lNDlGENOUS EYE HEALTH

P r in t P o s t A pp r o v ed P P 2 5 50 0 3 /0 7 8 9 0
THE OPHTHALMIC MAGAZINE Created by the ind ustry f or the ind u stry
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
Sophie Koh
The Singing Optometrist
Latest Survey:
Indigenous Eye Health
Oakley Elite Launch:
An Exclusive Invitation
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
16
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND ISSUE 42
20
FEATU R ES
16mistory: The first national survey
of indigenous eye health in more than 30
years has been released by Professor Hugh
Taylor. It includes startling findings Prof.
Taylor describes as a “national disgrace”.
24
SECTIONS
38milenses: Ordering RXable
sunglasses is not straight forward. Once
the patient selects the sunglasses they like,
there are a couple of options the dispenser
can choose.
38
20mifeatures: We feature the
encouraging story of Layla, a remarkable
girl who has low vision. We also catch up
with optometrist and singing sensation
Sophie Koh and Jo Humphries brings us a
report from Sri Lanka.
52mibusiness: John Lees
popular column this month gives us
realistic advice on how to ‘take care
of yourself’… in business and in all
other pursuits.
R EGU LA RS
04
minews
28
miophthalmology
58mievents: Our reporters have
been busy covering the opening of
Specsavers HQ in Melbourne; Hoya’s
latest foray and a night at the movies
with Sola Elan.
32
micolumn
34
mioptometry
56
miproducts
79
midiary
48mieyecare: As an eye and vision
care specialist, you have the opportunity to be
the patients’ hero by providing them with the
best vision solutions throughout their lives
62mifashion: Direct from the
OC – our exclusive preview of Oakley’s
Elite eyewear. We also feature the
perfect companion sell and bring you
the latest from Silmo Paris as well as
fashion news.
80
midirectory
82
miclassifieds
84
mitime
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of Toma Publishing Pty. Ltd.
Managing Editor Mark Cushway (+61) 02 8336 8613 mark@mivision.com.au | Sub Editor Yoan Massie yoan@mivision.com.au |
Publishers Todd Tai and Mark Cushway | Senior Writer Norm Lipson | Contributors Sharon Smith, Jim Kokkinakis, Jacqui Attard,
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Australia T 1300 668 201 F 02 9666 1274 | Circulation Average net distribution 7102 as at March 2009 (CAB)
45miequipment: By using
equipment and consumables that are not
only ecological, but economical as well,
going green can represent saving money
as well as the environment.
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
Welcome to the December issue
of mivision.
Hasn’t 2009 flown by? Here we are
again with another Christmas upon
us…a time of joy, giving and reflection.
While most of us will be sharing dinner
and presents with family and friends,
there are many for whom Christmas is
seen in an entirely different light…such
as the thousands of blind and vision
impaired children around Australia.
Layla is one such child. This angelic fiveyear-old has a condition that has robbed
her of most of her sight, but she, like all
kids, is looking forward to Christmas.
She is also the poster girl for Vision
Australia’s Christmas Appeal aimed
at raising urgently funds for its Child’s
Play program to help children like Layla
who are blind or have low vision reach
their full potential. You will be touched
by Layla’s story.
In the category of the ‘shame file’, the first
national survey of indigenous eye health
in more than 30 years has been released by
Professor Hugh Taylor who describes the
results as “a national disgrace”.
This survey makes some startling
findings, including the fact that
indigenous Australians suffer
significantly higher rates of blindness
and other eye related health problems
than non-indigenous Australians.
This is despite the fact that indigenous
children begin their lives with better
eyesight than their counterparts. This
problem needs to be reversed.
FEATU R ED
CONTR IBUTORS
In the world of sales, marketing and
business practices there are no better
coaches than John Lees, the author of 11
books on business development.
In this issue, Mr. Lees lends his expertise
in an article entitled “Don’t give to get –
give to get better at giving”. The premise
is simple, giving…“is in fact a realistic
way of taking care of yourself… in
business and in all other pursuits,” says
Mr. Lees. This is a must read.
And in another major coup, mivision
was the only Australian representative
invited by iconic eyewear brand Oakley
to preview its latest Elite collection at
its California headquarters. Read our
exclusive report.
This issue of mivision is jam packed
with articles to read while you’re lazing
around the pool on those long hot days
of summer.
As we head into the holiday season,
we’d like to thank all our contributors,
readers and advertisers for making
mivision possible and for helping us
continue our pursuit of excellence.
mivision is the culmination of the
eye care professions and associated
industries contributions and is proof that
the team approach to eyecare works.
From the mivision team, we wish you a
very merry Christmas, happy holidays
and a healthy and prosperous New Year!
Enjoy this issue.
The mivision team.
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
Dr. Joe Barr, OD, MS,
FAAO is Vice President Global
Clinical & Medical Affairs and
Professional Services Vision
Care Bausch & Lomb. Dr.
Barr joined Bausch & Lomb in
July 2007. Prior to this he was
editor of Contact Lens Spectrum from 1987 to
2007, holding one of the longest editorial tenures
in healthcare publishing. He also edited the
Contact Lens Today weekly newsletter. As such
Dr. Barr’s knowledge, insights, and opinions are
widely known and respected worldwide in the
ophthalmic industry.
Jacque Katsieris is the
Managing Director of
ProOptics. She has worked in
the optical industry for over 10
years and says she “absolutely
loves her job” and that her
“customers are divine.” She
travelled to Paris for Silmo and reports on this
stylish optical trade show for mivision.
John Lees is a specialist
in sales and marketing and
the author of 11 books on
business development. He is a
professional speaker, trainer,
consultant and business coach.
He spoke at SRC 09 and at the
Transitions ‘Live Your Vision,
with Business Insights’ in May this year and
writes for mivision on business and marketing.
Andre Karney from Investec
Experien has spent over 20 years
working in banking and finance.
Andre’s lengthy experience in the
area of specialist lending in the
healthcare sector ensures an indepth knowledge of the market
and makes him well qualified to
provide practice finance advice. He writes in this
issue of mivision on Self-Managed Super Funds.
Pr NE
og W
re S
ss O
iv LA
e
le
ns
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NEWS
IN BRIEF
Rhonda Wins
Rhonda Brighton, Luxottica’s
Senior Vice President of HR and
Communication, Asia Pacific
and Africa, has been awarded
the prestigious 2009 Telstra
NSW Business Woman of the
Year. As Human Resources
leader of the world’s largest
eyewear company, Rhonda
is responsible for developing
the strategies which influence
the working environment
of 8,500 of the company’s
regional employees.
Ms. Holly Kramer, Group
Managing Director, Telstra
Product Management and
Telstra Business Women’s
Awards Ambassador said
Rhonda demonstrated all the
qualities of an astute leader.
“The judges said Rhonda
was incredibly personable,
engaging, inspiring, and
were impressed by her
openness and honesty.”
Rhonda will now progress
to the national finals of
the 2009 Telstra Business
Women’s Awards.
Sunglass Hut Rollout
Luxottica has announced its
entry into The Philippines and
expansion in the Republic
of South Africa, through two
separate agreements that will
introduce the Sunglass Hut
retail concept nationally, in
both markets.
Specially designed Sunglass
Hut store concepts will be
introduced in each country.
These will incorporate strong
visual display, product
merchandising as well as
specialist staff training,
managed by Luxottica’s
Sunglass Hut division,
out of Australia.
These agreements follow
the recent announcement in
Australia for the rollout of 65
Sunglass Hut stores within the
Myer Department store network.
4 • mivision
World First: Revolutionary
Treatment Could Halt AMD
In a world first, researchers at the Centre for
Eye Research Australia (CERA) will trial
a new laser therapy aimed at stopping the
progression of the sight threatening disease,
age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
are present in the retinal tissue of people with
AMD,” she said.
Head of Macular Research at CERA,
Professor Robyn Guymer said the trial is
particularly exciting because unlike existing
AMD treatments, the laser therapy targets the
disease in its early stages, before sight is lost.
“If successful, the laser therapy will be a major
breakthrough in AMD treatment and will
potentially benefit millions of people world-wide”.
“Currently, when a patient is diagnosed with
early AMD, they’re told that nothing can be done
until the disease reaches its late stages, by which
time some patients have suffered irreversible
vision loss,” Professor Guymer said.
“In applying the laser therapy we hope to halt,
or partially reverse, the progression of AMD
before it threatens a patient’s sight”.
Professor Guymer said the treatment involves
a specially designed novel laser device that
delivers a controlled nanosecond dose of laser
energy into the eye.
“Preliminary research suggests that the
application of retinal regeneration laser
therapy to the affected eye can eliminate the
yellow deposits, known as ‘drusen,’ which
“In eliminating the drusen from a patient’s
retina, we hope to reverse the degenerative
processes caused by the disease”.
AMD is a progressive disease affecting the
central area of the retina called the macula.
Fifteen per cent of people over 50, or half a
million Australians, live with the early stages of
the disease. It is the leading cause of vision loss in
Australia and is estimated to cost the community
more than 2.6 billion dollars annually.
The study, to be conducted at the Royal
Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, will involve
50 patients with early AMD. The trial is being
conducted by CERA in partnership with Ellex
Research & Development Pty Ltd. CERA
incorporates the University of Melbourne’s
Department of Ophthalmology.
The Department of Innovation, Industry and
Regional Development (DIIRD) recently
awarded CERA just over half a million dollars
under Victoria’s Science Agenda Investment
Fund to conduct the clinical trial.
Australia Leading World in MD awareness
The last two years have seen a massive increase
in the Australian public’s awareness of Macular
Degeneration (MD), placing Australia as a world
leader in the field, according to new research
released by the MD Foundation (MDF).
