppliers and also visiting the MIDO
Design Lab, which is an exclusive area
for the most innovative companies that
love to experiment with new shapes, new
materials and new concepts.
It’s also amusing to see the unusual and
original stand designs, the variety of
which are no doubt inspired by the wide
range of style, colours and materials on
show. The most ridiculous, but effective,
was ic! berlin’s stand, which featured
displays, tables and chairs fashioned from
empty cardboard boxes taped together
on the bare concrete floor. The effect was
chaotic, but in keeping with the bohemian
nature of the brand.
What of the Trends? Eyewear today is
eclectic. There is something for everybody
and there is no clear trend. Eyewear
design is about reinventing style with
new materials and colours and blending
contemporary design with traditional
influences. The most obvious was the
strong impact of retro and vintage.
Retro is still “fashion forward”, or as the
new brand Rye and Lye’s caption stated,
“Future Retro Eyewear”.
Every major manufacturer had 1970s
retro styles in metal or acetate with
aviator influence, double bridges and the
inevitable vintage 1950s tortoise acetates
for men and women. In fact, it was very
noticeable how many younger women
were wearing masculine retro optical
styles. But this was MIDO and Milan and
people wear outrageous styles to stand out.
Retro was even more dominant in the
Design Lab. The German companies were
very strong in this style. MunicEyewear
featured retro styles with identical models
available in both metal and acetate.
Hoffman, Martin & Martin, ic! Berlin,
Reiz and the Austrian manufacturer
Andy Wolf all displayed collections with
strong traditional influences but presented
with modern materials and combinations.
Retro is back but the materials and
colours are new age.
The other persistent trend is Bling. Bling
is no longer a fad. It’s now mainstream.
After all, eyewear, especially for women,
is jewellery for the face and optical
frames and sunglasses with crystals
and lacquered decorations were very
prominent at MIDO. And it’s not just
for the over 45s. The French seem to
excel at this with manufacturers such
as Grosfilley showcasing their beautiful
Azzaro Couture collection featuring
Swarosvski crystals. The most outrageous
were sunglasses from Jimmy Crystal
New York with colourful over the top
Swarovski embellishment. Their small
stand was crowded with excited onlookers
and buyers not only for sunglasses but
their wide range of crystal accessories.
really went away. Spectacles in black are
the most versatile accessory and it is the
undisputed colour of elegance in both
sunglasses and acetate models for vision
wear but now more fashion forward and
oversized. In fact at MIDO eyewear in
both optical and sun were deeper and
flatter reflecting the strong influence of
vintage design.
And finally, any mention of retro style
wouldn’t be accurate without noting
the butterfly shape. On loan from the
1950s fashions this style is now available
from the top manufacturers not just
the boutique designers such as French
companies Filao Paris and Francis Klein.
It may be that this eyewear, with its
unusual upturned shape, will be the musthave accessory for the “nice but naughty
look” (not my words).
The French also showcased intricate
filigree temple designs in stunning
colour combinations with collections
from Lafont, Azzaro and JF Rey and the
Danish company Bellinger as standouts.
These styles also seem to herald a move
away from the heavy styling of the last
few years with thick temples and bridges.
There is a move to comfort and lightness
in many of the new collections. This
trend is best exemplified by brands such
as Lindberg, Mykita, Urband, Gotti and
Markus T with classic minimalistic shapes
and colours in lightweight materials
such as stainless steel and titanium. This
eyewear focuses on technical excellence
with unique glazing systems and
advanced design in hinges.
MIDO’s Impact on Odmafair
This use of lightweight materials with a
focus on comfort is further developed by
companies such as German Ferdinand
Menrad Group with their Joop! and
Davidoff collections and the Danish
company Orgreen. These companies blend
lightweight materials such as stainless
steel and titanium with contemporary
colour combinations and striking modern
architectural design.
Odmafair, the only tradeshow in
Australia and New Zealand which has
positioned itself to showcase the very
latest fashions from around the world in
eyewear, remains an essential tool for the
independent optometrist looking to keep
abreast of this dynamic industry.
Another trend that was noteworthy was
that black is back, although it never
MIDO underlines and defines the clear
line between eyewear as a therapeutic
device and a fashion accessory. Clearly
meeting the needs of those people to have
their eyesight corrected at the lowest cost is
important, but for the independent optician
looking to develop a niche, then the fashion
eyewear segment is the only option.
Australian independent optical retailers
are spoilt for choice to achieve this.
Australian eyewear importers make
available a wide selection of the quality
fashion eyewear showcased at MIDO and
Odmafair, held in a couple of months, is
the only opportunity to experience this
choice under one roof.
James Wright is the CEO of Eurostyle Eyewear.
He has worked in the optical industry for seven
years and, each year, travels to the major optical
tradeshows to find unique pieces to add to his
portfolio. This is his seventh trip to MIDO.
mivision • 65
mifashion
66 • mivision
IC! Berlin, Eyemakers (AUS) 02 9960 7766
Made in
Europe
We discussed the emergence of China becoming
a manufacturing giant imitating European design
last issue. The hallmarks of European excellence
in frame design are unrivalled. However, in a
new economic season, European design is
finding a new creative edge in response to
the new environment. Sharon Smith
The Europeans – traditional bastions
of style and fashion – are most known
for offering master craftsmanship with
unrivalled quality. This isn’t without
reason – Mazzucchelli Italian Acetate,
Carl Zeiss Lenses, German and French
Spring Hinges – the list and patents
continue to impress.
Having said that, some seemingly strong
designer brands have closed shop, large
international companies are bailing and
the current economic contraction is not
looking to end in the short term.
In the coming years, we will see designers
respond to their environment more
creatively. What previously worked
will no longer be seen in the same light.
Whether this is through the use of
ostentatious branding and motifs, or use
of rare materials, designers are going back
to the drawing board to take their designs
to the next level.
The designs we are now seeing have been
brought to bear through innovation in the
manufacturing process. We are largely
seeing this through the use of eco-friendly
materials and techniques, recycling and
re-working vintage acetate or metals and
exploring alternatives.
New, Right Here, Right Now
People’s perceptions of novelty and value
change in a tight economic market and
this is the biggest challenge facing all
designers. So, what are the hottest frames
from Europe right here, right now?
Colour and crystals – used as an accent
or splash – look at watery Monet-esque
shades and berry tones. Natural shades
continue in horn, Havana, caramel
and tort.
Function and innovation –
subtle innovations.
Novelty – within this climate, fun is
mivision • 67
Cogan, Mimo
(AUS) 02 9970 1800
almost seen as a dirty word. Some
designers have rebelled against this with
their use of bright colours for effect.
Classics reworked – black continues
to lead and inspire.
“The designs we are now seeing have been brought to
bear through innovation in the manufacturing process.”
Male and Female – the unisex look is
taking a back seat to more defined male
and female frames.
Geek Chic and Retro – have evolved and
softened. Even dramatic cats eyes have
been softened into the more flattering
butterfly lens shape, offering femininity.
Eco Techniques and Materials – Acetate
in itself is incredibly environmentally
friendly as it is both natural and
renewable. The production of cellulose
acetate fibres are ‘clean’ materials, meet
international environmental regulations
and biodegradable.
Filao
A brand that represents my point about
eco-friendly techniques is the exciting
brand from French-Senegalese designer,
Caroline Abram, called Filao. A return
to nature is demonstrated with her
hand-made designs from French and
Italian acetate, and accessories in glass,
natural stones, wood and Swarovski
crystal. The lenses are made from glass
to minimise scratching.
The brand developed organically around
nine years ago when Abram sought work
for the women in her local community.
This evolved into the women making the
beaded chains for her eyewear creations.
Even though Filao is now an international
brand (and even won a coveted Silmo
D’Or), the designer and the local women
continue to gather to make the unique
designs thousands of women wear all over
the globe. The latest collection offering
creamy torts, muted jade, berry and ivory.
Distributor: CliC Products (AUS) 1800 056 572
ProDesign
ProDesign Denmark’s Essential collection
of frames demonstrate the versatility of
colour with their integrated laser-patterned
68 • mivision
metal inserts creating a sporty, modern
temple motif. Naturally, ProDesign have
done more than play with colour, they
have added a hidden flex hinge in nickel
silver, materials such as Beta Titanium
and stainless steel screws, with two models
specifically designed for progressive lenses.
The Iris Collection is inspired by Danish
jewellery and rainforest themes. Iris offers
dappled, muted tones with tortoiseshell,
amber and moss acetate. The design has
been designed to create a visual line of
depth by countersinking the temples.
As with all ProDesign frames, many steps
are involved – from hand making each
frame and integrating numerous pressing
steps. The hinges are nickel silver at the
front and titanium at the back. The frame
front and temple tips are acetate, while
the organically designed metal temples
are titanium. The lens style is a softened
cats eye (enabling three models to fit
progressives) and complement the
jewel-like temples.
Distributor: Eyes Right Optical (AUS) 1800 637 654
Roberto Cavalli
Italian fashion maestro, Roberto Cavalli,
usually the King of Bling, a designer
who survived the last major recession in
the 1980s and has come back stronger
than ever whilst remaining true to
his elaborate, exquisite and exotic
creations, has some very pretty frames
that encapsulate the pretty shades of
now. Look for RC484 in 083, an acetate
frame with transparent lilac and moss
and dainty crystal RC motif or the muted
berry enamel with tobacco leather inserts
of metal frame RC481 in 28A.
Cavalli’s diffusion line, Just Cavalli, offers
a fabulous male frame that references the
recent vintage obsession with all things
Wayfarer and has ensured it is now both
rockabilly and modern with slivers of
primary yellow – I love it! Look for model
JC 237-092 – Buddy Holly could only
dream of such a cool frame!
Distributor: Healy Optical Group (AUS) 02 9420 3200
LaFont
Tres chic French family company,
LaFont, continues to celebrate their novel
approach to eyewear with their unique,
limited edition (500 worldwide) sunglass
and optical frame pairing. The Riviera
collection is inspired by the timeless
charm of the 1930s, relaxed elegance
of summer on the Cote d’Azur. The black
layered acetate oversized sunglass (Riviera
Bermude) is layered with transparent and
orange flecks at the back and sides of the
frame. In case you were unsure what they
were referencing, there is a bright coral
shape splashed across the temple – a mix
of chic and kitch that will capture the
imagination of some lucky owners.
