AP PLY THE BRAKES

ORGANISATION:

ProVision, CEO

REA OF INTEREST:

Optometry – independent

Independent optometry has a great opportunity in 2023 to build on the recent shift in consumer behaviour. With more consumers shopping local, there’s an opportunity for community-based alignment and differentiated patient messaging. Improved digital engagement and a sharper focus on optimising the patient experience will help strengthen patient relationships and increase the value perception of local independents. Integrating sustainable business practices and eco-friendly products will be important as consumers seek more from retailers here.

To combat the economic head winds and market pressures expected in 2023, ProVision will support member practices with solutions that aid in cost and time efficiencies and profit optimisation. The availability of services (new and existing) that strengthen the future position of practices has never been more important – and connecting with practices through networking and a broader education offering will build a greater appreciation of how these services support future growth.

Key stakeholder engagement will also be key – more supplier collaboration is planned and nurturing the pool of interested practice buyers will serve us well.

PBS information: this product

Before prescribing please review full Product Information available via www.aspenpharma.com.au/products or call 1300 659 646

This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring in Australia. This will allow quick identification of new safety information. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse events at https://www.tga.gov.au reporting-problems.

EIKANCE 0.01% EYE DROPS (atropine sulfate monohydrate 0.01%). Indication: To slow the progression of myopia in children aged 4 to 14 years. May be initiated in children when myopia progresses ≥-1.0 D per year. Contraindications: Presence of angle closure glaucoma or where angle closure glaucoma is suspected. In glaucoma susceptible patients, an estimation of the depth of the angle of the anterior chamber should be performed prior to the initiation of therapy. Known hypersensitivity to any ingredient of the product. Precautions: Risk-benefit should be considered when the following medical problems exist: Keratoconus - atropine may produce fixed dilated pupils, Synechiae - atropine may increase the risk of adherence of the iris to lens. Use in Children: atropine sulfate monohydrate should not be used in children who have previously had severe systemic reaction to atropine. Use with great caution in children with Down’s syndrome, spastic paralysis, or brain damage. Limited clinical evidence is available for the longterm safety in children and adolescents. Regular eye health clinical reviews recommended during long-term treatment, including the monitoring of anterior segment development, intraocular pressure, retinal health and myopia progression. Consider careful monitoring of anterior segment development with prolonged use in very young children. EIKANCE 0.01% eye drops should not be used in children less than 4 years of age. If children experience photophobia or glare, they may be offered polychromatic glasses or sunglasses. If children experience poor visual acuity, consider progressive glasses. Discontinuation may lead to a rebound in myopia. EIKANCE 0.01% eye drops are not indicated for use in the elderly. Possible effect on the ability to drive or use machinery due to poor visual acuity should be evaluated, particularly at the commencement of treatment. Pregnancy: Category A. Lactation: distributed into breast milk in very small amounts. Interactions: systemic absorption of ophthalmic atropine may potentiate anticholinergic effects of concomitant anticholinergics. If significant systemic absorption of ophthalmic atropine occurs, interactions may occur with antimyasthenics, potassium citrate, potassium supplements, CNS depressants, such as antiemetic agents, phenothiazines, or barbiturates. Concurrent use may interfere with anti-glaucoma agents, echothiophate, carbachol, physostigmine, pilocarpine. Adverse Effects: photophobia, blurred vision, poor visual acuity, allergy, local irritation, headache, fatigue. See full PI for other ophthalmic and systemic AEs. Dosage and administration: Treatment should be supervised by a paediatric ophthalmologist. Instil one drop into the eye as required for treatment. Minimise the risk of systemic absorption, by applying gentle pressure to the tear duct for one minute after application. Should be administered as one drop to each eye at night. The maximum benefit of treatment may not be achieved with less than a 2 year continued administration period. The duration of administration should be based on regular clinical assessment. Each container is for single use, discard after administration of dose. (Based on PI dated 25 November 2021) References:

Chandos Street, St Leonards NSW 2065. Tel: +61 2 8436 8300 Email: aspen@aspenpharmacare.com.au Web: www.aspenpharma.com.au Trademarks are owned by

Dr Kate Gifford

ORGANISATION:

Optometrist, professional educator, clinician-scientist, Myopia Profile founder

AREA OF INTEREST: Myopia

The last year has shown enormous growth in research knowledge, industry solutions and practitioner engagement with myopia management in children. 2022 saw the return of the International Myopia Conference (IMC). Last held in 2019, this was the biggest yet and we’re seeing more clinicians and industry engaging with what was traditionally a research conference. The release of new products in Australia in 2022 has been met with more data on existing treatments, with more of both expected in 2023.