TV, radio and print campaign combined
with unique projects. We were supported by
outstanding partnerships and Government
recognition of the importance of eye health,”
Ms Heraghty explained.
While only 47 per cent of people surveyed
in a February 2007 National Galaxy Poll
were aware of MD, this rose to 72 per cent in
September 2009.
The survey found that the overall population
awareness figure for MD had increased by 53 per
cent and that the population awareness figure for
those aged over 50 had increased by 48 per cent.
Although MD (sometimes known as age-related
MD or AMD) is the leading cause of blindness
and severe vision loss in Australia and affects
25 to 30 million people over 50 years of age in
the Western world, awareness of the disease in
Australia had been dangerously low.
“The Foundation was alarmed at low awareness
levels from polling results received in February
2007, especially considering Australia’s ageing
population and the importance of early detection
in saving sight,” said MDF Chief Executive
Officer Julie Heraghty.
“The MDF was determined to turn this
around, and we embarked upon a significant
Awareness that MD affects the eyes increased
by 90 per cent and the number of people aged
over 50 who had had their macula checked
increased by 75 per cent.
The research also found that more than 58
per cent of those 50 years and over have had
their macula checked in the past two years, an
increased of 75 per cent since February 2007.
Ms. Heraghty said optometrists across
Australia were reporting that the Foundation’s
awareness campaign was driving those at risk
of MD to not only have their eyes tested, but
also to ask about their macula.
Government Moves to Protect Franchisees
Federal Small Business Minister Craig Emerson
has upgraded protection of franchisees
by toughening the Franchising Code and
strengthening the “unconscionable conduct”
regulations under the Trade Practices Act.
But in a move that will disappoint many in
the franchise sector, the Government will
not introduce a ‘good faith’ provision into the
Code, claiming that to do so would increase
uncertainty in franchising.
The reforms are designed to crackdown on
perceived imbalances between franchisors
and franchisees and any perceived bullying
by franchisors. The Government will amend
the Trade Practices Act to allow the Australian
Competition and Consumer Commission
(ACCC) to conduct random audits of franchisors
to check for breaches of the Code and the ACCC
will have the ability to publicly name and shame
rouge franchisors by issuing public warnings.
The Franchising Code will be changed to
require franchisors to disclose to franchisees
the processes that will apply in determining
end-of-term arrangements, including whether
or not there is some right of renewal beyond
the term of the agreement.
Franchisors will also be required to inform
franchisees at least six months before the end
of the franchise agreement of their decision
either to renew or not to renew a franchise
agreement and where breaches of the Code
occur, the ACCC will be able to automatically
apply for orders providing compensation
for all franchisees, rather than the current
circumstance where the ACCC needs to get
every franchisee to become a party to legal
action. Penalties of up to AUD$1.1 million for
corporations and AUD$220,000 for individuals
will apply to anyone engaging in unconscionable
conduct or making false or misleading
representations. However, there will not be
pecuniary penalties for breaches of the Code.
Mr. Emerson says in order to improve
dispute resolution, the Government will
amend the Franchising Code to include a
list of behaviours expected under the Code
that would improve the dispute resolution
process, including attending and participating
in meetings at reasonable times; making
intentions clear at the outset of the mediation
(that is, if the aim is to negotiate an exit
arrangement, rather than a resolution to enable
continued trading); observing confidentiality
obligations; and not damaging the franchise
brand during the dispute by tactics such as
providing inferior goods, services and support.
He says he will also establish an expert panel
to examine the need to introduce further
provisions into the Franchising Code to
crackdown on specific behaviour that could be
considered unconscionable.
“We have determined from the Government’s
report that they have put their faith in
franchising and rejected calls for the
introduction of an explicit ‘good faith
negotiations’ clause in the Code,” chief
executive of the Franchise Council, Steve
Wright said in a statement.
“This is a very good result. In my view, the
overwhelming balance of the initiatives is
positive. Only those attempting to sail too
close to the wind need be worried.”
But franchising advocate Frank Zumbo, an
associate professor at the University of New
South Wales, says the Government has missed
a golden opportunity to completely crackdown
on rogue franchisees.
“The danger is that the rogues will exclude this
implied duty of good faith - it should have been
imbedded into the code,” Mr Zumbo says.
He is also concerned about the idea that a list
of specific examples of unconscionable conduct
could be inserted into the Code.
“The reality is that the ACCC has necessary
power to investigate franchisors at the
moment. What we really need is for the ACCC
to use its existing powers in a better way.”
According to Mark Overton, Managing
Director of Ideology Consulting, who has
worked with independent optometrists for more
than 10 years (working as a business consultant
with ProVision practices for eight years then
with Eyecare Partners) he believes the changes
to the Code are a “positive step” for franchisees.
“Franchise decisions are complex,” he says.
“There are many areas that could be developed
in the Code to better protect franchisees but
these changes are a positive step. Anything
that adds clarity can only be of value. I would
strongly advise anyone considering a franchise
business opportunity that the best way to avoid
risk, and cover all the issues, is to get expert
legal advice from someone experienced in
franchise agreements.”
“The reforms are designed
to crackdown on perceived
imbalances between
franchisors and franchisees
and any perceived bullying
by franchisors.”
NEWS
IN BRIEF
Iris Recognition
The eyes may be the mirror to
the soul, but the iris reveals
a person’s true identity – its
intricate structure constitutes
a powerful biometric. A new
report by computer scientists
at the U.S National Institute
of Standards and Technology
(NIST) demonstrates that iris
recognition algorithms can
maintain their accuracy and
ability to work together with
compact images, affirming
their potential for largescale identity management
applications such as the
federal Personal Identity
Verification program, cyber
security and counterterrorism.
After fingerprints, iris
recognition has emerged in
recent years as the second
most widely supported
biometric characteristic. This
marketplace rests, in large part,
on the ability of recognition
algorithms to process standard
images from the many cameras
now available. This requires
images to be captured in a
standard format and prepared
so that they are compact
enough for a smart card and
for transmission across global
networks. The images also have
to be identifiable by computer
algorithms and interoperable
with any iris-matcher product
regardless of the manufacturer.
The test result shows
that forensic applications,
where image quality is
sometimes degraded,
can benefit from slower but
more powerful algorithms.
NIST is developing Iris
Exchange programmes to
calibrate and evaluate the
effectiveness and efficiency of
iris image quality assessment
algorithms. The studies will
support a new international
iris image quality standard by
identifying specific iris image
properties that are influential
on recognition accuracy.
mivision • 7
NEWS
IN BRIEF
Facebook Eyes Speak
Ciba Vision has launched a
new application on Facebook,
the most widely used internet
social network in the world.
The application is called
‘say it with your eyes’ and
Ciba Vision says Facebook
members have been
“enriched by this entertaining
and original new tool that
communicates your mood to
friends in real time.”
A spokesman for the company
said: “The new application
is based on the widespread
use of Facebook for
communicating your current
mood and commenting on
friends’ notes about it.
“The ‘say it with your eyes’
application uses ‘pupils’:
the eyes wearing its contact
lenses express a wide variety
of emotions. By using these
cute eyes you can select one
of the many expressions,
match it with a comment
and publish your mood in a
personal profile.
This application “expresses
the importance of
communicating with the eyes”.
The ‘Say it with your eyes’
application on Facebook is
part of Ciba Vision’s wider
communication campaign to
young people to convey how
important eyes are in daily life.
“Eyes speak and can
communicate much more
than words alone. The
eyes can express complicity,
friendship, seduction and
contact lenses make them
freer to communicate,
even on Facebook!”
By next year it is predicted
that 96 per cent of
Generation Y would have
joined a social network site
such as Facebook.
The Battle to Restore
the Cataract Surgery Rebate
At the time of publishing this edition of mivision,
the battle to restore the Medicare rebate for
cataract surgery was still raging. The rebate
had been cut by 45 per cent despite threats from
Coalition and cross bench senators that they
would block it in the Upper House. To that extent,
the Senate will vote on, and more than likely
block the plan to reduce the cataract rebate when
it sits again. What happens from that point is still
unknown at the time of publication, but there
have been further developments in the rebate war.
HCF Covers Members
for Cataract Shortfall
Australia’s largest not-for-profit health insurer
has shamed the Federal Government by
increasing benefits for cataract surgery.
This follows the Rudd Government’s decision
to slash the Medicare rebate originally by 50
per cent, but then by 45 per cent when the
legislation hit a hurdle in the Senate.
The fight to reinstate the full Medicare benefit
is far from over with federal coalition teaming
up with independent senators to disallow the
lower rebate.
This positive news follows an announcement
by Australia’s largest health fund Medibank
Private, which said it will no longer be able to
provide any rebates to its members who have
cataract surgery.
Doctors have already warned that they will
have to cancel operations because patients will
not be able to afford the bill.
“It’s not just the doctor’s fee. Health funds
won’t be able to provide a refund for the
implants, the theatre fees, the hospital bed fee
and the anaesthetist,” ophthalmologist Dr.
Russell Bach has told the media.
HCF says its move means members won’t face
any additional expenses following Labor’s
decision to cut the standard government rebate
from AUD$624 to AUD$340.
The Opposition and all the minor parties in the
Senate have moved to axe the rebate as part of a
fight with the Rudd Government when Health
Minister Nicola Roxon tried to circum vent their
efforts by raising the rebate by a paltry AUD$28.
“Without passing judgment on the
government’s decision, HCF intends to cover,
for a period of up to six months, any increase in
out-of-pocket expense for our members caused
by the Medicare decision, so that they are no
worse off financially,” HCF chief medical
officer Andrew Cottrill said in a statement.