Not to be outdone by its brash mate,
the Riviera Baroque offers a similar
frame front of layered acetate sporting
coral flecks in an angular, cats-eye
shape, while the acetate with metal
core rod temples have a stained glass
affect of intricate panels of clear and
coral behind a black top layer – a treasure
chest from the innocence of the 1950s.
Distributor: Healy Optical Group (AUS) 02 9420 3200
Distributed by L’Amy Australia Pty Ltd (AUS) 02 9428 1500
© DIMP¥BMMSJHIUTSFTFSWFE
Rodenstock
Germany’s ever-popular brand,
Rodenstock’s latest collection seamlessly
marries technology with nature. The
innovative Rodaflex Twin technology
makes this possible. The temples are
made entirely of wood! Rodenstock also
guarantees their frame’s usual comfort
will be complemented by the feeling of
natural beauty. The models, Bubinga and
Ebony, are made with self-adjusting sides
are available in the beautiful woods.
Rodenstock has also embraced the
polarity of male and female frames with
their very different offerings – look at the
very angular, architecturally inspired
3-piece rimless R4040 for men and then
the more organically inspired R4830b for
ladies – a petite gold metal frame front
with cream acetate sporting a gold metal
insert featuring a leafy design motif
flowing down each temple.
Distributor: Rodenstock Australia (AUS) 02 9748 0988
Porsche Design
are made of especially flexible plastic
ensuring high optical quality along with
extensive UV protection.
Relying on their innovative German
technology Porsche Design have also
created an amazing foldable frame
PD84820 Due to a special mechanism,
it is possible to fold them to be extremely
flat, and they combine an elegant look
with optimum UV protection.
Jacob Jensen is a name many haven’t heard
before. However, this Danish industrial
design maestro delivers a contemporary
eyewear collection; a sleek and timeless
range encompassing a combination of
classic European design elements and a
desire for innovation without compromise
a focus on the material with minimal
design affectations.
This mechanism, which is completely
integrated in the hinge area, is amazing
due to its easy operation. When the sides
are folded out, the lens automatically
stands upright and takes on the curved
form that is typical of sport sunglasses,
and which optimally adapts to the shape
of the face. If the sides are folded back
together, then the lens lies flat, and it
is easy to find space for the frame in a
specially developed case. The total height
of the folded frame including the original
case is only approximately 15 millimetres,
which makes it thin enough for a shirt or
jacket pocket. Additionally, the extremely
stable titanium makes these sunglasses
extraordinarily light, while the lenses
Distributor: Rodenstock Australia (AUS) 02 9748 0988
Jacob Jensen Design
Jacob Jensen is primarily known for his
Bang & Olufsen audio designs, but as an
industrial designer, he has designed more
than 500 products for various clients.
For more than 50 years, Jacob Jenson
has globally challenged our ideas of how
everyday objects can be experienced and
how they can contain a quiet beauty.
For the first time in Australia, the Jacob
Jensen Eyewear range has been launched
by Sydney based eyewear company,
Jimara Eyewear Group.
Distributor: Jimara Eyewear Group
(AUS)1800 008 139
© ESCHENBACH OPTIK GmbH.
Another German brand, Porsche Design
has also relied on leather inserts to
decorate its latest sleek men’s sunglasses.
Model PD8493 is an oversized mask is
made of a single piece of titanium, while
the lens is only held between the upper
and lower rim. With brown leather inserts
for the white temple tips and black leather
for the black model, these frames are
sleek, while the wide sides characterise
their modern sporty look.
Keisha Buchanan
of the Sugababes
is the new face of
Humphrey’s eyewear.
Available exclusively from European Eyewear
Phone 1800 818 221 | (03) 9877 7956
Fax
(03) 9877 7405
Email [email protected]
In NZ please call PDE Optical on 9849 3415
See us at
Stand 301
Only available from
Eyes Right Optical
Phone 1800 637 654
www.eyesright.com.au
SEEING
™
EYE TO EYE
Kylie* in Australia
Your practice donates
Dilip* in Sri Lanka
* Names have been changed.
Photo: ICEE
Kylie has an eye exam and buys
glasses from your practice
Your practice agrees to donate
$2 - $5 from each eye exam, frame
or glasses purchased.
Your donation funds glasses and
sustainable eye care services in
the developing world.
To involve your practice contact us today:
www.givingsight.org, [email protected] or call 1300 88 10 73
Transforming lives through the gift of vision
NEW!!
2.
1.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
1. Filao, Clic (AUS) 02 9981 2658 | 2. Rodaflex Twin, Rodenstock (AUS) 02 9748 0988 | 3. Porshe (AUS) 02 XXXX XXXX | 4. Prodesign, Eyes Right (AUS) 03 9763 1333
5. Lafont, Healy (AUS) 02 9420 3200 | 6. Jacob Jensen, Eye Candy (AUS) 02 9331 2655 | 7. Mercedes Benz, Frames Etc (AUS) 08 9248 1882 |
72 • mivision
|
miproducts
Piranha Eyewear
– Cruize (RS909)
The Cruize glasses are compliant to
Australian Safety Standard (as nzs
1337-1992 Eye protectors for industrial
applications). They are a highly
multifunctional design (six options)
and are great for sports enthusiasts.
They are also fantastic for industry/
safety eyewear users. The multi pack
includes three different lens colours
(clear, yellow and smoke). All parts are
included, except the RX prescription
gasket which must be ordered
separately. The RX gasket is beneficial
because the script is always protected
by the sunglass lens.
Prescription Options
Piranha Eyewear can provide the RX
gaskets with required scripts that are
ready to go. Optometrists can purchase
the RX gaskets also to fit with lenses
themselves. RX gaskets can be used
with or without the foam gasket, which
is an additional option (only available
with this model).
Polycarbonate Lens
The lenses comply with Australian
Safety Standards and have an antiscratch and anti-fog coating.
TR-90 Frames
Frame comes with a clip-in
adjustable strap for those who
prefer a more secure fit.
For further information, contact Piranha
Eyewear on [AUS] 02 4284 7888 or
www.uglyfisheyewear.com.
blink Intensive Tears
Abbott Medical Optics (AMO), a global
leader in ophthalmic surgical devices
and eye care products, have announced
the introduction of blink Intensive
Tears, a new line of over-the-counter
protective eye drops for the estimated
58 per cent of Australians who suffer
from occasional or chronic dry eye
symptoms. AMO developed a unique,
advanced formula for blink Intensive
Tears protective eye drops that includes
a blend of ingredients naturally found in
the eye. Product benefits include:
•long-lasting relief with less
blurring of vision
•greater than 60 minutes moisture
retention time
• restores tear film with each blink
• improved tear film stability
blink Intensive Tears is now available.
For more information please contact
your AMO Representative or AMO
Customer Service Team in Australia on
[AUS] 1800 266 111.
Cummings Safety Frames
Cummings Optical has released a range
of prescription safety frames that are
certified to AS1337.6:2007 for low
and medium impact protection. They
come in a variety of sizes, styles and
frame colours which will meet all of your
customers’ requirements. A patented
side shield system removes the need
for riveting or screws to keep side
shield attached to metal frames.
These manufacturers to the standard
choose to have their processes
certified by an independent certification
body. Once certified this allows the
laboratory to affix a certification mark
on the product. This allows you and
your customer’s peace of mind that
you are supplying certified prescription
safety glasses.
For further information go to
www.cummingsoptical.com.au
or phone (AUS) 1800 066 481.
Varilux Physio Short 360º Enhanced High Resolution
Vision in Small Frames
Australia’s most popular Varilux design
is now available in a short corridor
version. Varilux Physio Short 360º is
the first progressive design to use
W.A.V.E Technology and Essilor’s
Advanced Digital Surfacing to increase
performance in small frames.
Two digitally enhanced surfaces
combine to deliver patented features in
each part of the lens. Lower and higher
order aberrations are dramatically
reduced, providing far vision acuity
fields as large as 155º, a smooth soft
periphery and a high near vision zone.
With Varilux Physio Short 360º, the lens
wavefront and the wearer’s prescription
contribute to the design of a unique
aspheric back surface that enhances
the wearer’s visual performance. The
design follows the wearer’s natural
behaviour - accessing near vision with
just 18º down gaze.
Varilux Physio Short 360º is part of
Essilor’s new Varilux 360º Series which
now also includes Varilux Comfort 360º.
74 • mivision
and Varilux Ellipse 360º.
midiary
2009
Odmafair). Info: (AUS) 03 5977 0244 or
[email protected]
May 3-7, 2009 ARVO annual meeting,
Fort Lauderdale, Florida Greater Fort
Lauderdale/Broward County Convention
Centre. Info: www.arvo.org
July 9-10, National Children’s Vision
Conference: Perception – Vision Beyond the
Eyeball, Sydney, NSW, Australasian College
of Behavioural Optometrists (ACBO), Info:
David Evian (AUS) 02 9436 4395
May 7-9, Agfest at Quercus Rural Youth
Park, Carrick, Tasmania. Info: [AUS] 03
6224 3360
May 8-23, ONA Network, Volunteer Tanzania
Eye Camp. Info: www.onanetwork.org
May 14-17, New Zealand Branch
Scientific Meeting, Rutherford Hotel,
Nelson, New Zealand.
May 15-30, ONA Network, Volunteer
Tanzania Cataract Camp. Info:
www.onanetwork.org
May 16-18, Southern Regional Congress
(SRC) 2009, Melbourne Convention Centre.
Info: www.vicoptom.asn.au
May 16-19, Australian Pacific Academy of
Ophthalmology (APAO). Bali International
Convention Centre, Bali, Indonesia. Info:
www.apao2009bali.org
May 16-19, 24th Congress of the Asia
Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology,
Amsterdam. Info: www.soe.2009.org
May 17-19, Vision-X Dubai (moved from
Feb), 10th Optical & Ophthalmic Exhibition
and Conference, Dubai International
Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC).