The opportunities in such an exciting, evolving field are obvious. New product releases and wider release of current treatments will continue to grow the landscape. The challenges are keeping abreast of innovations, both in science and practice. Staying up-to-date is key in confident communication with parents, and Myopia Profile will continue to work hard on providing this support to ECPs through our educational and clinical resources.

In 2023, we can look forward to the publication of Volume 3 of the International Myopia Institute reports. These will include new papers on emerging topics and updates on previous reports.

DR RACHEL DAVID

ORGANISATION:

Private Healthcare Australia, CEO

A REA OF INTEREST: Private health insurance

The private health insurance sector has experienced nine consecutive quarters of membership growth and a record 14.37 million Australians now have private health cover. The Australian public clearly believes private health insurance is value for money. In recent years we’ve seen sustained positive growth in both ‘hospital’ and ‘extras’ coverage with a record 14.36 million people eligible to receive benefits for optical, dental, physiotherapy and other allied health services.

While the COVID-19 pandemic produced challenges in terms of accessing healthcare, health funds committed to return savings accumulated as a consequence of the pandemic lockdowns to members. No other health sector group made the commitment not to profit from the pandemic.

Since the start of the pandemic, more than $2 billion has been returned to customers through cash backs and premium deferrals in a process overseen by three regulators.

In 2023 health funds will keep working to provide value for members and advocate for sensible healthcare reform to keep health inflation under control and premiums affordable for Australian families.

Dr Kathy Chapman

ORGANISATION: Macular Disease Foundation ustralia (MDFA)

AREA OF INTEREST: Macular disease

MDFA’s successful advocacy leading to the rejection by both major parties of the proposal to cut the MBS rebate by 69% for intravitreal injections leaves us asking the question: where next in 2023?

Lifting the threat of the proposed rebate cut was a great relief to many in our community. Yet significant questions remain. What can be done to help people persevere with eye injections? How can eye injections become more affordable? And how can I access treatment closer to home?

MDFA has commissioned PwC to model these potential benefits. With answers to each of these questions, we will better understand the impact of these problems. Our “where next?” will then become a mission to work with federal and state/territory governments, professional organisations, and others to find solutions to these problems. We look forward to sharing these results with the eye health community in 2023.

One of our other important activities this year will be awarding the next round of research grants. MDFA is the largest non-government funder of research into macular disease. This year we are involving community members with the goal of ensuring research we fund has both scientific and community merit and value.

Dr Ben Ashby

ORGANISATION:

Specsavers ANZ, director of optometry

AREA OF INTEREST: Optometry – corporate

Specsavers’ mission has always been to make eyecare accessible and affordable, and recent years have shown the impact of this strategy on the early detection of avoidable blindness. This has protected the vision of thousands of our patients in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond. In 2023 we’re excited to broaden this strategy for

The year ahead will see new development opportunities for our professionals seeking to elevate their careers. We’ll also launch initiatives for our people, planet and communities through our sustainability agenda, impacting everything from the products we offer to our work with long-time partner, The Fred Hollows Foundation, in caring for First Nations patients.

Building on our ‘Great Place to Work’ status, we’ll continue building workplace cultures and supporting our team members to thrive.

For many of our customers, the economic headwinds suggest it’ll be a difficult year. Specsavers will be there for local communities with affordable quality eyecare and eyewear, providing great service, to change lives through better sight and hearing.

Rose

Plus, general manager

Local independent optometry has recovered well during 2022 post-COVID-19 disruptions, so even with the potential for a return of mask mandates, clinical in-person service should be able to

For me, over the course of 2022, it was very satisfying to see how our national digital advertising and SEO efforts provided strong appointment booking growth for our co-branded and branded

In 2023, I look forward to further expanding our national advertising efforts in the digital space. As a branded group, by organising these efforts through our National Office, Eyecare Plus can increase our overall patient brand awareness while our locally owned practices continue to operate as they are accustomed.

With the help of our Marketing Plus team, our members can continue to focus on their specific local area advertising, while our National Office covers the national digital advertising and their website SEO to increase their new patient acquisition.

Mitchell Anjou

ORGANISATION:

The University of Melbourne’s Indigenous Eye Health Unit (IEHU), deputy director

AREA OF INTEREST:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island eye health

2023 looms as an important year in Australia’s history as a referendum will determine the establishment of a First Nations Voice to Parliament.