In the May Budget, Health Minister Nicola
Roxon announced plans to slash the Medicare
rebate for cataract surgery in half from
AUD$623 to AUD$312, wrongly claiming that
technological advances meant the surgery now
took just 15 minutes to perform.
The health fund will also increase benefits
for angiograms. The Medicare rebate for
those procedures has been cut by 18 per cent.
HCF says boosting the two benefits will cost
AUD$1.7 million a year. But it’s only promised
to cover any shortfall until next April, when a
new benefits schedule will kick in.
“We will work constructively and in
collaboration with relevant medical
organisations to agree on a fair cost of
providing cataract surgery and angiography,
to be covered in our new medical benefit
schedules,” Dr. Cottrill said.
Health Minister Nicola Roxon claimed
patients wouldn’t be left in the lurch with the
new AUD$340 rebate if eye doctors simply
lowered their fees.
She argued that advances in technology means
standard cataract surgery takes just 20 minutes,
and doctors are raking in millions as a result of
the excessively high Medicare payments.
This has been denounced by ophthalmologists
who say the surgery takes longer than the time
8 • mivision
stated by the Minister. Doctors argue the move
will hurt elderly patients and the indigenous
community in particular.
The Opposition and minor parties demanded
the Government pass new legislation they have
introduced to restore the rebate to AUD$623.
The announcement came after two days of
parliamentary manoeuvring, with Ms Roxon
dismissing as “unconstitutional’” a move by
the Liberals to reinstate the existing rebate
with a private member’s bill.
Continued on page 10...
“The fight to reinstate the
full Medicare benefit is
far from over with federal
coalition teaming up with
independent senators to
disallow the lower rebate.”
20
NO 9 S
W TO
OP RE
EN S
!
OPTOMETRISTS, DISPENSERS, RETAILERS…
YOUR COMMUNITY
NEEDS YOU!
…TO BE A SPECSAVERS PARTNER .
Lillian Wong, Dispensing Partner and co-owner, Chadstone Shopping Centre, VIC.
• Customer demand for Specsavers high quality products and
services is growing at an exponential rate in all parts of Australia
• So we are opening more stores every week in communities all over
the country
• …and we need people just like you to co-own these stores
HOW IT WORKS
• In each store we take on two ‘partners’ who share in ownership
of the store – an Optom partner and a Retail/Dispensing partner
• Each of you receives a guaranteed salary, probably more than
you are currently earning
• On top of that you’ll share in the profits from your store - finally
you get the rewards of your own hard work!
• Specsavers supports you with everything from Marketing, Training,
Product and Recruitment to Accounts, Tax and Payroll – in fact all
the business admin and just about everything else besides…
• Leaving you to focus on what you do best - providing the ultimate
patient and customer-service experience
ST
OWN ORE
OPPO ERSHIP
RT
AVAI UNITIES
RIGH LABLE
T NO
W!
DO WE REALLY MEAN YOU?
ought of yourself as an
• Yes we do! You may not have thought
entrepreneur or business hotshot – but with a Specsavers partner
store you don’t need to be! Because Specsavers back-up and
support services coupled with your patient and customer service
skills is an unbeatable combination.
• Yes we do! Our whole business model is based around you and
your fellow partner sharing in the profits of your own practice
as well as your salary.
HOW CAN I GET THINGS STARTED?
• Confidentiality Assured! We treat all enquiries with absolute
discretion. If you would like a no obligation chat to see
if Specsavers could be right for you then call now.
• You can contact us on our Partnership Hotline on 1300 773 272
to see why we really do believe you are ready for a stake in a
Specsavers store – alternatively, you can register your interest
on our website at www.specsavers.com.au/opportunities
Brand new stores are opening every week - so you could
be a co-owner of your own store within months.
State Development Directors
NSW/ACT: Russell Johnston – 0420 984 919
Charles Nightingale – 0424 509 531
QLD/NT: Mike Protopsaltis – 0416 923 297
WA:
Paul Hobson – 0420 984 915
SA:
Michael Gleeson – 0404 886 293
VIC/TAS: Jeff Antcliff – 0450 902 739
Partner Recruitment Manager
National: Raj Sundarjee – 0424 135 485
Professional Services Director
National: Dr Harrison Weisinger – 0418 244 277
For employment opportunities call Specsavers
Recruitment Services on 1300 889 350.
Alternatively, call us on our Partnership Enquiries
Hotline 1300 773 272 or email your interest to
opportunities@au.specsavers.com
www.specsavers.com.au/opportunities
NEWS
Melbourne Meeting a Huge Success
IN BRIEF
More than 70 international delegates recently
attended the International Agency for the
Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) Council of
Members and Board of Trustee meetings in
Melbourne, hosted by Vision 2020 Australia.
A Day at the Circus
A group of blind and vision
impaired children have joined
the circus… thanks to Guide
Dogs NSW/ACT.
The organisation has held its
first circus-skills workshop in
Homebush for children aged
between six and 11, giving
them the thrill of attempting
activities such as swinging
on a flying trapeze, tightrope
walking and hula hooping.
The meeting was held from 28 September to 2
October at the InterContinental Rialto Towers
with attendees coming from the U.S., Europe,
Asia, the Middle East and South America.
Organisations included CBM International,
Helen Keller International, the International
Centre for Eyecare Education, International
Council of Ophthalmology, Orbis International,
Sightsavers International, The Fred Hollows
Foundation, World Blind Union, World Council
of Optometry and World Health Organisation.
Guide Dogs Orientation and
Mobility Instructor Anne Keep
organised the free workshop
with Circus Arts Sydney.
The event provided an opportunity for the
IAPB to convene committees including the
Annual General Meeting, Board of Trustees
and Council of Members.
“While the workshop offered
plenty of fun, it was also
designed to expose kids with
impaired vision to adventurous,
new activities that boost
their confidence and body
awareness,” said Ms Keep.
The Hon Bob McMullan, Parliamentary
Secretary for International Development
Assistance, addressed the Council of Members
“The train trip to and from
Homebush also helped to
improve their travel skills
because we always encourage
them to learn to navigate
public transport while providing
guidance,” she added.
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT provides
free services to more than
600 children and youth in
NSW and the ACT each year.
Ms. Keep said: “Children with
impaired vision often have
posture and balance issues.
This can be because they either
don’t have the opportunity to
observe other people, or they
don’t develop the necessary
gross motor skills.
“In addition to this, children
with impaired vision can
sometimes lack the confidence
to explore their surroundings,
so they need a lot of positive
encouragement to conquer
their fears so they can continue
to develop and undertake new
physical activities”.
10 • mivision
and reaffirmed his personal commitment to
placing blindness prevention and the rights
of people with disabilities at the centre of
Australia’s aid program. As a demonstration
of this commitment, Mr. McMullan went on
to announce that the Australian Government
will fund a Manila-based WHO Regional
Blindness Prevention Coordinator position for
the next two years.
Hon Dr Barry Jones AO, Chair of Vision 2020
Australia, hosted a dinner at the Melbourne
Museum on 30 September. On arrival guests were
treated to a traditional indigenous performance
by Descendance Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Dance Theatre Company.
The dinner celebrated the coming together
of Australian and internationally esteemed
professionals from the eye health and vision care
sector. The Hon Daniel Andrews MP, Victorian
Minister for Health delivered the keynote address.
Guests also heard from Professor Hugh Taylor,
Vice-President of the IAPB and Co-Deputy
Chair of Vision 2020 Australia and Mr. Christian
Garms, President of IAPB.
The Battle to Restore
the Cataract Surgery Rebate
Continued from page 8...
The Clerk of the Senate, Harry Evans, rejected
Ms Roxon’s claim. “I cannot imagine what
the basis of it is,” he said in an opinion for the
Opposition. But Ms Roxon said there had been
a longstanding conflict between Mr. Evans
and Federal Government lawyers on the issue.
Veterans Affected
An experienced Sydney ophthalmologist and
former President of the Royal Australian and
New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
(RANZCO), Dr. John Milverton, is another
person who has concerns regarding the actions
of the Health Minister in halving the rebate.
He is concerned about the fate of Australia’s
war veterans, particularly after perusing the
website of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
“What appeared about a week ago (early
November) when we looked up the website for
Department of Veterans’ Affairs in the new
schedule, they had halved the fees for cataract
surgery (item 42702) for out-of-hospital surgery.
That means day surgery where most cataract
operations are done,” said Dr. Milverton.
“It means that veterans would have to go into
the public system or into a private hospital.
Why would the government do that for such
a small number of people in Australia – it
doesn’t make any sense to me? It also upset
me because the Minister had told RANZCO
that there wouldn’t be any tampering with
the veterans.”
Dr. Milverton said he was so concerned for the
veterans that he called the Returned Services
League to let them know.
“What’s happened since I did that is that they
(Veterans’ Affairs) have put up another statement
on their website saying that the fee schedules are
no longer available. They’ve taken it off. There is
now no scheduled fee displayed.
“We don’t know what’s happening with
veterans. What they’re saying is that if a doctor
submits a form to Veterans’ Affairs to get paid,
this wonderful statement says “you will be
paid the correct amount”. What the correct
amount is, no one knows”.
Dr. Milverton added that Minister Roxon was
wrong when she described ophthalmologists
as greedy and that cataract surgery now only
takes 15 minutes due to technology.
He pointed out that the overheads for
ophthalmologists in private practice, with
equipment, staff and rental of premises is
anywhere from 50 to 75 per cent of the fee and
that the average cataract operation takes about
30 minutes with some taking up to an hour.