Info:www.vision-x.ae
May 19, OAA QLD/NT Practice Expo,
Rydges South Bank Hotel,Brisbane. Info:
Marika MacKenzie on (AUS) 07 3839 4411
May 24, Best of Queensland Vision 2009
Darwin, Novotel Atrium Darwin. Info: Marika
MacKenzie on (AUS) 07 3839 4411
May 24-30, Macular Degeneration
Awareness Week. Info: www.mdfoundation.
com.au
May 28-31, BCLA Clinical Conference and
Exhibition, Manchester from May 28-31.
Info: www.bcla.org.uk.
June 7, Best of Queensland Vision 2009
Townsville, South Bank Convention Centre
Townsville. Info: Marika MacKenzie on (AUS)
07 3839 4411
July 9-10, CLIC (Contact Lens Industry
Council) Meeting (will dovetail into
July 8 – 11, World Glaucoma Congress
2009. Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Info:
www.worldglaucoma.org
July 10-12, Odmafair 2009, Sydney
Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling
Harbour. Info: (AUS) 03 9699 4699 or
www.exhibitionmanagement.com.au
August, Save our Sight Awareness
Campaign, NZ. Info: www.nzao.co.nz
August 14-16, Tasmania’s Lifestyle
Congress V, the Old Woolstore Apartment
Hotel, Hobart. Info: (AUS) 03 62243360
August 16-22, National Glaucoma
Week, Glaucoma Australia. Info:
www.glaucoma.org.au
August 28-30, WAVE (Western Australia
Vision Education) 2009, Esplanade Hotel
and Conference Centre, Fremantle, Perth,
WA. Info: (AUS) 08 9380 6688.
September 4-6, Mido Business Forum,
Rome, Italy. Info: www.mido.it
Sept 4-19, ONA Network, Volunteer Tanzania
Eye Camp. Info: www.onanetwork.org
September 12-13, Eyecare Plus Annual
Conference, Star City. Info: (AUS) 02 6583
4966
September 16, XXVII 2009 Congress of the
ESCRS CCIB Convention Centre, Barcelona,
Spain. Info: www.escrs.org
September 17-20 (moved from October),
Silmo 2009 Porte de Versailles, Paris,
France. Info: www.silmo.fr
October 1, International Vision Expo,
Sands Convention Centre 201 East
Sands Avenue Las Vegas, Nevada
89109 United States. Info: www.
visionexpowest.com
October 3-5, International Vision Expo
West, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Info: www.visionexpowest.com
October 15-18, ANZAO Annual Conference
in Christchurch. Info: www.nzao.co.nz
October 24-25, The Retina Australia
National Congress, Brisbane. Hosted by
Retina Australia QLD. Info: www.retinaqld.
org.au or (AUS) 07 3003 0065
November 1, Cornea & Contact Lens
Society of Australia (formerly CLSA) AGM,
Perth.
November 13-14, SA Blue Sky Congress,
National Wine Centre, Adelaide, South
Australia Info: (AUS) 08 8338 3100, www.
sa.optometrists.asn.au
November 14-15, Expand your Primary
Care role into Behavioural Optometry, Perth,
WA, Australasian College of Behavioural
Optometrists (ACBO), Info: Chris Chong
(AUS) 08 9314 2206
November 14-18, RANZCO Annual General
Meeting and Scientific Congress, Brisbane
Convention Centre, Brisbane, Queensland.
Info: www.ranzco.edu
December 4-19, ONA Network, Volunteer
Tanzania Eye Camp. Info: www.onanetwork.
org.au
2010
January 17-22, Hawaiian Eye 2010, Grand
Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa , Kauai, Hawaii
Info: www.osnhawaiianeye.com
January 17-22, Retina 2010 (held in
conjunction with Hawaiian Eye 2010),
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, Kauai,
Hawaii Info: www.retinameeting.com
January 17-24, Ski Japan Eyecare
Conference, Rusutsu Ski Resort, Hokkaido
Japan. Info: (AUS) 0414 624 466,
www.skiconf.com
April 6-11, 6th International
Conference of Behavioural Optometry,
Info: www.acbo.org.au
April 9-11, Queensland Vision 2010,
Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition
Centre. Info: Marika MacKenzie on
(AUS) 07 3839 4411
To be included in midiary email
details to [email protected].
PLEASE NOTE: All dates were right at
time of publication however, as the
best laid plans can sometimes go
pear shaped, we suggest you contact
the event organisers before you book
your airfares and accommodation.
midirector y
* see midirectory adverts for more information about this company
ACCESSORIES
Allso Eyewear* 02 9789 6666
Aviva Optical*
1300 850 882
Frames Etcetera*
08 9248 1882
Gerber Coburn*
08 8382 1699
Good Optical
03 9820 9222
Hampton Park
03 9702 8033
McCann Optical Parts1800 787 448
Mr Specs
03 9580 4743
Optique Line
03 9853 0796
Servicing Optics
03 9546 1084
Bino, Telescopes
Aviva*
1300 850 882
Carl Zeiss/Beretta Aust*03 9799 4999
DAW Optical
1800 635 222
CASES
Allso Eyewear*
02 9789 6666
Aviva Optical*
1300 850 882
Gerber Coburn*
08 8382 1699
Healy Optical Group* 02 9420 3200
KE Optical Group
03 9387 7088
Mann Optics
07 3279 4766
McCann Optical Parts1800 787 448
CLEANING SOLUTIONS
Aviva Optical*
1300 850 882
Gerber Coburn*
08 8382 1699
KE Optical Group
03 9387 7088
Mann Optics
07 3279 4766
CLOTHS
Aviva Optical*
1300 850 882
Gerber Coburn*
08 8382 1699
Healy Optical Group* 02 9420 3200
KE Optical Group
03 9387 7088
Mann Optics
07 3279 4766
McCann Optical Parts1800 787 448
Optiwipe
08 8341 2032
Components
Aviva Optical*
1300 850 882
Gerber Coburn*
08 8382 1699
Mann Optics
07 3279 4766
McCann Optical Parts1800 787 448
Mr Specs
03 9580 4743
Servicing Optics
03 9546 1084
Computer Systems
Briot-Weco*
02 9790 3119
Designs for Vision*
02 9550 6966
Gerber Coburn*
08 8382 1699
I-Optic Computing
1800 635 222
IOC Technologies
08 6278 3801
Monkey Software
03 9393 2055
Opticare*
1800 251 852
Servicing Optics
03 9546 1084
Sunix Consultants
02 9988 4862
Contact Lenses
AMO*
1800 266 111
Alcon Laboratories* 1800 025 032
Aust Contact Lenses*1800 335 559
Bausch & Lomb*
02 9887 1444
Capricornia
1300 650 994
CIBA Vision*
1800 224 153
Contact Lens Centre 03 9543 1811
CooperVision
1800 655 480
Gelflex Laboratories 08 9443 4944
Johnson & Johnson* 1800 125 024
Menicon Australia
76 • mivision
1800 639 879
Contact Lens Solutions
AMO*
1800 266 111
Alcon Laboratories* 1800 025 032
Bausch & Lomb*
02 9887 1444
CIBA Vision*
1800 224 153
CooperVision
1800 655 480
Gelflex Laboratories 03 9443 4944
Menicon Australia
1800 639 879
Display and Point of Sale
Aviva Optical*
1300 850 882
Chadwick Plastics* 03 9584 3613
Fairsight Optical
02 9586 1129
Gerber Coburn*
08 8382 1699
Maxim Optical
02 9542 7844
Opticare*
1800 789 110
Preston Displays
03 9706 8862
Sceats Optical Group*02 9519 0022
Finance
Experien*
Medfin Australia
1300 131 141
1300 361 122
Frames
Adidas
02 9970 1800
Allso Eyewear*
02 9789 6666
Apollo Optical
02 9821 4111
Aviva Optical*
1300 850 882
Barz Optics
07 5534 7500
Blur Optix*
1300 bluroptix
C&C Eyewear
03 9585 8016
City Optical
02 8707 8122
Dakim Optical
08 9276 7312
Damar Optical
02 8335 0802
DAW Optical
1800 635 222
Dixon Optical
02 4739 4148
Domani Eyewear*
02 9997 1910
Engelhardt Eyewear 1800 888 840
European Eyewear
1800 818 221
Europtica Designs
07 3878 5616
Eurostyle Eyewear
1300 787 394
Eurospecs
02 9541 0404
Eyecraft
1800 023 831
Eyemakers*
02 9960 7766
Eyes Right Optical* 1800 637 654
Fairsight Optical
02 9586 1129
Flair Australia
1300 787 394
Frames Etcetera*
08 9248 1882
General Optical*
1800 251 025
Gerber Coburn*
08 8382 1699
Gibson Importing* 1800 331 021
Good Optical
03 9820 9222
Hagemeyer*
1300 652 525
Healy Optical Group* 02 9420 3200
Hello Kitty
03 9864 1400
Hoya Lens Australia* 1800 500 971
Inta Optical
02 9734 9999
Jonathon Paul
1800 068 828
Jono Hennessy*
02 9362 4941
KE Optical Group
03 9387 7088
L’Amy*
02 9428 1500
Luxottica*
1300 655 612
Mann Optics
07 3279 4766
Matrix Eyewear
02 9557 3122
Mikado Vision*
07 5571 1898
Mimo* 02 9970 1800
McCann Optical Parts1800 787 448
MMK International 1800 450 001
Modstyle
1800 338 812
Mondottica Australia*1800 251 467
Mr Specs
03 9580 4743
MSRx
02 4343 1334
My Optics
03 9527 1336
Noo Eyewear
03 9532 7888
Oakley South Pacific* 1800 034 217
Op’s Optical Products02 9894 1000
Optex Eyewear
02 6882 1799
Opticare*
1800 251 852
Optiproject
1300 306 678
Optique Line
03 9853 0796