IEHU will be starting 2023 acknowledging the retirement of Professor Hugh Taylor AC, who established the group in 2008, as he accepts an emeritus appointment within the university. IEHU has made significant changes over the past year including recasting our Advisory Board to be chaired and have a majority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The IEHU staff of 17 is now just under 50% First Nations people and we will begin shifting power within the group in 2023.

The Indigenous eye health sector has some important challenges ahead including collectively re-engaging with the new government to support sector proposals and activities.

First Nations leadership will be an emerging strength in the sector in 2023 through the activities of NEGATSIEH and FNEHA, including the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference 2023 – to be held in Western Sydney in May.

Richard Wylie

ORGANISATION:

Glaucoma Australia, CEO

REA OF INTEREST:

One of the prevailing themes in the health sector in 2023 (whether we like it or not) will be of budget repair at the state and federal levels. Specifically, how government can drive efficiencies in the health system and bring the exponential growth of the NDIS under control. Glaucoma Australia is here to play its part.

We will continue to run community-based programs aimed at identifying people with glaucoma (or those at elevated risk) as soon as possible. To provide ‘wrap around’ education and support to those who have been diagnosed. To be a trusted partner for healthcare professionals by “extending their care” beyond consultations with their patients. To continue to invest in cutting edge Australian-based medical research, to further confirm Australia’s status as a global centre of excellence in glaucoma diagnostic and treatment innovation. Finally, to be an influential advocate for those living with glaucoma in Australia. There is still much to be done to support those who are living with the day-to-day challenges of glaucoma sight loss.

Matteo Accornero

Dr Amanda French

ORGANISATION:

Orthoptics Australia, president

A REA OF INTEREST: Orthoptics

It seems 2023 will be about looking to the future with a refocus on strengthening the eye healthcare workforce and meeting

A key focus for Orthoptics Australia is beginning implementation of our 2023-2026 strategic plan with a vision to “support orthoptists to provide excellence and equity in eye health care”. Our strategic priorities are aligned with areas of current focus within the eyecare and broader allied health sector including, understanding allied health workforce distribution and demand through implementation of a national minimum dataset and working towards equity of access to healthcare services, particularly in regional and rural Australia.

The new RANZCO Vision 2030 and beyond plan will play a role in shaping the future eyecare workforce and Orthoptics Australia is looking forward to working with RANZCO to support its realisation. For orthoptists, our priorities are to foster strategic connections within eyecare and the community – and to promote the value of orthoptic practice in areas of specialty and where efficiencies can be gained through optimising orthoptic-led service delivery.

OPSM’s Clarifye digital eye exam experience to appointments and records management.

Carly Iles

ORGANISATION:

Vision 2020 Australia, acting CEO

REA OF INTEREST:

Eye health and vision peak body

As we find ourselves in a post-pandemic environment, this year is important for our sector. Growing wait lists, particularly around cataract surgery, is a significant issue if we are to ensure that all Australians are getting the eyecare they need, when they need it. This is equally pertinent for children’s eye health and making inroads to progressing a national screening framework.

Advocating for innovation in cross care collaboration and addressing workforce issues are also at the forefront of our endeavours. We will be looking to increase our state-level advocacy efforts to improve health systems, especially in the first quarter of the year with the NSW election.

Ensuring the needs of people who are blind or have vision loss are better supported through the NDIS review process is an important priority, as is continuing to strengthen our allyship with First Nations partners to continue to close the eye health gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

PROF KEITH MARTIN

ORGANISATION:

Centre for Eye Research Australia CERA), managing director

AREA OF INTEREST: Eye research

In 2023 we will continue our work towards improving access to clinical trials by building stronger relationships throughout the wider ophthalmic community.

We recently launched a joint strategy with the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, and together we are moving towards our shared vision of a research-active hospital campus.

The VENTURE natural history study, a collaboration between CERA and the University of Melbourne, is helping us give people with inherited retinal diseases the opportunity to participate in clinical trials for new treatments.

We are also planning to expand our clinical trials footprint to increase access to research opportunities. There are so many potential therapies emerging for previously untreatable conditions like retinitis pigmentosa and dry age-related macular degeneration. Working with community optometrists, ophthalmologists and other advocacy groups is the best way we can make sure patients see the benefits from our research as soon as possible.

Mark Wymond

At the completion of this article, the reader should be able to improve their glaucoma management.

Including:

• Know how the classes of glaucoma medications induces/ exacerbates Ocular surface disease (OSD)

• Recognise the symptoms of OSD and chronic ocular inflammation in glaucoma patients

• Know the benefits, and limitations, of SLT

• Know the benefits, and drawbacks, of preservative-free preparations for glaucoma

• Know when the glaucoma patient and OSD should be referred for MIGS.