Gear up, tax down
Experien
Take advantage of the 50% Investment Allowance
with up to 100% equipment and vehicle finance.
Take a tax break. You could be eligible for the 50% tax break
offered by the Government. You’ll have to move fast though as
the offer closes on the 31st of December 2009.
At Investec Experien, we understand your financial needs
and those of your practice. We specialise in financing practice
assets - such as equipment and vehicles - for healthcare
professionals. With the Government’s support, there has
never been a better time to make an asset purchase.
It won’t last forever so for more information
contact us on 1300 131 141 Australia wide or visit
www.investec.com.au/professionalfinance
Experien is a subsidiary of Investec Bank
Asset Finance • Commercial Property Finance • Deposit Facilities • Goodwill & Practice Purchase Loans • Home Loans • Income Protection & Life Insurance • Professional Overdraft
Investec Experien Pty Limited ABN 94 110 704 464 (Experien). Investec Bank (Australia) Limited ABN 55 071 292 594 (Investec Bank). The material contained here is general commentary only and is based on information that
we believe to be reliable. None of the material is, or should be, regarded as advice. Accordingly, no person should rely on the contents without first obtaining specific advice from their own accounting or tax adviser. All finance
is subject to our credit assessment criteria. Terms and conditions, fees and charges apply.
A CAREER WITH SPECSAVERS...
WHY WOULDN’T YOU?
At Specsavers, we believe that the highest
standard of patient care is a fundamental right,
so we have built a store team environment that
supports you in delivering just that!
In return, we offer:
• Excellent salaries / daily rates
• State of the art equipment
• Career development and flexibility
• Positions available now – Australia wide
To find out why so many people are joining
the Specsavers optical revolution, contact
Specsavers Recruitment Services now
- and see how you can take your career
forward. Simply call 1300 889 350 or email
us on SRS@au.specsavers.com to get the
conversation started!
NEWS
Safilo Recapitalisation On and Then Off
IN BRIEF
Despite an earlier announcement that a
plan to recapitalise Safilo, it now seems the
announcement may have been premature.
Drug Giant Gets Bigger
In October, the Italian Stock Exchange said
it had approved a recapitalisation plan for the
Safilo Group to be executed in connection with
a binding investment agreement underwritten by
HAL Holding N.V (HAL).
As a result, Safilo’s CEO Roberto Vedovotto, in
comments to the financial markets, said: “The
chance that the tender will not be successful
cannot be neglected. In such event, the overall
recapitalisation plan might not take place and the
company would again be in a highly leveraged
situation and will, in all likelihood, default under
its banking facilities by year-end.”
But just a few weeks later, the Safilo Group
said it has been informed by HAL Holding
N.V. that only 1.03 percent of the senior notes
due 2013 have been tendered at the early bird
date in addition to the 38.76 percent already
committed by existing note-holders upon
the tender offer and recapitalisation plan
announced on 19 October between the
two companies.
A statement also issued by HAL reiterates that
if the minimum of 60 percent of the notes is not
reached by the 18 November deadline, the deal
will not happen. “Would the tender offer not be
successful, the anticipated transaction consisting
of a capital increase of Safilo and the sale of the
non-USA retail chains to HAL which, in total,
will provide Safilo with 283 million euros cash,
will not materialise.”
U.S drug giant Pfizer Inc
has announced that it has
combined operations with
Wyeth following the closing of
the acquisition recently.
In a statement, the company
said: “Pfizer is now a more
diversified health care
company, with product
offerings in human, animal,
and consumer health, including
vaccines, biologics, small
molecules and nutrition across
the developed and emerging
markets. It has medicines in
numerous growing therapeutic
areas, a robust pipeline,
premier scientific and
manufacturing capabilities and
a leading global presence”.
The company said as a result
of the acquisition, it now
has a broad and diversified
global product portfolio, with
leadership in virtually all key
high-growth therapeutic areas.
In its statement, the
company went on to say:
“The combined company
has a robust and growing
pipeline of biopharmaceutical
development projects to help
patients in critical areas,
including Alzheimer’s disease,
oncology, pain, neuroscience,
diabetes and inflammation.
The combination of top
scientists from both
companies, as well as leading
scientific and manufacturing
capabilities, and a global
network of proof-of-concept
clinical development centres,
has greatly enhanced the
company’s ability to innovate.
“Pfizer will now operate
through its patient-centric
business units in human
health as well as through
its animal health, consumer
and nutrition businesses
that match the speed and
agility of small, focused
enterprises with the benefits
of a global organisation’s
scale and resources”.
12 • mivision
How Humans See in Bright or Low Light
Vision scientists at Washington University School
of Medicine in St. Louis, U.S.A, have identified
an intricate process that allows the human eye
to adapt to darkness very quickly.The discovery
could contribute to better understanding of
human diseases that affect the retina, including
age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as the
disease and the pathway the researchers have
identified both involve cone cells.
“AMD may be modulated, perhaps, through
this pathway we’ve identified in the retina.
Deficiencies in this pathway affect cone cells,
and so does AMD, so it’s possible that if we
could enhance activity in this pathway, we
could prevent or reverse some of that damage
to cone cells,” says principal investigator Dr
Vladimir J. Kefalov.
The retina’s main light-sensing cells, rods and
cones, both use similar mechanisms to convert
light into vision, but they function differently.
Rods are highly sensitive and work well in dim
light, but they can quickly become saturated
with light and stop responding. They don’t
sense colour either, which is why we rarely see
colours in dim light. Cones, on the other hand,
allow us to see colours and can adapt quickly
to stark changes in light intensity.
The researchers discovered that cone cells rely
on light-sensing molecules that bind together
to make up visual pigments. The pigments
get destroyed when they absorb light and
must be rebuilt, or recycled, for the cone cells
to continue sensing light. After exposure to
light, key components of pigments called
chromophores can leave the cells and travel
to the nearby pigment epithelium near the
retina. There the chromophore is restored and
returned to the photoreceptor cells.
Dr. Kefalov says exposure to bright light
destroyed visual pigments in rods, and
those cells could not recycle chromophores.
Pigments in cones, by contrast, quickly
regenerated and continued to detect light even
without the pigment epithelium, so it was clear
a second pathway was involved.
In the new study, Dr. Kefalov did the same
experiments in cells from mice, primates and
humans with the same result.
To learn how cones were able to recycle
pigments without pigment epithelium,
Kefalov’s team has focused on the Müller
cells in the retina which support and interact
with rods and cones. The researchers “blocked
the function of Müller cells (in mice)” and
discovered “the retinal visual pathway
could not function because cones ran out of
photopigment and could not adapt to dark,”
Kefalov says. The new paper, published in
the journal Current Biology, suggests
Müller cells are key to this pathway in
mammals, including humans.
“The discovery could
contribute to better
understanding of
human diseases that
affect the retina...”
New Technology for Eye Cancer Detection
NEWS
Doctors currently rely on biopsy analysis to
determine the progression of eye cancer, but
that is likely to change soon.
IN BRIEF
Researchers in China now believe that a new
technology, bioluminescence imaging (BLI),
will allow doctors to detect tumours earlier
and quickly choose a method of treatment that
doesn’t necessarily involve eye surgery.
researchers, led by Dr Qian Huang, of the First
People’s Hospital in Shanghai, China, were
able to effectively create human eye tumours in
mice using particular genes to label eye cancer.
BLI was then performed on the mice using the
NightOwl LB 981 Molecular Imaging System
to monitor the growth and succession of these
created tumours.
BLI is a new technology that uses the
making and giving off of light by an
organism to map diseases in a non-invasive
way. Scientists have harnessed this technology
to delicately detect and monitor various
diseases, including eye cancer.
“BLI allowed sensitive and quantitative
localisation and monitoring of intraocular
and metastatic tumour growth in vivo and
thus might be a useful tool to study cancer
biology as well as anti-cancer therapies,”
said Dr Huang.
Researchers say BLI has several advantages
over biopsy analysis, including in vivo
monitoring, higher sensitivity, easier use and
an overall more accurate correlation between
cell numbers detected and tumour growth.
Eye cancer is the most common and
aggressive form of cancer found in children
under the age of five. As with most cancers,
locating the tumors during the early stages
of the disease is key. “Eye removal is usually
performed for larger tumours. Small tumours
are treated using therapeutic approaches
such as chemotherapy. Because of the fast
progression, early detection is important for
preservation of vision, eye retention and even
survival,” said Huang.
A study detailed in the Association for
Research in Vision and Ophthalmology’s
peer-reviewed Investigative Ophthalmology &
Visual Science (“Non-invasive visualization
of retinoblastoma growth and metastasis via
bioluminescence imaging”) shows how the
Alcon Winners
Alcon would like to congratulate
the winners of the OPTI-FREE
RepleniSH MPDS ‘Improved
Wettability, Show us what it
means to you!’ competition:
Stephen McCowage (Colin
and Margaret Silk, Mt Druitt),
Ms Christine Hiew (Dr Yen Lee
Yap Optom., Glen Waverly),
Lauren Neilsen (Kent Neilson
Optical, Toowoomba) Lorraine
Ng (iContact, Box Hill), Maggie
To (Eyeopener Optometrists,
Sydney) Robyn Main (Booragoon),
Ian Williams (Dandenong),
Melissa Moore (Innisfail),
Eyecareplus Toowoomba,
Krystle Biffin (Leeming), Edmund
Mann (Landsdale) and Ang
(Mudgeeraba). Each winner
with an Apple iPod loaded with
educational material.
INDEPENDENT PRACTITIONERS
– TIME TO THINK AGAIN?