Oracle Eyewear
1300 558 138
Orient Trader
02 8786 1959
PD Distributors
03 9855 8633
Phoenix Eyewear
02 9899 1866
Polaris Aust 07 3271 1934
Rimoptics
1800 335 391
Rodenstock*
1800 257 175
Rudy Project Australia 02 9318 5300
Safilo Australia
1800 252 016
Sceats Eyewear*
02 9519 0022
Shaan Eyeworks*
1800 777 560
Simon Optical
02 9649 5518
Seabreeze Oz
02 6639 5555
Spectacular Specs 1800 630 660
Style Optics
1800 338 232
Sunshades Eyewear 02 8303 7300
Suntrak Enterprises 1800 888 316
Tigervision
02 9557 2988
Tower Optics
02 9519 0022
Unisol Optical
1800 224 342
Van Staveren
1300 794 007
VMD Australia
07 5594 9854
Industry Associations
Contact Lens Council 02 9415 1151
Optical Distributors &
Manufactures Assoc. 02 8249 4380
Instruments and Equipment
AMO*
1800 266 111
Aviva Optical*
1300 850 882
Bausch & Lomb*
02 9887 1444
BOC Ophthalmic
1800 804 331
Briot-Weco*
02 9790 3119
Carl Zeiss*
1300 365 470
DAW Optical
1800 635 222
Designs for Vision* 1800 225 307
Device Technologies 1800 804 006
European Eyewear
1800 818 221
Gerber Coburn*
08 8382 1699
Hoya Lens Australia* 1800 500 971
Humanware
02 9686 2600
Insight Optics
0418 213 907
IOC Technologies
08 6278 3801
Miniflam Australia
02 9711 4265
Mostyn Optical
07 3298 5575
MSRx
02 4343 1334
Optech
03 9639 2125
Optical Manufacturers*1800 226 890
Opticare*
1800 251 852
Optimed*
1300 657 720
Servicing Optics
03 9546 1084
Shaan Eyeworks*
1800 777 560
Topcon Australia
02 8748 8777
Instruments and
Equipment Service
AMO*
1800 266 111
Bausch & Lomb*
02 9887 1444
BOC Ophthalmic
1800 804 331
Briot-Weco*
02 9790 3119
Carl Zeiss*
1300 365 470
DAW Optical
1800 635 222
Designs for Vision
1800 225 307
Device Technologies 1800 804 006
European Eyewear
1800 818 221
Gerber Coburn*
08 8382 1699
Insight Optics
0418 213 907
IOC Technologies
08 6278 3801
Mostyn Optical
07 3298 5575
Optech
03 9639 2125
Optical Manufacturers*1800 226 890
Opticare*
1800 251 852
Optimed*
1300 657 720
Redbank Instruments 1300 788 239
Servicing Optics
03 9546 1084
Topcon Australia
02 8748 8777
Intraocular Lenses
AMO*
1800 266 111
Alcon Laboratories* 1800 025 032
Bausch & Lomb*
02 9887 1444
Carl Zeiss*
1300 365 470
Designs for Vision* 1800 225 307
Lenses
Aviva Optical*
1300 850 882
Bonastar
02 9310 1688
Carl Zeiss Vision*
1800 882 041
City Optical
02 8707 8122
CR Surfacing Labs
03 9878 7599
Essilor*
02 9714 4555
Gerber Coburn*
08 8382 1699
Hoya Lens Australia* 1800 500 971
I-Optic Computing
1800 635 222
Mann Optics
073279 4766
Oakley*
1800 034 217
Opticare*
1800 251 852
Optimed*
1300 657 720
Precision Optics
1800 808 150
Redbank Instruments 1300 788 239
Rodenstock*
1800 257 175
Rudy Project Australia 02 9318 5300
Shaan Eyeworks*
1800 777 560
Simon Optical
02 9649 5518
Seabreeze Oz
02 6639 5555
Smyth & Perkins
07 3844 4692
Spotters Shades*
03 9720 6638
Transitions Optical 08 8329 0501
Younger Optics
08 8351 4755
Lens Cleaners
Aviva Optical*
Gerber Coburn*
Hampton Park KE Optical Group
Polaris Aust
1300 850 882
08 8382 1699
03 9702 8033
03 9387 7088
07 3271 1934
Low Cost Spectacle Programs
Victorian Eyecare
03 9349 7498
Vision Care NSW
02 9344 4122
Low Vision Aids
Aviva Optical*
1300 850 882
European Eyewear
1800 818 221
Mann Optics
07 3279 4766
Redbank Instruments 1300 788 239
Marketing
Shirlaw
Eyecare Plus
Provision
SmartPractice
1300 133 963
02 6583 4966
03 9533 8033
03 9818 0533
Medicare
Automated
1300 652 752
General Enquires
132 011
Provider Liaison
132 150
Medicare Health Insurance
Commission
1800 067 307
Ophthalmic Drugs
Allergan Australia 1800 252 224
Aviva Optical*
1300 850 882
Bausch & Lomb* 07 5534 7500
Device Technologies 1800 804 006
Pfizer 02 9850 3333
Practice Merchandising
Aviva Optical*
1300 850 882
Chadwick Plastics*
03 9584 3613
Maxim Optical
02 9522 5522
Research Organisations
National Vision
Research Institute
03 9349 7480
Gerber Coburn*
08 8382 1699
Gibson Importing*
1800 331 021
Good Optical
03 9820 9222
Optometric Vision
Research Foundation 02 9385 7311
Inta Optical
02 9734 9999
Vision Cooperative
Research Centre
Jonathon Paul
1800 068 828
02 9385 7516
Julbo*
02 6162 0900
Centre for Eye
Research Australia
Luxottica Aust*
1300 655 612
02 9929 8360
Co-op Research Centre for Eye
Research & Technology
02 9385
7400
Op’s Optical Products02 9894 1000
Preston Displays
03 9706 8862
Rimless Fitting
Prescription Lens Surfacing
Arc Optical*
Australia* 1800 308 275 Essilor
02 9714 4555
Arc Optical*
1800 308 275
Hoya Lens Australia* 1800 500 971
CR Surfacing Labs
03 9878 7599
Opticare*
1800 251 852
Carl Zeiss Vision*
1800 882 041
Shaan Labworks*
1800 777 560
I-Optic Computing
1800 635 222
Simon Optical
02 9649 5518
Shaan Labworks*
1800 777 560
Sola International
08 8392 8392
Spotters Shades
03 9720 6638
RX Laboratory Supplies
Professional Associations
Arc Optical*
1800 308 275
Association of
Spectacle Makers
Aviva Optical*
1300 850 882
02 9412 3033
Carl Zeiss Vision*
1800 882 041
Australasian College
of Behavioural
Optometrists
03 9792 5822
CR Surfacing Labs
03 9878 7599
DAW Optical
1800 635 222
Gerber Coburn*
08 8382 1699
Mann Optics
07 3279 4766
Australian Dispensing
Opticians Assoc:
NSW / QLD
02 9412 3033
WA
08 9444 5299
SA
08 8227 1444
VIC / TAS
03 9536 3127
McCann Optical Parts1800 787 448
Mostyn Optical
07 3298 5575
Opticare*
1800 251 852
Shaan Labworks*
1800 777 560
Smyth & Perkins
07 3844 4692
Mann Optics
07 3279 4766
Marriott Sports
02 9980 2226
Maui Jim Sunglasses 1800 010 244
Oakley South Pacific* 1800 034 217
Piranha Eyewear*
02 4228 4955
Rudy Project
02 9318 5300
Seabreeze Oz
02 6639 5555
Spotters Shades
03 9720 6638
Topace *
1300 782 990
VMD Australia
07 5594 9854
Sunglasses
Adidas
02 9970 1800
Allso Eyewear*
02 9789 6666
Apollo Optical
02 9821 4111
Aviva Optical*
1300 850 882
Barz Optics
07 5534 7500
Blur Optix*
1300 bluroptix
Bolle Australia
1300 138 098
Bugaboos – Rikki
08 9256 2799
Carve Eyewear
02 9503 0600
Engelhardt Eyewear 1800 888 840
Europtica Designs
07 3878 5616
Eurostyle Eyewear
1300 787 394
Eyres Safety Optics* 08 9235 2444
Gatorz
02 9979 1988
General Optical*
1800 251 025
Safety & Industrial
Gibson Importing*
1800 331 021
Aviva Optical*
1300 850 882
Good Optical
03 9820 9222
Optometrists Assoc Australia:
Carl Zeiss Vision*
1800 882 041
Hagemeyer*
1300 652 525
National
03 9663 6833
Cummings Optical* 1800 066 481
Healy Optical Group* 02 9420 3200
NSW
02 9712 2199
Eyres Safety Optics* 08 9235 2444
Inta Optical
02 9734 9999
Qld / NT
07 3839 4411
Gerber Coburn*
Jonathon Paul
1800 068 828
SA
08 8338 3100
Hoya Lens Australia* 1800 500 971
Jono Hennessy*
02 9362 4941
Tas
03 6224 7711
Mann Optics
07 3279 4766
Julbo*
02 6162 0900
Vic
03 9486 1700
MSRx
02 4343 1334
L’Amy*
02 9428 1500
WA
08 9380 8311
Prescription Safety
Glasses
Luxottica*
1300 655 612
02 4322 4597
Marriott Sports
02 9980 2226
Rx Safety
08 8186 3698
Matrix Eyewear
02 9557 3122
Shaan Eyeworks*
1800 777 560
Maui Jim Sunglasses 1800 010 244
Contact Lens Society
of Australia
02 9279 1273
Guild of Dispensing
Opticians
02 9412 3033
Optometry Aid Overseas08 9380 8311
Society for Holistic
Vision Care
02 9743 1864
RANZCO
02 9690 1001
08 8382 1699
McCann Optical Parts1800 787 448
Spare Parts
Aviva Optical*
1300 850 882
Australian Optometry 03 9663 6833
Gerber Coburn*
08 8382 1699
CEO
03 8359 1120
Mann Optics
07 3279 4766
Eye Talk
02 9451 2737
McCann Optical Parts1800 787 448
mivision
1300 668 201
New Image Optical
Supplies
02 9363 1531
Public Heath Organisations
Optech
03 9639 2125
ICEE
Shaan Eyeworks*
1800 777 560
Spectular Specs
1800 630 660
Publications
1300 664 233
Optometry Giving Sight1300 881 073
Vision 2020
03 9656 2020
Mimo*
02 9970 1800
Modstyle
1800 338 812
Mondottica Australia*1800 251 467
Oakley South Pacific* 1800 034 217
Opticare*
1800 251 852
Optiproject
1300 306 678
PD Distributors
03 9855 8633
Phoenix Eyewear
02 9899 1866
