UPFRONT Just as Insight went to print, THE SAX INSTITUTE published a new analysis by Australian research institutes that found cutting cataract surgery wait times to three months over a three-year period would result in 50,679 fewer falls. This would save around $20 million, resulting in an overall cost saving of $6.6 million, once the costs of bringing forward surgeries were included. The authors have called for more high-volume surgery services, standardised referral and triage processes, fast-tracked referrals
n
WEIRD
when necessary, and prioritised surgery for Indigenous patients. IN OTHER NEWS, Melbourne biopharma company Opthea announced the first clinical trial sites in the Asia-Pacific region are recruiting into the OPT-302 Phase 3 trial for neovascular agerelated macular degeneration (AMD). The sites, located in Australia, are in addition to the US, Canada and Europe that are also recruiting patients. “This enables eligible patients to participate in the ShORe and COAST Phase 3 trials. We [also] anticipate opening sites in additional countries in the Asia Pacific region including South Korea and the Philippines,” Opthea CEO Dr Megan Baldwin said.
FINALLY, Vision 2020 Australia and the Fred Hollows Foundation have each shared fresh statistics demonstrating that Australian’s are jeopardising their eye health amid the pandemic. As part of World Sight Day, Vision 2020’s analysis of the latest Medicare data showed almost half a million Australians missed an eye test over the past 18 months due to the pandemic. In a separate survey, Fred Hollows found one in two Australians aged 18 to 24 reported their eyes or vision have been negatively affected by more screen time. COVID has also delayed eye check-ups for 28% of people aged 18 to 24 and 31% aged 25 to 34, mainly because of lockdowns.
STAT
n
WACKY
Actor Jason Momoa revealed a long list of injuries while performing stunts on the Aquaman set, including surgery for a hernia, serious rib injuries and a scratched cornea. “I messed up my eyes. I just got something in it that kind of cut it up, and then I’ve got to get surgery,” he said.
11-15 Buckhurst Street South Melbourne VIC 3205 T: 03 9690 8766 www.primecreative.com.au
christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au
Editor Myles Hume myles.hume@primecreative.com.au Journalist Rhiannon Bowman rhiannon.bowman@primecreative.com.au
Business Development Manager Alex Mackelden alex.mackelden@primecreative.com.au
Client Success Manager Justine Nardone justine.nardone@primecreative.com.au
WONDERFUL
A legally blind Toronto home chef has a new, inclusive cooking show. Mary Mammoliti’s vision has progressively worsened with retinitis pigmentosa. With cooking providing therapeutic relief, she launched Dish with Mary that uses integrated described video. Key visual elements are incorporated into the production, making it inclusive for all viewers.
Published by:
Publisher Christine Clancy
The Ireland and Wales national rugby teams may need to change their respective green and red shirt colours when they face off to improve accessibility to the game for people with colour blindness. It also comes after affected fans had difficulty following the recent British & Irish Lions (red) series against South Africa (green). n
insightnews.com.au
Design Production Manager Michelle Weston michelle.weston@primecreative.com.au
OPTICAL EXTRAS Health funds collectively pay more than $966 million each year in member benefits for optical or eyecare services. Full report page 41.
WHAT’S ON
Complete calendar page 57.
Art Director Blake Storey Graphic Design Michelle Weston, Kerry Pert, Aisling McComiskey Subscriptions T: 03 9690 8766 subscriptions@primecreative.com.au
THIS MONTH
NEXT MONTH
The Publisher reserves the right to alter
APVRS CONGRESS
100% OPTICAL
or omit any article or advertisement
11 – 12 DECEMBER
22 – 24 JANUARY
the advertisers and contributors against
The 14th Asia-Pacific Vitreoretina Society Congress will be held virtually, bringing the latest developments in the field.
The eighth edition of the show is taking place at the London ExCel, with around 9,500 visitors and more than 200 exhibitors expected.
damages or liabilities that arise from
secretariat@apvrs.org
bethany.march@m10group.co.uk
in any means electronic, mechanical,
submitted and requires indemnity from
material published. © Copyright – No part of this publication be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted photocopying, recording or otherwise without the permission of the publisher.
INSIGHT December 2021 7