2
NO09 S
W TO
OP R
ENES
!
LIMITED OPPORTUNITIES STILL EXIST TO CONVERT TO SPECSAVERS...
Since February 2008, more than 190 Specsavers
stores have opened their doors for business
right across Australia. And until they made the
switch, more than 70 of those were operating
as independent practices.
Here’s how one, optometrist Brendan Myers
from Sunbury Vic has fared. Brendan’s Sunbury
practice had been successful for 10 years before
he converted to Specsavers in March 2008 – and
then his business exploded.
‘…average weekly
sales are up from
$6,700 to $30,575.’
Brendan Myers, Sunbury, VIC.
L
CAL
US !
NOW
“We already had an outstanding reputation for
professional, clinical eye care and our patients
trusted us - but we knew our retail offer could
To have a frank discussion about converting your practice over to Specsavers call our practice
conversion specialist - John Scott on 0414 874 210, visit www.specsavers.com.au/opportunities
co
or email your interest to opportunities@au.specsavers.com
o
have been better. But since I changed to
Specsavers, the practice has flourished with
an increase of 150% in customer foot traffic.
“We’ve also seen an incredible 206% increase
in revenue in the last twelve months and since
day one in March 2008, average weekly sales are
up from $6,700 to $30,575, close to five times
higher than before the conversion to Specsavers.
“And there is no doubt we’ve been able to offer
our customers better value since we joined
Specsavers and feedback on our new offer and
look has been excellent. People have said that
they have been crying out for something like this
in Sunbury.”
“It has been a great journey for us so far. We are
seeing more people, with a quality offering, better
equipment and an unbeatable range. I believe we
are doing an even better job of looking after the
people of Sunbury’s eyes.”
NEWS
Mission Accomplished for Varilux Progressives
IN BRIEF
Essilor says “mission accomplished” in its quest
earlier this year to have a Varilux Progressive
Lens for everyone: For every patient and every
practice, no matter what the prescription, budget
or frame choice of the individual.
J&J Appoint Luke Cahill
Johnson & Johnson Vision
Care has announced the
appointment of Luke Cahill
as Professional & Regulatory
Affairs Manager-Australia &
New Zealand.
Luke was previously employed
as National Professional
Services Manager with
Luxottica. Luke is an
optometrist with over 25
years experience in various
practices across Australia.
In addition, he has served
on the OAA WA council & the
Optometrists Registration
Board in WA for over 10 years.
Luke says he is “a strong
believer in contact lenses
as a key driver of building
patient loyalty in optometric
practices” and he is keen
to share his experience
with optometrists to grow
their contact lens expertise
& businesses.
“In my previous national role
I developed strong working
relationships with the OAA,
NZAO & the four schools of
optometry in Australia and
New Zealand. I am looking
forward to strengthening
these relationships and being
the voice of the profession
at Johnson & Johnson Vision
Care,” he said.
Correction
In mivision Nov 09 Issue 41,
we published an article entitled
“Prevention, Early Detection
and Treatment Message
Needed”. The article describes
recent findings from a study
into eye health services in
Brisbane completed by the
Queensland Vision Initiative
Inc (QVI). The statistics quoted
on the incidence of eye health
in Australia are not part of
this study, but come from
the CERA/Access Economics
report Clear Insight – The
Economic Impact and Cost of
Vision Loss in Australia, 2004.
14 • mivision
In February, the Varilux 360º Series was
launched, offering a clear portfolio of digitally
surfaced progressive lenses.
Essilor says a Varilux lens earns the name
360° by using two separate areas of Essilor
Technology: proven progressive designs
and Essilor’s Advanced Digital Surfacing
Technology, incorporating unique optical
calculation algorithms, software and specific
manufacturing tools and processes.
“The progressive design is critical
regardless of how the lens is surfaced,”
says Tim Thurn, Director of Professional
Services at Essilor Australia.
On this basis, the Varilux Comfort and Varilux
Ellipse were enhanced with Essilor’s Advanced
Digital Surfacing Technology, to create Varilux
Comfort 360°, Varilux Ellipse 360° and Varilux
Physio Short 360°, introduced in February.
According to Anne Guethoff, Marketing
Manager at Essilor Australia: “Combining the
benefits of a trusted design with the latest in
digital surfacing, has proven to be very popular
with practices that were looking for a digitally
surfaced progressive lens offer in the medium
price segment.”
The Varilux 360º Series was extended again
in July this year, with the launch of Varilux
Physio f-360°, a customised elite design
that takes into account individual wearing
parameters; and Varilux Physio Azio 360°,
a progressive lens customised to the Asian
ergonomics, facial and eye anatomy.
“Now, there is a Varilux 360º design for everyone,
no matter what the need or expectation of the
practitioner and patient is!” says Ms Guethoff.
Varilux is the best selling progressive lens in
the world and in fact, there is a new Varilux
wearer every four seconds.
Study Highlights Lazy Eye Impact
Wearing a patch to treat a lazy eye significantly
lowers children’s fine motor skills and their
perception of how well they are accepted
by their peers, a new study by Queensland
University of Technology has found.
be victims of physical or verbal bullying.
Our study indicates that, while wearing
glasses does not contribute to reduced social
acceptance in amblyopic children, treatment
with an eye patch may,” she said.
Dr. Ann Webber, from Queensland University
of Technology’s School of Optometry and the
Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation,
recently completed her PhD study looking at how
amblyopia (more commonly known as a lazy eye)
affects a child’s fine motor skills and self-esteem.
“This emphasises the importance of exploring
alternative treatments with the hope that
patching – with its potential negative
psychosocial effects – may be minimised or
avoided altogether.”
“Many children with amblyopia have poor
depth perception in addition to poor vision in
one eye,” Dr. Webber said.
Dr. Webber found that “children with
amblyopia have poorer fine motor skills and
lower perception of social acceptance … in
addition to treating a child’s eye condition, eye
care practitioners may be able to advise parents
of potential functional consequences.
“The study showed a lower social acceptance
score in amblyopic children particularly in
those children who had strabismus (eye-turn)
and that a child’s sense of acceptance by
their peers may be negatively influenced by
treatment that includes eye patching.”
Dr. Webber said about three in every 100
children were affected by a lazy eye, and,
of those, about 35 per cent were likely to
Dr. Webber said the study also showed that
“the deficits in motor performance were
greatest on manual dexterity tasks requiring
speed and accuracy. Awareness of the potential
for reduced fine motor skills in children with
strabismic amblyopia is important, so that
clinicians can refer early for evaluation of these
skills and early remediation if appropriate.”
Dr. Webber, who is also a practising
optometrist, said clinicians were faced with
the challenge of designing treatment regimens
that were effective in restoring vision but with
minimal psychosocial side-effects.
She said if children could be detected and
treated by patching before they entered school
they may be less likely to feel self-conscious
or ashamed about their patching. She said eye
tests for amblyopia could be carried out on
children before they start pre-school.
mistor y
Tracking
Indigenous Eye Health
The National Indigenous Eye Health Survey – the
first national survey of indigenous eye health in
over 30 years – prompted the release of a national
report on indigenous eye health. This report had
some startling findings, one of which that adult
indigenous Australians suffer significantly higher
rates of blindness and other eye related health
problems than non-indigenous Australians. Norm Lipson
16 • mivision
Aboriginal children begin life with better
eyesight than other Australians, however
by the time they reach adulthood, they are
six times more likely to be blind.
This distressing information came
from the first comprehensive survey of
indigenous eye health in three decades.
The survey was conducted by a team
from Melbourne University and headed
up by Professor Hugh Taylor who leads
the Indigenous Eye Health Unit. It was
developed through data collected from
across the country – from Tasmania and
the Tiwi Islands, to the Gold Coast and the
Pilbara – giving an accurate picture of the
extent and causes of vision loss amongst
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“I think it is scandalous that in 2009, in a
rich, developed country now in the G-20,
that we have third world conditions that
many of our Australian people live in,”
Professor Taylor said.
The data provided an evidence base
to develop new Government policies
to finally deliver sustainable eye care
services to indigenous communities.
Survey Results
The recently published report came from
a comprehensive assessment of more
than 2,800 Aborigines and Torres Strait
Islanders from 30 communities last year
and found that 1.9 per cent of the adult
population was blind – six times the rate
among non-indigenous Australians.
In launching the survey, GovernorGeneral Quentin Bryce hailed it as a
“milestone in indigenous health which
highlights the severity and prevalence of
ocular conditions”.
The leading causes of the vision loss in
indigenous people were cataracts, optic
atrophy, refractive error, diabetic eye disease
and trachoma – a painful infectious disease
that was eliminated from mainstream
Australia 100 years ago, but still exists in
remote indigenous communities.
Professor Hugh Taylor said the fact that
those indigenous children were born with
better eyesight than their non-indigenous
peers but ended up worse off during their
adult years was unacceptable.
“It is a national disgrace that more than 94 per cent
of the vision loss associated with these eye diseases
is preventable and treatable…”
“It is a national disgrace that more than
94 per cent of the vision loss associated
with these eye diseases is preventable and
treatable,” he said.
Professor Taylor said that a lack of early
intervention and treatment was often
causing deterioration.
He added that eye care services were
urgently required, along with facilities to
provide reading and distance glasses.
‘’This survey represents the first step in
‘Closing the Gap’ in vision. The next step will
be to review the availability and effectiveness
of the current eye health services, to deliver a
report within the next six months.
“We will then make recommendations to
Government on the best way to develop
adequate eye care services for Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander people,” he said.