Piranha Eyewear*
02 4228 4955
Rodenstock*
1800 257 175
Rudy Project Australia 02 9318 5300
Spectacle Repairs
Registration Boards
Frame Care Australia*07 4051 4546
Safilo Australia
1800 252 016
NSW Board of Optometrical
Registration
02 9219 0233 NSW
Optical Dispensers
Licencing Board
02 9219 0211
Miniflam Technical
02 9711 4265
Sceats Eyewear*
02 9519 0022
Opticare
1800 251 852
Shaan Eyeworks*
1800 777 560
Optometrist
Registration Board VIC03 9882 8884
Seabreeze Oz
02 6639 5555
Adidas
02 9970 1800
Spotters Shades
03 9720 6638
Optometrists Board
of SA
Allso Eyewear
02 9789 6666
Sunshades Eyewear 02 8303 7300
Aviva Optical*
1300 850 882
Suntrak Eyewear
Barz Optics
07 5534 7500
The Eyewear Company02 9648 5422
Bugaboos – Ryders
08 9256 2799
Topace *
Gatorz
02 9979 1988
Tower Optics
02 9519 0022
General Optical*
1800 251 025
VMD Australia
07 5594 9854
08 8332 7666
Optom.s Board of WA 08 9321 8499
Optom.s Registration
Board of NT
08 9898 2865
Optom.s Board of QLD 07 3277 711
SOS Survival Optics 07 4055 5554
Sports Eyewear
1800 888 316
1300 782 990
Trade Fairs
Exhibition Mgmt
03 9699 4699
Training Institutions
Dept.of Optometry & Vision Sciences:
VIC
03 9349 7400
NSW
02 9385 4624
School of
Optometry QLD
07 3864 5735
Veteran’s Affairs
Claims: Health
Insurance Commission1300 550 051
Imprinter Sales
132 150
All States call free
1800 113 304
Authorisations
1800 555 254
Veterans Affairs:
NSW
02 9213 7777
VIC
03 9284 6870
QLD
07 3223 8333
SA
08 8920 0320
WA
08 9366 8373
TAS
03 6221 6685
Vision Therapy
Cyclopean Design
Optovision
Vision Therapy
Australasia
03 9729 5822
02 9597 6413
1800 755 441
Xcimer Laser CentREs
Clear Vision Laser Clinic
08 9381
8266
Elder Eye Centre
02 9387 4444
The Eye Institute
02 9424 9999
Hunter Laser Centre 02 4926 5823
Laser Sight Centres 02 8833 7111
Marsden Laser Clinic 02 9635 6964
Northern Laser
Vision Centre
02 9410 1011
PersonalEYES for Life02 8833 7111
Sydney Eye
Specialist Centre
02 9663 3927
Serban Eye Centre 02 9907 3003
Southline Laser Centre02 9580 1460
Vista Laser Eye Clinics02 9460 1177
Canberra Eye Hospital02 6249 6000
Insight Laser Centre 03 9629 4800
Laser Sight Centres 03 9663 0101
Medownick
Laser Centre
03 9429 3566
Melbourne Xcimer
Laser Group
03 9639 4635
New Vision Centre
03 9584 6122
Perfect Vision
Laser Correction
13 13 40
St Kilda Road
Laservision Centre 03 9521 1499
Vista Laser Eye Clinics03 9532 9981
Custom Lasik Centre 07 5557 8300
Excimer Laser
Vision Centre
07 3831 8299
Laser Sight
Centres Australasia 1800 003 937
Adelaide Eye &
Laser Centre
08 8274 7000
Ashford Advanced
Eye Care
08 8293 2700
Laser Focus Vision
Correction Centre
08 8431 9991
Eye Surgery Found’n 08 9481 6277
Lions Eye Institute
08 9381 0772
Perth Laser Vision
08 9366 1744
The Eye Centre
03 6334 1599
The Eye Institute
02 9386 3666
mivision • 77
Australian
Contact Lenses
Stock soft spheres, custom made CLS
– soft and GP. Private Label disposable
lenses – Day by Day Dailies, Switch
UV 2 weekly, Control UV Multifocals
& Monthly spheres and Torics.
2 Lace Street Doveton VIC 3177
T 03 9792 3127 F 03 9793 1635
E [email protected]
Mercedes Benz, Missoni, Enrico
Coveri, IC Invisible Clips,
Levis, Linea Collection, Mako,
Bikkembergs, Blue Steel, Celine
Dion, Cour Carre, Elizabeth Arden
Allso Eyewear
419-431 Canterbury Rd, Campsie 2194
T 02 97896666 F 02 97873815
E [email protected]
Opti-Free Express, Opti-Free
RepleniSH, Systane, Ophthalmic
products
Alcon Laboratories
10-25 Frenchs Forest Road East
Frenchs Forest NSW 2086
T 1800 025 032 F 02 9452 5209
[email protected]
For your full Rx lens surfacing, multicoating ,and fitting & edging needs. We
service clients nationally. We specialise
in premium quality, freeform progressive
lenses that guarantee enhanced wearer
comfort and adaptation.
Arc Optical
P +61 8 6253 0777 F +61 8 6253 0799
E [email protected]
W www.arcoptical.com.au
sass & bide, Linda Farrow, JK
London, Jai Kudo, gotti Switzerland,
MODO, Seafolly, SALT, Belstaff.
Change your future in a blink
Blink Optical
T +61 2 9411 4711
W www.blinkoptical.com.au
blur optix
2/8 Rocklea Dr Port Melbourne 3207
T 1300 bluroptix 1300 258 767
+61 3 9806 4155 F 03 9866 4155
E [email protected]
Complete® Easy Rub™; Blink™ and Intralase™, Omnicare® 1-step; Blink-nClean™; Tecnis™ IOL; Tecnis™ Multifocal IOL; ReZoom™ Multifocal IOL; Healon™
Viscoelastics; WhiteStar™; Verisyse™ Phakic IOL; VISX™, Total Care®, Lens Plus®
Advanced Medical Optics
Level 3, Building 2, 20 Bridge St, Pymble, NSW 2073
T 1800 266 111 F 1800 266 222
W www.amo-inc.com W www.amoeyecare.com.au
Nidek, Magnon, Optovue, Reichert,
Righton, Micro Medical Devices,
Meccanottica, Welch Allyn,
Haag-Streit UK
BOC Ophthalmic Instruments
Unit C, 28-32 Egerton Street
Silverwater NSW 2128
P (02) 96437888 F (02) 96439333
E [email protected]
W www.bocinstruments.com.au
WECO, Briot, Rodenstock, WILD
Scanning Digital Ophthaloscope,
Heine Instruments, Nishimura, DAC,
Ocular Lenses, Software
Briot-Weco Australia
PO Box 647 Padstow NSW 2211
T 1300 667 754 F 02 9790 4090
E [email protected]
PureVision, PureVision Toric, PureVision
Multifocal, Soflens Toric, Soflens
Multifocal,Soflens Daily Disposables &
SofLens Daily Disposables for Astigmatism,
Soflens Confort, ReNu Multiplus.
Baush & Lomb
Level 4, 113 Wicks Road
North Ryde NSW 2113
T 1800 251 150 F 1800 805 700
E [email protected]
Bollé premium sunglasses, optical
frames, ski goggles & safety eyewear.
Bollé eyewear delivers performance
when you need it, and style when you
want it. Bollé, Serengeti
Bollé Australia P/L
PO Box 579, Moorabbin, VIC 3189
P 03 8558 1000 OR 1300 138 098
F 03 8558 1077 E [email protected]
W www.bolle.com.au
Chadwick Plastics
Treat Dry Eye-Don’t Just Wet It!
Contact Lens Centre Australia
Unit D6-Hallmarc Bus. Pk Cnr. Westall
& Centre Rds Clayton VIC 3168
T 03 9543 1811 F 03 9543 8066
E [email protected]
www.contactlenscentreaustralia.com.au
NOW with Signature Series Freeform
Progressive Lenses & licensed SATIN &
TEFLON multicoat producer.
Full Rx Laboratory.
Australia: 24 King Street, Private Bag
458 Blackburn, Victoria, 3130
T (03) 9878 7599 F (03) 9878 7320
Call Free 1800 334 867
W www.crsurfacing.com.au
Carl Zeiss Vision is committed to
working in partnership with eyecare
professionals to support their business
growth. Carl Zeiss Vision offers a
strong portfolio of ophthalmic lens
products (SOLA and ZEISS brands).
Carl Zeiss Vision
24 Heath Street
Lonsdale SA 5160
Australia T 1800 882 041 F 1800 677 087
New Zealand T 0508 765 271 F 0508 765 269
Volk, Keeler, Oculus, Eagle Vision Dry Eye, Nidek, CSO, Tomey, Kowa,
Inami, Frastema, Bon Optical, Stereo Optical, DGH Pachymeters,
Tiolat iCARE Tonometer, Pascal Dynamic Contour Tonometer, OTI
OCT/SLO, iPIX imaging software, D&K instruments, DORC Vitreo
Retinal, Medennium Punctal, SIS Blades, Rayner IOL’s
Designs for Vision
Unit 16/1 Horden Place Camperdown NSW 2050
T 1800 225 307 F 02 9550 3853
E [email protected]
www.dfv.com.au
• mivision
• mivision
7878
Optical & Sunglass displays, Rod &
Clip systems, Framesafe lockable/
non locking, Slimlock lockable/
non locking, *New* Mini Slimlock,
Showroom open by appointment
Chadwick Plastics
PO Box 156 Mentone VIC 3194
T 03 9551 2771 F 03 9551 2775
chadwickplastics@bigpondcom
www.chadwickplastics.com.au
Suppliers of certified prescription
safety frames, AS/NZS1337.6
prescription safety eye protectors
against low and medium impact.
Cummings Optical Pty Ltd
T 08 8186 0841 F 08 8186 1055
E [email protected]
W www.cummingsoptical.com.au
CIBA VISION shares eye
care professionals’ passion for
healthy vision and dedication to
improving the quality of patients’
lives around the world.
Night &Day, Focus Dailies, AIR OPTIX Aqua, AIR OPTIX for Astigmatism, FreshLook,
Precision UV, AQuify MPS, AOSept PLUS, AQuify Comfort Drops.