The fact is that indigenous children are
born with better eyesight than other
Australians. This, Professor Taylor
said, is largely due to the fact that the
gene responsible for myopia, or shortsightedness, is far less frequently found in
the indigenous population.
Indigenous Health: the Facts
The survey also showed that blindness
from cataracts was 12 times more
common among indigenous adults and
only 65 per cent of those needing surgery
for a cataract had been operated on.
The results indicated that while the situation
had improved in some respects over the
past 30 years, the levels of blindness from
diabetes had increased substantially.
“The survey puts into sharp focus the
frighteningly high level of avoidable vision
loss and the unacceptable deficiencies in
indigenous eye health.”
“We knew there was a problem but the
extent of it, and the sad fact that much of it
could have been prevented, has shocked us.”
“There is still a large gap between what
should be and what the situation is; what is
different now is that almost all the blindness
is preventable or treatable,” he said.
Professor Taylor lauded the Rudd
Government for having committed
AUD$58.3 million over three years to
tackle chronic eye and ear diseases affecting
indigenous communities, including
AUD$16m targeted at eliminating trachoma
in the indigenous population.
In a media release headed ‘Looking Into
Indigenous Eye Health’, the Minister for
Problems
with Vision
•3
5% of adults have never had an
eye exam
•1
9% of children reported having had
a problem with their vision
•5
8% of these children had seen
someone about this
...but 40% were still not satisfied
with their vision.
•7
9% of adults reported a problem
with their vision
•1
7% of adults who had an eye
problem had never had an eye exam
• Most adults (83%) had sought care
...but still two thirds (64%) were not
satisfied with their vision.
mivision • 17
Causes of Vision Impairment
Overall, 94% of vision loss in Indigenous
Australians is preventable or treatable.
•O
ne child was blind from refractive
error and two from unknown causes
Blindness from trachoma is not seen in
other Australians
For Indigenous adults:
For Indigenous children:
•5
6% of low vision is due to refractive
error
Overall rates of blindness in Indigenous
adults are:
• 12 times higher from cataract
• 14 times higher from diabetes
• 40% unknown causes
• 5 times higher from refractive error
• 4% congenital Nystagmus
…than in other Australians
Vision Impairment in Indigenous Adults
AMD 2% Glaucoma 1%
Cataract 27%
Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional
Health and Regional Services Delivery,
Warren Snowdon, welcomed the report.
What the Minister found particularly
disturbing was: “The survey found that
94 per cent of vision loss is preventable or
treatable, but 35 per cent of indigenous
adults have never had an eye examination.
“The report however also made positive
findings for indigenous children, as vision
loss in indigenous children was found to
be five times less common than nonindigenous children.”
Finding Solutions
Earlier this year the Federal Government
pledged almost AUD$60 million in an
effort to address indigenous health issues.
Diabetic Retinopathy 12%
Refractive Error 54%
Trachoma 2%
Optic Atrophy 1%
Unknown 1%
Corneal scarring 1%
Retinitis Pigmentosa 1%
Vision Impairment in Non-Indigenous Adults
Refractive Error 62%
AMD 10%
Glaucoma 3%
Cataract 14%
Diabetic Retinopathy 2%
Other Retinal 3%
Neuro-ophthalmic 2%
Other 4%
Blindness in Indigenous Adults
Refractive Error 14%
Cataract 32%
Unknown 13%
Optic Atrophy 14%
Diabetic Retinopathy 9%
Trauma 4%
Trachoma 9%
Retinal detachment 4%
Blindness in Non-Indigenous Adults
Refractive Error 4%
Others 8%
Neuro-ophthalmic 3%
Retinitis Pigmentosa 1.5%
Diabetes and other Retinal 10%
AMD 48%
In 2009 to 2010, the Department will
work with experts in the fields of eye and
hearing health, and other key stakeholders
to develop and implement strategies to
ensure eye and ear health problems are
effectively treated.
This will include a major increase
in services to address trachoma, an
expansion of the Visiting Optometrist
Scheme, increased training of health
workers in hearing health, investments in
medical equipment for hearing screening,
improved access to eye and ear surgery,
and activities to increase awareness of ear
disease and treatment.
“It is unacceptable that indigenous people
continue to suffer treatable vision loss at
such rates. As we work with indigenous
Australians to close the gap in education
and employment, we must also address
this terrible and preventable health
burden,” Mr. Snowdon added.
The new measure includes:
Cataract 12%
Glaucoma 14%
18 • mivision
The ‘Improving Eye and Ear Health Services
for Indigenous Australians for Better
Education and Employment Outcomes’
initiative will expand eye and hearing
health services for Indigenous Australians.
Reducing preventable vision and hearing
loss will assist to improve education and
employment outcome for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people.
•M
ore than AUD$16 million for a major
increase in services to address trachoma
Key Findings
Adults
“In 2009 to 2010,
• Blindness rates in Indigenous adults (1.9%) are 6.2 times the rate in
mainstream
the Department will
• Low vision rates in Indigenous adults (9.4%) are 2.8 times the rate of
mainstream
work with experts in
the fields of eye and
hearing health, and
other key stakeholders
to develop and
implement strategies
to ensure eye and ear
health problems are
effectively treated.”
•M
ajor causes of blindness in Indigenous adults are cataract (32%), optic atrophy
(14%), refractive error (14%), diabetic eye disease (9%) and trachoma (9%)
• T here are about 15,015 Indigenous people with low vision and 3,300 who
are blind
Children
• Indigenous children especially in remote areas have better vision than their
mainstream peers
• Overall, low vision occurs in 1.4% of Indigenous children (age standardised)
•V
ision loss in Indigenous children is 5 times less common than in mainstream
children
Cataract
• Overall, 3.1% of Indigenous adults suffer vision loss from cataract
• Blinding cataract is 12 times more common in Indigenous adults
• Only 65% of those needing cataract surgery have been operated on
• Regular cataract surgery services with adequate capacity are required
Diabetes
in indigenous communities in the
Northern Territory, Western Australia,
South Australia and other states if
trachoma is identified.
• Additional funding of nearly AUD$6.5
million to expand the Visiting
Optometrist Scheme to better target
primary eye care for indigenous
Australians in remote and very remote
communities.
• Additional eye surgery where there is a
high need for these services, particularly
in Central Australia.
Following the launch of the survey,
Governor-General Quentin Bryce said she
hoped it would send a strong message to
our health leaders.
• Diabetic eye disease is the equal third cause of blindness
• Of Indigenous people with diabetes:
• 36% have diabetic eye disease
• Only 20% have had a recent eye examination
• Only 37% have received the laser surgery they need
• Regular screening and accessible laser facilities are required
Refractive Error
• Half of vision loss in both adults and children is due to Refractive Error
• 39% of adults cannot see normal print
•S
ervices to provide distance and reading glasses are needed in every
Indigenous community
Trachoma
• Trachoma still occurs in Indigenous people across Australia and still causes
blindness
“I look forward to seeing what will unfold
in its wake,” she said.
• 60% of very remote communities have endemic trachoma (defined as a prevalence of
active trachoma in 5 – 9 year olds greater than 5%, the highest prevalence was 28%)
The National Indigenous Eye Health Survey Minum
Barreng (Tracking Eyes) Full Report (12 October
2009) was undertaken by the Population Health
Unit at the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA)
and produced by the University of Melbourne’s
Centre for Eye Research and supported by the
Vision CRC, Centre for Eye Research Australia,
International Centre for Eyecare Education (ICEE),
RANZCO Eye Foundation and the Department of
Health and Ageing.
• Adults with scarring and in-turned eyelashes from trachoma were found across
Australia
• Overall trachoma affects 7% of children (5 – 15 years) in very remote regions
• T he Australian Government has in 2009 committed to use the SAFE strategy to
eliminate trachoma
Overall, 94% of vision loss is preventable or treatable, but 35% of adults have
never had an eye exam.
mivision • 19
mifeature
Harmony
The Beautiful
of Songwriting & Eye care
Sophie Koh is a contradiction. Not only is she
a qualified and dedicated optometrist who has
worked with remote communities but she’s a rising
recording star. She has won a clutch of music
awards, but she remains passionate about the
profession and now intends helping those needing
the gift of sight by using her talent and celebrity
to highlight the cause. Here, mivision speaks to
Sophie and gets a glimpse into the life of the
singing optometrist! Yoan Massie
She was born in New Zealand of
Malaysian parents, spent her early life
in Singapore before moving to Australia
where she lives in Melbourne. Her name is
Sophie Koh and she is “the next big thing”
on the Australian music scene.
She is also a qualified optometrist who,
although a full time muso, still has a
passion for eye care and those who need it.
Explaining how she got into the
optometric profession Sophie says: “I
wanted to do optometry since I was about
15, and I wanted to work in Third World,
underprivileged environments. I got into
the course and my first job out of Uni was
going up to Darwin and actually working
with indigenous communities.
For Sophie, song writing and optometry
share an unlikely symmetry.
“I worked in a practice in the metropolitan
area as well, but every six weeks or so I
would fly in a small plane or drive in a fourwheel drive with the local eye specialists and
actually get out to the communities.
“I was always very scientifically minded
and maths-minded, and that’s probably why
I like music as well as optometry, because I
think it’s quite mathematical,” she says.
“It’s really quite interesting because
I never really thought I would end up
doing that work... it was always more of a
childhood ideal!”
Ideals Becoming Reality
20 • mivision
The Romance in Optometry
Sophie feels that she found a natural
connection to optometry, and also sees it
as a “romantic” profession, compared to
other careers in health care.
Whilst a lot of optometrists ‘accidentally
fall’ into optometry when they originally
wanted to be dentists or doctors, this
wasn’t the case for Sophie.
“No I never ticked those boxes. Not at
all,” she says.
“Because I had bad eyes since I was very
young, I was very short-sighted so I’ve
been in and out of optometrists since
I was about seven. I wanted to be in
healthcare and I sort of knew that looking
years-old, one of her hobbies was to learn
different instruments. She ended up singing
and playing guitar, harmonica, keyboards,
viola and accordion on the album.
“I remember the first time ‘Easily Broken’
came on the radio, I was driving my car and
had some friends with me. I tried to turn off
my CD player, thinking that I had left my
demo CD in there, but, of course, I couldn’t.
The song was on the radio, it was unreal.”
Sophie speaks about how she has always
wanted to be a musician since she was a
young child.
“I’ve always juggled the two since school,
even at Uni, I did a music degree while I
was doing an optometry degree and I had
to drop out of the music one. I had to run
from one side of the campus to the other
because no one else is doing music and
optometry and my lectures used to clash.”
Giving Sight
Along with juggling two careers, she is
also an ambassador for the international
charity, Optometry Giving Sight. She
describes what it’s like to be one of the
public faces of the organisation.
into people’s eyes was a bit more romantic
than looking at people’s teeth… so that
appealed to me too.
“Plus you give people good news rather
than bad news!”
Music to Her Ears
However, a career in optometry wasn’t her
only pursuit after completing university.
Sophie headed north after finishing Uni.
“I just wanted to get away,” she says. Her
musical talents were publicly recognised in
2003, when she won Triple J’s Unearthed
competition in Darwin. It gave her the
confidence to pursue a career in music.
Sophie remembers wanting to play
everything on her debut album. Having
played the classical piano since she was five-
“I was very privileged and happy to be
involved when I was asked, and it’s kind of
interesting because I’ve never had the two,
music and optometry marry before, and
Optometry Giving Sight sort of brought
the two together, in a very sort of ideal way.
I’ve always wanted to support the work that
Optometry Giving Sight does, and now I can
use my music and public profile to help them.
“More and more so in the music
industry, people know about me being an
optometrist now.. and I was recently on
this show called ‘Spicks and Specks’ on
the ABC and I didn’t even tell them that
I was an optometrist and they ended up
bombarding me with questions on camera
about me being an optometrist, and
asking me all these questions about eyes.
More and more I think it’s clashing.. .in a
good way, and this organisation can only
benefit that.”
difference. Sophie sheds light on this
subject, and tells of how providing eye
health can change a person’s life:
“I wouldn’t be an optometrist if I didn’t
think that I could make a difference. I
think of all the senses, the eyes are the
most important. I think that it gives you
mobility, it gives you a livelihood and it
gives you independence.
“I’ve always thought, if worse comes to
worst, and I had to choose between all
the other senses, the eyes would be the
only one I would – if I could choose – I’d
choose the eyes. It gives you a chance for
education and learning as well… and work.
“A lot of people in Australia have the
opportunity to have an eye test. We
are very fortunate. It’s funded by the
Government and eye care is easily
accessible. That’s sort of motivated me to
look at other areas as far as the indigenous
communities and overseas with Third
World and developing countries.
As a student in the final year of her
course, Sophie had a chance to go
overseas to the clinics. She ended up going
to East Timor with ICEE twice – once as a
volunteer and once as a student – and was
taken aback by the lack of eye care. She
described her experiences over there:
“East Timor was a population where they
don’t have optometrists and they don’t
have anybody looking at people’s eyes.
They employ eye specialists that come
into the capitol city once in awhile, so for
such a big population and not having eye
care, it’s just amazing.
“One time, we had shut the clinic for the
day, we were seeing about 900 people a
day and we had been there for a week - we
were just tired by the end of it.
Making a Difference
“At the end of clinic day, we stayed just
beside the clinic and late one night, we get
a knock on the door and it was this elderly
man who just walked hours from a remote
village because he heard that we were in
town.. and he had one eye nucleated - it
was actually taken out due to injury and
he only had one eye left.
Whilst it is quite obvious for general
practitioners, or surgeons – optometrists
sometimes forget that they do make a
“I was a student at the time and the
supervising optometrist said ‘Oh, I’m
really tired, you can deal with it?’
mivision • 21
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“…for someone to put
on their glasses for the
first time and just snap.
Many optometrists
often forget that... they
often forget those lifechanging moments.”
“I felt a bit nervous seeing as I was by
myself and it turned out that he was about
a -3, -4, that’s moderately short sighted. He
had a big cataract in that eye, and he only
had one eye so when he got these glasses,
we had some ready-made glasses and he
put them on and he totally just hugged us!”
That kind of impact and wow-factor is
unbelievable. Sophie points out that it’s not
something you get in dentistry or as a general
practitioner, but for someone to put on their
glasses for the first time and just snap. Many
optometrists often forget that.. they often
forget those life-changing moments.
Sophie feels that we have a great system
for anyone with vision impairments in
Australia, which is why she likes to do a
lot of her work in Third World countries
or indigenous Australia.
For her, being an ambassador for Optometry
Giving Sight is all about delivering care to
these people that can’t access it.
A Change of Perspective
These days, Sophie travels the country
performing and recording mostly her own
compositions.
“I like to imagine pictures in my head
when I write songs,” says Sophie, “the
songs I write are not just about me.
They’re not all autobiographical.”
It all started for her when Sophie left
university and headed north to Darwin.
“I just wanted to get away,” she says.
Returning to Melbourne, she launched
her debut album ‘All The Pretty Boys’ in
2005. Since then, Sophie has regularly
been asked to play high profile events in
Melbourne and around Australia. Last
year she released her second album ‘All
Shook Up’. Up til recently, not many of
her fans knew that Sophie Koh is also a
qualified optometrist, and an ambassador
for charity, Optometry Giving Sight.
Sophie has now been out of university
for seven years and when asked if her
perspective on the industry has changed
since the time she was studying, she says:
“I was lucky when I graduated from
Uni that I went into a job that was
not just in a shopping centre or in a
retail environment… I sort of mixed
and matched a little bit of that and my
passion to do this sort of work. So I feel
as a musician, I’m incredibly lucky to have
optometry as something that I enjoy. I
actually enjoy it a lot more because I get to
do music sometimes and I can go back to
work with a smile on my face.
“I just love the contrast of it, and I think
seven years out of Uni, I still really love
it but I have a few classmates that are
dropping out and doing other degrees.
But they’re the ones that worked full-time
from the very start, and in one place.
“They felt burnt out and they feel like the
job doesn’t give them any variety. But a lot
of optometrists aren’t aware that there is
other work and it’s kind of disappointing.
“I think that with this program, being an
ambassador, I should let people know that
there is other work out there, just to motivate
you as professional… to show you that
there’s other ways to actually apply your
skills and make them see that optometrists
can really make a difference.”
Sophie Koh’s album All Shook Up is
available at all good music stores or online
at www.sophiekoh.com
Facts About
Sophie
Just last month Sophie Koh and band
performed her popular song ‘Anywhere’
on Channel 10’s Neighbours, to be
screened in 2010.
Sophie’s version of the Split Enz hit
‘Charlie’ sold over 75,000 copies as
part of the ‘She Will Have Her Way’
CD compilation.
Last year, Sophie took home the coveted
Best Female Artist Award in the 2008
The Age Music Awards (beating Kylie
Minogue and Gabriella Cilmi).
Sophie’s appearance on Spicks and
Specks this year, co-hosting with Adam
Hills, was the most watched ABC
television show of the year to date (1.6
million viewers).
Sophie has supported acts such as
The Eels, The Go-Betweens, Paul Kelly,
Betchadupa, Pete Murray, Alex Lloyd, Paul
Dempsey, Howie Day and Mick Thomas.
Reviews of Sophie’s second album ‘All
Shook Up’ have been rapturous:
“Intensely mesmerising.” 4 1/2
stars – Eleven Magazine
“A major talent arriving fully realised.” –
Inpress
“Sweet... seductive... Koh is an excellent
storyteller.” - MAG (JB HIFI)
“Sublimely beautiful, well-crafted and
instantly likeable.” - The Daily Telegraph
mivision • 23
mifeature
How Layla
Sees
Christmas
To hundreds of millions of children around the
world, Christmas is a time of joy, excitement and
anticipation. It’s a time of family gatherings and
interactions and should also be a time of good deeds
and giving. For many kids around Australia, Christmas
is still a time of excitement and joy, but it’s a concept
that they can only imagine… because they are either
blind or have low vision. This Christmas, Vision
Australia has made its mission to enhance the lives
of those kids who have lost the sense of sight that
most of us take for granted. Norm Lipson
24 • mivision
Five-year-old Layla Bodnar doesn’t think
she’s any different to any other kid her age.
She has a loving mum and dad, a cheeky
little brother Vaughn and is so looking
forward to the arrival of Santa Claus in
her household.
Layla is the face of this year’s Christmas
appeal by Vision Australia in its attempt
to raise AUD$1.1 million to provide playbased therapy that encourages children to
explore and build awareness, confidence
and ultimately independence.
Layla’s angelic, smiling face is on
thousands of letters sent out to the public
asking for donations and explaining her
situation, the same as so many other
Australian children.
Next year, Layla begins school and she is
as prepared as she could be thanks to her
devoted parents Max and Konji and the
dedication and help of Vision Australia.
The letter explains how for Max and
Konji, their first child was a “dream baby”
who slept well.
“I thought it was fabulous that Layla barely
opened her eyes,” says Konji. “Then at six
weeks it all went downhill fast.”