Private Bag 5100, Baulkham Hills BC, NSW 2153
T 1800 224 153 F 1800 267 970
E [email protected]
W www.cibavision.com.au
Domani Eyewear
Australia’s Ultimate Source in Eyewear Supply
Clikons: Patented secure sunglass Clikon frames
Colori: Fashion Frames
Petite: To suit the smaller face
Titano: Coming Soon
Domani Eyewear Australia
T 02 9997 1910 or 1800 251 875 F 02 9979 6131
E [email protected]
W www.domanieyewear.com
New Zealand David Oatley T 03 355 2436
EE European Eyewear
Essilor
TITANflex®, t-flex®, oio®, crush®,
HUMPHREY’S eyewear, Brendel
individual eyewear, Bogner, Eschenbach
Vision Technology Products, Eschenbach
Consumer Optics, daylight™ -See what
a difference Daylight makes
Varilux®, Nikon®, Crizal, Airwear®
World Leader in ophthalmic lenses. Manufacturer
of the most recommended progressive brand
Varilux. Local RX Laboratories in NSW, VIC,
QLD, SA, TAS, WA
European Eyewear Pty Ltd
3 Cottage Street, Blackburn Vic 3130
T 03 9877 7956 , 1800 818 221
F 03 9877 7405
E [email protected]
Specialising in unique and distinctive
eyewear labels, unequalled in style &
design. Distributor of l.a. Eyeworks
(USA), Kame Man Nen (Japan) & Cutler
& Gross (UK). Designer/Distributor of
Australia’s own, ISSON Eyewear.
Eye Candy Optics
Lvl 3, 38 Oxford St Paddington NSW
2021. T 61 2 9331 2655 F 61 2 9331
2677 W www.eyecandyoptics.com
Offering a service from concept and
design only to full fitouts
Froog Pty. Ltd
PO Box 7085, NEMSC, NSW, 2348
T 02 6766 5300 F 02 6766 5326
E [email protected]
W www.froog.com.au
Investec Experien is a specialist
finance company that provides
financial products specifically
created for healthcare professionals.
Investec Experien
T 1300 131 141 Australia Wide
W www.investec.com.au/
professionalfinance
Level 3, 77 Parramatta Road Silverwater NSW 2128
T 02 9714 4508 F 02 97144545
E [email protected]
W www.essilor.com.au
EYEMAKERS
IC! Berlin, Anne et Valentin,
FreudenHaus, Kirk Originals.
Eyemakers
Suite E, 38 Suakin Drive, Mosman
NSW 2088
T +61 2 9960 7766
F +61 2 9960 7722
Prodesign, Face a Face, Koali, Oga, Hush
Puppies, TMX, Thalia, William Morris
Eyes Right Optical
PO Box 62 Ferntree Gully, Victoria 3156
T 1800 637 654 F 03 9763 2233
E [email protected]
Australian owned – designs/produces
quality assured eye protectors under
Standards Mark Licence 20251
Exalt Cycle, MOMODesign, Ines de la
Fressange, Torrente Lunettes, HEAD, David
Green Eyewear, Reflex Supaflex Eyewear,
DIVA, Action Man, Fisher Price, Capri
Titanium, Capri Elite, Capri Eyewear
Eyres Safety Optics
33 Kensington St East Perth WA 6004
T 08 9325 2444 F 08 9325 2977
E [email protected]
www.safetyoptics.com
Frames Etcetera
1/48 Holder Way Malaga WA 6090
T 1800 708 771 F 08 9248 1884
E [email protected]
W www.framesetc.com.au
Aspect Eyewear, Defy, Essence,
Euro, Euro Optics, King Gee, Insight
Optics, Shimano, Tony Morgan,
Vision +
Australia
22 Rosebery Ave, Rosebery NSW 2018
T (02) 9697 8020 F 02 9697 3277
E [email protected]
Gibson Eyewear
81 Tulip St Cheltenham VIC 3192
T 03 9581 3666 F 03 9581 9321
E [email protected]
New Zealand
16B Sheffield Cres Russley Christchurch
T (03) 343 1177 F 3343 1176
E [email protected]
Hoya Lens Australia Pty Ltd
Head Office: 44-54 Bourke Road,
Alexandria NSW 2015
T 02 9698 15 77 (Call free –1800 500 971)
F 02 9319 33 37
Hoya Lens New Zealand
Ground Floor, 110 Mt.EdenRoad, Auckland NZ
T 09 630 31 82 (Call free –0800 744 692)
F 09 630 41 82
Gerber Coburn
PO Box 219 Lonsdale SA 5160
T 1800 888 266 (Aus) 0800 444 043 (NZ)
F 08 8384 8661 E [email protected]
www.gerbercoburn.com.au
Hagemeyer Lifestyle Brands
35 Centre Road Scoresby VIC 3179
T 1300 652 525 F 03 8756 7999
E [email protected]
www.hagemeyer.com.au
Frame Care Australia
PO Box 256 Westcourt QLD 4870
T 07 4051 4546 F 07 4051 3139
E [email protected]
Airlock, Barbie, Carolina Herrera, Calvin Klein, CK, Coach,
Converse, Cosmopolitan, Emilio Pucci, Etnia, Fendi, Flexon,
Gant, Guess, Jean Paul Gaultier, John Varvatos, Karl Lagerfeld, Michael Kors, Nautica, Nike, Pure, Sean John etc.
• Accessories • Sunwear • Frame Hardware • Hand Tools • Lenses • Supplies &
Consumables • Software • Laboratory Equipment • Edging Equipment • Small
Equipment & Instruments • Tinting Equipment & Dyes
The Cancer Council Australia, Polaroid,
Baby Banz, Stylemark - Disney, Revlon,
Panama Jack,Yakka & Sharpvision.
Laser welding repairs on Titanium
and conventional metal frames.
Minimal discolouration. Same day
turnaround.
E mail [email protected]
W www.hoyalens.com.au
Tom Ford, Roberto Cavalli, Lafont
Paris, Issy & La, Mont Blanc, Just
Cavalli, Timberland, Replay &
Kenneth Cole.
Healy Optical Group
T 02 9420 3200 F 02 9420 3222
E [email protected]
Help ICEE build
sustainable eye care
solutions in underserved
communities around the
world - Find out more
and donate at
www.icee.org
ICEE – International Centre for
Eyecare Education
T 1300 66 42 33 F 02 9385 7436
E [email protected] W www.icee.org
• 79
• 79
mivision
mivision
The Institute for Eye Research
creates innovative solutions for vision
excellence at its own clinical and
molecular research facilities in Sydney.
IER
T 02 9385 7516 F 02 9386 7401
E [email protected]
W www.ier.org.au
Declare Independence with Jono
Hennessy and our high quality, highly
packaged, high design product at
a reasonable price.
Jono Hennessy Group
Pty Ltd
11 Court Road, Double
Bay NSW 2028
T 61 2 9362 4941
F 61 2 9362 1287
M 61 417 698 557
E jono@
jonohennessy.com
Made in France the Julbo eye-wear range
includes NXT Lens technology that features dual
photochromic and polarizing performance. The
extensive Julbo Junior collection offers sunglasses
suitable for ages 1 through to 15 years.
Mont Adventure Equipment
PO Box 472, Fyshwick,ACT, 2609.
T +61 2 6162 0900 F +61 2 6162 0656
E [email protected]
ACUVUE OASYS® with HYDRACLEAR® Plus, ACUVUE OASYS® for Astigmatism,
ACUVUE ADVANCE® with HYDRACLEAR®, ACUVUE ADVANCE® for Astigmatism,
1•DAY ACUVUE MOIST®, 1•DAY ACUVUE® DEFINE®, 1•DAY ACUVUE® for
Astigmatism, ACUVUE® 2, ACUVUE® Bifocal
Johnson & Johnson Visioncare
52 Huntingwood Drive, Huntingwood NSW 2148 Australia:
T 1800 125 024 F 1800 125 034 NZ: T 0800 449 535 F 0800 449 536
E [email protected] W www.acuvue.com.au www.acuvue.co.nz
Chloe, Nina Ricci, Kenzo, Lanvin, Seiko,
L’Amy lunettes, Sonia Rykiel, Columbia,
Eden Park, Louis F. L’Amy, Moderato.
L’Amy Group
Locked Bag 3640, Lane Cove
DC 2066
P +61 2 9428 1500
F +61 2 9427 0060
E [email protected]
Medmont International is the
manufacturer of the M700 Automated
Perimeter, E300 Corneal Topographer,
DV2000 Digital Imaging and the AT20R
Acuity Tester which are all widely used
Burberry, Bvlgari, Chanel, D&G,
Dolce e Gabbana, Miu Miu, Persol,
Polo, Prada, Prada Linea Rossa,
Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo,
Ray-Ban, Versace, Vogue.
LensPro opens modern optical stores
in partnership with optometrists
and dispensers and provides ongoing
accounts, marketing, buying and
other support services.
Luxottica
T 1300 65 56 12 (Australia only)
E [email protected]
W www.luxottica.com
LensPro
T +61 417 375 773
E [email protected]
W www.lenspro.com.au
Medmont International Pty Ltd
Unit 1, 170 – 180 Rooks Rd
Vermont Victoria 3133
T 03 9874 1388 F 03 9874 1488
Sales [email protected]
Mikado, M-Plus, K-Actor, Zerorh+,
Masaki Matsushima Japan
Mikado Vision, Suite 9, 10 Cloyne
Rd, Southport Qld 4215
Silhouette, Adidas, Daniel Swarovski
crystal eyewear, Coco Song, Cogan,
Yves Cogan
•GenTeal Moisturising Eye Drops
& Gel•Zaditen Eye Drops &
Preservative Free SDU•Lid-Care
•Lucentis •Voltaren Ophtha •Nyogel
Mimo Pty Ltd
Units 1&2, 3 Vuko Place
Warriewood NSW 2102
T 02 9970 1800 F 02 9970 1818
E [email protected]
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Australia Pty Ltd
54 Waterloo Rd
North Ryde NSW 2113
T 02 9805 3555 F 02 9805 0609
W www.novartis.com.au
Mikado Vision
T 07 5571 1898 F 07 5571 1798
E [email protected]
W www.mikadovision.com
Topcon, Shin Nippon, Heine, OptoGlobal, Dia, Haag Streit
Optical Manufacturers
T 1800 226 890 (Australia only)
W www.omf.com.au
E [email protected]
Premium and Luxury Fashion Frames and
Sunglasses; Sama, Loree Rodkin, Badley
Miscka, Zimmermann, Sover, Baldinini, Jean
Reno and Instyle
Opticare
T 1800 251 852,
02 9748 8777, 03 9558 7315
• mivision
• mivision
8080
Canon, Iridex, Takagi, Fiso. Optopol,
Digital Healthcare, Accutome,
CustomVis and Heine
Optimed
Unit 1, 15-17 Chaplin Drive
Lane Cove NSW 2066
T 1300 657 720 F 02 9420 1144
E [email protected]
www.optimed.com.au
National RX Service, Smartpro Back Surface
Progressive Lens, Western Optical Hand
Tools, Takubomatic Edgers and Tracers, Ocelot
Practice Management System, Display Stands
and Point of Sale
Opticare
T 1800 251 852,
02 9748 8777, 03 9558 7315
David Lawrence Optical & Sun,
Hackett, Hackett Bespoke Optical
& Sun, JAG Optical & Sun, Lulu
Guinness Optical & Sun, Mambo
Optical & Sun, Shanghai Tang Optical
& Sun, Ted Baker Optical & Sun
Mondottica Australia
Suite 202 / 66-76 Dickson Avenue
Artamon NSW 2064
T 1800 251 467 or 02 8436 6666
F 02 9906 4855
E [email protected]
Prescription frames, prescription
lenses and sunglasses.
Oakley
24 The Esplanade St Kilda, Vic 3182
T 1800 034 217
E [email protected]
W www.oakley.com.au
Sight can make the difference
between a life of poverty and a life
of opportunity
Optometry Giving Sight
PO Box 12213 A’Beckett Street,
Victoria 8006
T 1300 881 073 F 03 9639 0055
E [email protected]
www.givingsight.org
Full Service Optical Lab
Good old fashion service.
Talk directly with our qualified
mechanics
Full Service RX Lab: Most comprehensive fitted frame and lens packages
available in the market. Quality jobbing – 14 qualified and experienced
mechanics ready to help. Major lens brands such as Sola, Essilor, Younger,
Gerber Coburn - plus our large range of stock lenses...
Precision Optics
T 1800 808 150 (Australia only)
E [email protected]
Shaan Labworks
PO Box 5429, Brendale, QLD, 4500
T 07 3205 3324 F 07 3205 8295 E [email protected]
Rodenstock Optical and Sunglasses,
Rodenstock Lenses,Porsche Design
Optical & Sunglasses
Rodenstock
100-108 Asquith Street
Silverwater NSW 2128
T 1800 257 175 F 02 9748 8043
E [email protected]
www.rodenstock.com.au
Prescription frames, Safety Eyewear,
Polarized Sports Sunglasses,
Multi-functional Sports/Riding
Eyewear, Hand Polished Acetate
frames, Sunglass Accessories
Piranha Eyewear
PO Box 482, Fairy Meadow
NSW 2519
T 02 4284 7888
F 02 4284 7999
E [email protected]
W www.uglyfisheyewear.com
Sceats Optical and Sunglasses, Sceats
KDS Optical, R.M.Williams Optical
and Sunglasses, Deborah Hutton
Optical and Sunglasses, Aska Optical,
Infinity Optical, Presenta Nova
display system.
Sceats Eyewear
9/102 Edinburgh Road
Marrickville NSW 2204
Frame Ranges: Ted Lapidus, Pentax Magnetic Eyewear, BeYu, Magic,
Misaki, Escape, Schaeffer Titan, Schaeffer Plus, Schaeffer Premium
Equipment: Smart Mirror2, Smart Look, Smart Centration - Dispensing
technology
Toll free 1800 222 067
T 02 9519 0022 F 02 9519 7628
E [email protected]
www.sceatseyewear.com
Shaan Eyeworks
PO Box 5429 Brendale QLD 4500
T 07 3205 3324 F 07 3205 2183
E [email protected] W www.shaan.com.au
SUNIX Vision Practice Management
System - sold to over 1100 practices
- the leading optometric practice
management system in Australia and
New Zealand.
All Spotters lenses are polarised, scratch
resistant and expertly hand fitted into every
individual frame. 100% satisfaction with each
crafted lens offering 100% UVB and UVA
protection and 100% optical assurance.
SUNIX Computer Consultants P/L
T 02 9988 4862 F 02 9988 4928
M 0438 411 008
E [email protected]
Spotters Shades Pty. Ltd.
19 / 209 Liverpool Rd Kilsyth, VIC, 3137
T 03 9728 2055 F 03 9728 3022
Vision 2020’s vision is to eliminate
avoidable blindness and vision loss
by 2020 and improve vision care.
E [email protected] W www.spotters.com.au
Help transform a life!
Level 2, 174 Queen Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
T 03 9656 2020 F 03 9656 2040
W www.vision2020australia.org.au
FUN 3D ‘Games’. FREE Starter Program. Researched
and developed at State University of New York
Treats Convergence, Binocular and Accommodation
Problems, Internet Compatible and Proven Results
Vision Therapy Australasia (Aust. and NZ)
235 New South Head Rd
Edgecliff, NSW 2027
T 02 9362 4002
F 02 9362 4002
E [email protected]
www.visiontherapy.com.au
Transforming lives through the gift of vision
Protective eyewear for sports and the outdoors.
RX-able frames. Patented Facial Cavity
SealTM technology offers protection against the
elements and relief to dry eye sufferers.
As worn by the military.
Topace Pty Ltd
PO Box 5, Casula NSW 2170
T 1300 782 990 F: 02 9826 7133
E [email protected] W: www.wileyx.com.au
www.givingsight.org
Gold National Media Sponsor of Optometry Giving Sight
mivision • 81
miclassifieds
position vacant
Optical Fitter/Sales and
Customer Service
Optical Fitter/Sales and Customer Service person required for
wholesale optical company. Duties will include fitting and tinting,
customer service, data entry and
general office work, plus internal
and eventually external sales.
Good fitting skills with at least
five years experience required as
duties include nylon and rimless
fits, tinting and staff training.
Please call Tanya on [AUS] 03
9558 7315 for more information.
KEPERRA Brisbane QLD.
Hanks Optometrists- Eyecareplus
has a full time position available
for a motivated and enthusiastic
optometrist. The position is at
our Great Western Super Centre,
Keperra practice. We enjoy excellent working conditions, fully
trained support staff, modern
clinical resources and very appreciative patients. Above-average
salary based upon experience,
plus bonuses related to personal
productivity. Call Don Granger
[AUS] 0407 485 028 or email
[email protected]
to discuss this great opportunity.
Take control of when and where
you work.
Our locum optometrists work hard for short periods and then enjoy a break. You
choose whether you want to take
2 months holiday, or work to save
for that special purpose. We have
work available from Melbourne to
Darwin, and from Sydney to Perth.
We pay most costs of registration,
travel and accommodation and offer great rates of pay. Email us at
[email protected] or give us
a call on [AUS] 02 4782 5760 to
find out more about the flexibility
of working as a locum.
Optical Dispenser/Sale
Assistant – Inner West
Independent optometrist in a
beautiful modern practice is seeking a FT/PT qualified/near qualified optical dispenser. Exceptional
customer services and sales skills
are essential. Second language
(Vietnamese) is an advantage.
Remuneration above the awards
rate for the right applicant. Please
Email: perfectlook.optometrist@
hotmail.com
SPRINGWOOD Brisbane QLD.
Hanks Optometrists- Eyecareplus
has a full time position available
for a motivated and enthusiastic optometrist. The position is
at our Centro Springwood practice. We enjoy excellent working
conditions, fully trained support
staff, modern clinical resources
and very appreciative patients.
Above-average salary based upon
experience, plus bonuses related
to personal productivity. Call Don
Granger [AUS] 0407 485 028 or
email
d.granger@eyecareplus.
com.au to discuss this great opportunity.
82 • mivision
Fully qualified licensed Locum
Optical Dispenser, with 8 years
experience now available for
bookings. Located in Melbourne,
able to travel to country Victoria
or interstate if required. Skilled in
edging and fitting, confident with
all aspects of Dispensing and enjoy dealing with patients. To make
a booking please contact Faith
on [AUS] 0438 533 421 or email
[email protected]
Optometrist required in modern
practise in Malvern. Unequalled
hourly rate and customised package. Complete independence.
Ring David [AUS] 0407 331 483.
Phill Fent needs the help of a
locum at busy OPSM Penrith on
Saturdays, $60 ph +GST, and
Sundays $70 ph +GST.
All Optometrists
Locum Optical Dispenser
Optometrist, Melbourne
(Sth East Suburbs)
Locum Wanted
For more information about this
placement and other work around
NSW and the rest of Australia,
please call Mel on [AUS] 02 4782
5760 or email locum@ozemail.
com.au
north shore practice. Please
contact Derek on [AUS] 02 9144
4520
Australia and NZ Wide- All
Locations, All Positions!
Optical Dispenser
/Dispenser, Melbourne.
If you are ready to be known as
part of the fastest growing and
most progressive Optical company in the world then enquire today
about new and exciting positions.
PERMANENT, LOCUM OR CASUAL
work is available at all levels with
Specsavers. Directly influence
your growth and success in an
independently owned store and
be generously rewarded for your
efforts. Check out www.specsavers.com.au/opportunities or
phone [AUS] 1300 889 350.
An opportunity exists for an experienced Optical Dispenser/
Dispenser. Experience in retail
optics essential. Unequalled customised package. Modern and
independent practise. Call Joan
[AUS] 0407 331 483.
Full Time Optometrist Required
We are seeking an optometrist to
join our team in a full time posi-
tion. We are a busy and well established independent practice
with 3 stores currently operating
in the Latrobe Valley. With a population of over 71,000 Latrobe City
is less than two hours drive from
Melbourne and boasts all the recreational and cultural facilities of a
large diverse regional centre with
the added benefit of being nestled
amongst some of the best tourist
attractions in the state.
We offer a variety of workplaces
and you will be fully supported by
qualified and experienced optical
dispensers. This is an excellent
opportunity to develop your clinical
skills and to work in a professional
environment with a competent and
friendly team. The remuneration
package is excellent and includes
FREE FULL TIME ACCOMMODATION. Please telephone Linda
Cooper for further discussion on
[AUS] 0409 141 344
Locum Optometrist,
North East Victoria
An exciting position exists for an
enthusiastic locum optometrist to
service our stores in Wangaratta
and Yarrawonga. The Eye Shop
Group prides itself on excellent
service and value, and an experienced dispenser will be on hand
to assist in everyday operations.
North East Victoria is famous for
its tourist attractions, from the
Casual Dispenser
Eyepower Mittagong
requires
a casual dispenser 2-3 days a
week. Please call Emad [AUS] 02
4683 1249
Optical Dispenser
Independent well established Optometry practice located near Tuggerah on the Central Coast has an
exciting opportunity to join their
small but highly dedicated team.
You will be a self motivated with a
passion for exceptional customer
satisfaction, have a minimum of
5 years industry experience and
relevant qualifications. You will
demonstrate corporate communication skills along with strong
computer navigation abilities, be
familiar with MS Office and Optomate. You must have the ability to
work independently and achieve
quality sales outcomes.
Position offers an attractive salary package for a 38 hour week
Tuesday to Saturday. The successful candidate will be able to
grow with the business and have
the opportunity for advancement.
Please send your resume to [email protected] or for
information please contact Gillian
Hughes at Complete Staff Solutions on [AUS] 02 4353 4334.
Full Time Optical Dispenser
Full time optical dispenser required for a busy Sydney upper
Institute for
Eye Research
Excellence In Eye Research
For over 20 years the Institute for Eye Research
(IER) has been responsible for the best eye care
research, education and vision care delivery
systems in the world.
We invest in people, systems and innovation to
understand and develop advanced solutions for
vision correction, to create the perfect contact lens
and design the next generation of products.
Our outstanding team of scientists, research and
clinical optometrists is supported by a technology
group capable of designing and custom building
the most advanced instrumentation and equipment
necessary to pursue breakthrough research.
Find out more about IER and get the latest news
in vision care from around the world at:
www.ier.org.au
snowfields and High Country to
Lake Mulwala, the mighty Murray
River, and the many outstanding wineries and gourmet food
destinations. You will have the
opportunity to practice full scope
optometry in modern consulting
rooms. We do not have any late
night, Saturday afternoon, or Sunday trading! A generous remuneration package available. For more
information, contact Ruth Burns
on [AUS] 03 5721 4757 or [AUS]
0400 597 579.
OPTOMETRIST WELCOME –
North & South TASMANIA
Optomeyes is an owner operated
group of twelve optometry practices based in the fresh and stunning state of Tasmania, and we’re
your employer of choice in Tasmania. Our vision is to be a world
class provider of the full range of
eye care needs with support of our
well established brands and services. Practices are well equipped,
integrated into the primary health
care system and optometrists are
well supported. Regular meetings
to discuss interesting patients,
access to therapeutic agents and
varied patient base make the day
fun and rewarding. Optomeyes
welcomes you to contact Sue
Sluce [AUS] 0408 143 596 sue@
optomeyes.com.au
Optometrist, Coffs Harbour
We have an opening for a full or
part time optometrist. You would
be joining a dynamic team with a
good support network. Our equipment is all up to date including fundus photography and visual field
testing, both Humphreys and FDT.
The practice is well located, only a
five minute drive to great beaches
and an airport visited by Qantas
and Virgin. The Gold Coast is just
three hours drive away and Sydney six hours. An attractive salary package is on offer including
a continuing education allowance
and professional fees.
Inquiries from new graduates are
welcome. Please email [email protected] or phone [AUS]
0417 692 009.
Equipment for Sale
Insight Optics
A complete range of quality new
and second hand ophthalmic
equipment at competitive prices.
Professional Service with over 20
years experience. Visit: www.insightoptics.net.au or contact Stahy
on: (AUS) 0418 213 907. Email:
[email protected]
Practice for Sale
LIDCOMBE:
Optometry Shop for RENT
Brand new commercial premise
located within a busy commercial
centre and near the Lidcombe railway station. Ground floor display
shop front plus 2 optometry consulting rooms with separate access and also connected access
to a busy medical and dental practice. For more information please
phone: [AUS] 0414 646 300
Practice for Sale
Ultramodern practice for sale in
high growth area with executive
living, reasonable rent in expanding shopping complex. 80 minute
drive from the centre of Sydney.
Turnover approx $400,000 and
increasing. Optometrist willing to
stay on part time if required. Ph:
[AUS] 0414 444 896
FOR SALE - 40’ Coach
Mobile – optometry and dispensing facility. Purpose built 40’ air
conditioned Isuzu/Ansair Coach
fully equipped for optometric examinations and show room to display 370 frames.
Presently servicing Western NSW,
Northern/North East Victoria and
Gippsland regions. Established 16
years. Offers will be considered:
•As a mobile practice, would
suite owner operator particularly semi retired optometrist
interested only working 5 month
a year.
OR
•Coach & Plant
Initial enquiries to:
Susan Richards
Mitchell Willson & Partners
Charted accountants,Level 1,
261 -271 Wattletree Rd
Malvern Vic 3144
Ph:AUS] 03 9500 0533
Fax:[AUS] 03 9500 0633
Email: [email protected]
Practices for Sale
Independent optometry practices
for sale in Wangaratta and Yarrawonga in North East Victoria.
Both practices are less than three
years old, but have already displayed growth potential exceeding
expectations. North East Victoria
is famous for its tourist attractions, from the snowfields and
High Country to Lake Mulwala, the
mighty Murray River, and the many
outstanding wineries and gourmet
food destinations. Sale can be on
an individual practice or combined
basis. For more information, contact Ruth Burns on [AUS] 03 5721
4757 or [AUS] 0400 597 579.
Optical Retail Guide
Have you received your
copy of ODMA’s Optical
Retail Guide?
The Optical Retail Guide
is being sent to all
independent eye-care
practitioners in Australia.
The ODMA Board has been
developing a number of
educational initiatives to
assist training for staff in
independent optometric
outlets - the biggest by far
is the Optical Retail Guide.
The Guide comes as a
handy quick reference tool with sections on marketing,
research and education to assist eyecare practitioners
and staff on a daily basis.
Vision 2020 Australia members
awarded Asia-Pacific grants
Members of Vision 2020 Australia have been awarded five out of six
grants made available from the recent Australian Government Avoidable
Blindness Fund. The grants were made for projects in Cambodia, Papua
New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
Vision 2020 Australia would like to congratulate members of the Global
Committee that have successfully secured funds.
Cambodia
•CBM Australia, International Centre for Eyecare Education (ICEE), Centre for Eye Research Australia: Phase One: Takeo Provincial Eye Hospital
enhancement and Kiri Vong Vision Centre
•Fred Hollows Foundation Australia: Kampong Chnang Avoidable Blindness Project
Papua New Guinea
•ICEE, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS): Expanding eye
care services in Papua New Guinea
•Institute for Eye Research, ICEE: Measurement of barriers to eye care, utilisation of services and vision-specific quality of life in Papua New Guinea
Solomon Islands
•Foresight Australia, ICEE, RACS, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists: National Referral Hospital Eye Unit Upgrade
If you are an independent practitioner and would like a copy
of the guide, please contact [email protected].
A further grant was awarded to the Uniting Church Overseas Aid and
Sale Rotary club project for the Vanuatu Prevention of Blindness Project.
AusAID has stressed that the funding round was highly competitive and
all bids were of a very high standard. For more information please visit the
AusAID website at www.ausaid.gov.au
mitime
The Last Word
Sudoku Puzzle
Get Over Yourself
Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces.
Every row must contain one of each digit, so
must every column and every 3 x 3 square.
There can only be one correct answer. The
solution for this month’s puzzle will appear in
next month's edition of mivision.
He was referring to the pursuit of
success and illustrating how failure
meant the need for change.
It seems that some people are born to
achieve anything they want. Some would
say they are lucky, are blessed or have the
Midas touch. But what truly is the reason
for their success? Family background,
wealth, greater opportunities, high
morals, an easy childhood?
“The difference between average
people and achieving people is their
perception of, and response to, failure,”
says renowned leadership coach,
John Maxwell.
The not-talked-about, terrible truth
is that all roads to achievement lead
through the land of failure. Many have
experience failure and learned to how
to turn it into a path for success.
Leadership expert, Peter Drucker says,
“The better a man is, the more mistakes
he will make, for the more new things
he will try.”
Some unsuccessful people tell themselves
that as soon as they achieve considerable
success or discover some unseen talent,
they will turn their attention to making a
difference in the lives of others. However,
many people who struggle with chronic
failure do so because they think of
no-one but themselves. They worry
about what other people think of them.
They scramble to make sure no one gets
the better of them. They continually
focus on protecting their turf. If you
continually focus all your energy and
attention on yourself, you need to ‘get
over yourself, because everyone else has’.
If you have a history of repeated failure
and you dedicate most of your time and
energy to looking out for ‘number one’,
you may need to learn a new way of
thinking – where others come first.
This article is based on an extract
from John C. Maxwell’s book, Failing
Forward (2000 Thomas Nelson)
The not-talked-about,
terrible truth is that all
roads to achievement
lead through the land
of failure.
“A man’s errors are his portals of discovery.”
James Joyce
84 • mivision
4
8 2
6
7
4
1 8
5 3
8 1 4
6
3 1 5
2
8 7 9
4 5
9 7
6
8
1
9 6
3
Last month's solution
8
7
1
2
3
9
4
5
6
6
4
5
7
8
1
3
2
9
2
9
3
5
4
6
7
1
8
9
5
8
4
7
3
2
6
1
7
2
6
8
1
5
9
4
3
1
3
4
6
9
2
8
7
5
3
6
2
9
5
4
1
8
7
5
1
7
3
2
8
6
9
4
4
8
9
1
6
7
5
3
2
Double Vision
© Phil Judd
There’s an old saying that revered
Rugby League coach Wayne Bennett
recently repeated regarding the
evolution of his sport and it goes
something like this: “If you keep doing
what you’ve always done, you’ll keep
getting what you’ve always got”.
Get ahead of the market
Paris
Porte de Versailles
France
www.silmoparis.com
Mondottica Australia Pty Ltd Ph: +61 2 8436 6666