While changing her nappy, Konji noticed
Layla’s right eye looked unusual.
“With the light shining on it I could see it
was very cloudy, but I thought that with
eye drops it would be fine.”
Unfortunately, Layla’s eye condition was
infinitely more serious than her parents
ever imagined.
“The ophthalmologist looked at her eyes
and instantly turned grey,” Konji recalls.
“He said it was extremely likely that Layla
was blind in one eye, possibly both.”
Layla was diagnosed with Familial
Exudative Vitreoretinopathy (FEVR),
a condition that causes abnormal blood
vessels to grow causing scar tissue, retinal
detachment and ultimately blindness.
The condition left Layla blind in one eye
and affected detailed vision in the other.
“We were told there was nothing that
could help her vision. It was devastating,”
says Max.
Learning to Cope
The couple went home with heavy hearts.
How would Layla learn about the world,
take her first steps or play safely?
“We didn’t know what her life would
be like or where she’d be. We had no
experience of blindness,” says Konji.
Max and Konji found that the guidance
and reassurance offered by Vision
Australia was of immense comfort as they
struggled to come to terms with the lifechanging diagnosis.
Like any parents, they didn’t want their
child to miss out on any of life’s joys or
future opportunities such as study and
employment, which continue to be huge
obstacles for many Australians who are
blind or have low vision.
The day after Layla was diagnosed, Vision
Australia contacted her parents, who were
relieved to discover there were answers to
their questions and a range of specialists
to support them in their time of need.
Among them was Libby, an Early
Childhood Educator who regularly visited
“Layla has no idea she is different
so nothing she does is different.
She gives everything a go…”
“Layla has
no idea she
is different
so nothing
she does is
different.
She gives
everything
a go,” says
Max.
the family’s Melbourne home to teach Max
and Konji how to develop Layla’s awareness
of the world and encourage movement.
“In that first year Libby was our
backbone,” says Konji. “She taught us
there are other ways Layla could learn
and connect. Vision Australia continually
provided toys to use and suggested
activities and exercises.
“Even at eight weeks I’d tell her about the
colour of the sky, the shape of the trees
and cars. I described everything in detail
so she could create a picture in her mind.
“That first year was scary and wonderful
at the same time. At times it was dark, but
I want other parents in the same situation
to know that life does become normal.
“Layla sat, crawled and walked a little
later than most kids, but she did it,” Konji
recalls. “With Vision Australia’s help,
the milestones we never thought would
happen, happened.
“They continually provided toys to use
and suggested activities to encourage play.
We devoted all our time, resources and
efforts to Layla. It was tough on her and
us, but we never gave up hope.”
Research
While Konji was devoting her days to
encouraging Layla to play and explore,
Max began researching his daughter’s eye
condition and investigated every possible
way to assist Layla.
For the first year, Layla was anaesthetised
every three months so doctors could
monitor her eyes for change. For the
second year, the examinations were
carried out every four months. Now they
are every six months.
“I don’t know what we would have done
without Vision Australia,” says Max. “They
help in any way they can, not because they
have to but because they want to.”
Layla’s condition remains stable for now, but
her parents remain guarded as FEVR can
become active again and cause the little sight
she has now to deteriorate further.
Today Layla enjoys swimming,
gymnastics and ballet, just like so many
other five-year-old girls.
She has also begun using a magnifier to
help her read and look at pictures and she
has even managed to draw her vision of
Christmas (see accompanying picture).
It’s been a tough journey for Layla and her
family and there will no doubt be further
challenges ahead.
“Vision Australia gave us, and continues
to give us, the necessary tools and advice
and we used them,” says Max.
“Now our daughter leads a far more
active and fulfilled life than we ever
thought possible.”
As the brochure says: “At Vision
Australia, we don’t want any child to miss
out on the learning and play opportunities
enjoyed by their sighted peers.
“But we need your help to ensure more
children like Layla are equipped to lead
active and independent lives.
“A high level of expertise and
intensive one on-one support from a
range of specialists, including Early
Childhood Educators, Orientation and
Mobility Instructors, Physiotherapists,
Occupational Therapists and Librarians,
is needed to help kids who are vision
impaired to achieve their potential.
Providing the life-changing Child’s Play
Program requires significant funds, which
is why we need your support.
“Your gift today will enable children who
are blind or have low vision to experience
all the happiness and joys in life”.
Footnote: The annual Carols by Candlelight will be the
highlight of this year’s Christmas appeal by Vision Australia.
It will be held at Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl in the
gardens of King’s Domain Park on Christmas Eve. Tickets
are now available via Vision Australia’s website. Go to:
www.visionaustralia.org/carols
mivision • 25
mifeature
Halfway
Along THE
Road to
2020
Next year marks the half way point in the
global Vision 2020 campaign to eliminate
avoidable blindness by the year 2020.
2010 will be an important milestone for all
those involved in giving sight, whether on the
ground in a remote community or making a
financial contribution to the cause. Jo Humphries
The support of the optometry community
– both profession and industry - will be
more important than ever if Optometry
Giving Sight is to significantly contribute
to the goal of eliminating avoidable
blindness due to uncorrected refractive
error and low vision by the year 2020.
The last few years have been a time of
growth and support for Optometry Giving
26 • mivision
Sight. In Australia, thanks to the support
of publications like mivision, there are few
optometrists in Australia who haven’t heard
of optometry’s “international charity of
choice”. An increasing number of individuals
and practices have made the decision to
join their colleagues around the world and
make a regular financial contribution and
participate in one of our campaigns.
Despite the global economic crisis, those
optometrists and optical companies
have remained committed to the cause.
For much of the year we heard experts
around the world talk about the economic
downturn, job cuts, companies completely
failing, recession and even depression.
Yet in the face of frightening statistics,
you remembered the stories of those who
were in a worse position and who without
your help would not receive the vision
correction they so desperately needed.
Committee made up of optometrists and
industry professionals. They directed
some of the funds raised in Australia
to programs in East Timor, Indigenous
communities in Western Australia and the
Northern Territory and to Equal Health in
Western Australia to support an Optical
Program to be undertaken in Tamil Nadu
and West Bengal.
As the year comes to a close Optometry
Giving Sight can confirm that US$3
million has been distributed through our
partners since inception to help screen
and provide basic eye care services to
more than 3.5 million people, train 1550
mid-level eye care personnel and create
100 vision centres/optical workshops.
That’s a huge impact.
National Support
Ariyarathna’s Story
So what part have Australians played in
the lives of others like Ariyarathna?
Earlier this year I travelled to Sri Lanka
where I met B.P. Ariyarathna. He owns
a small electrical repair shop in a remote
village in the Kegalle District. The shop
was cluttered with old dusty radios, fans,
lamps, wires, plugs and what looked like
an assortment of other electrical artifacts.
I felt like I had been transported, not only
to another country, but to another era.
Without the financial support of so
many optometrists and their colleagues,
Ariyarathna lives in a two bedroom house
with his wife and two teenage daughters.
It’s a ten minute walk from the dirt road
through thick vegetation and past padi
fields, a walk I found hard even with my
good vision. They have occasional electricity
at their house, although they can never
guarantee when it will come on or for how
long. Life is hard and Ariyarathna’s wife
cooks over an open fire and collects water
from a small well in the garden.
For the last couple of years Ariyarathna has
used a magnifying glass when welding wires
and doing other close work. At 52 his vision
was deteriorating and he was worried that
he would be unable to continue working and
supporting his family.
Optometry Giving Sight has been one of
the major funding partners for the ‘ICEE
Giving Sight in Sri Lanka Project’ since
2004. While I was in Sri Lanka, three Vision
Centres opened in areas that previously
had no permanent, affordable optometry
services. Ariyarathna was one of the first
patients to have his eyes examined by a
recently qualified local Vision Technician.
His new glasses, which were made in the
Optical Workshop by a newly trained
Spectacle Technician, will enable him to
continue working and providing for his
family for many years to come.
In addition to Sri Lanka, funds raised
from all the Optometry Giving Sight
entities around the world have been
channeled into projects in South Africa,
Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Peru,
Nicaragua, Mexico, and Papua New
Guinea. Optometry Giving Sight in
Australia is governed by a National
joined the other States in including
the ‘Tick Yes to OGS’ option on their
membership renewal notice.
At the beginning of 2009, the Seeing
Eye to Eye program was launched and
optometrists were invited to make a
product related donation based on the
sale of a specified product. “We make a
AUD$2 donation for every pair of frames
we sell”, said Sue Strachan in Melbourne.
“It’s an easy way for us to raise funds and
our patients think it’s great that we are
giving to a cause that they can relate to.”
It wasn’t just within practices that
optometrists supported Optometry Giving
Sight. Players, at both the Yarra Yarra
(Vic) and Moss Vale (NSW) Golf Days,
commented that spending a day on the
course was a very enjoyable way to raise
over AUD$10,000. For some, a round of golf
wasn’t quite energetic enough and NSW
optometrist, Peter Ramshaw and others,
joined the 74,000 people in running the 14km
Sydney City to Surf, raising AUD$2,000.
The support afforded to Optometry
Giving Sight throughout 2009 by
our corporate sponsors has been
instrumental in the development of this
year’s fundraising campaigns. Thanks
to the commitment of these companies,
we can guarantee that 85 per cent of
donations from optometrists, their staff
and patients; students and the staff of
the companies themselves go directly to
programs. We believe that the customers
of optical companies, value their suppliers
supporting Optometry Giving Sight.
“Despite the global
economic crisis, those
optometrists and
optical companies have
remained committed
to the cause.”
Optometry Giving Sight would not be able
to fund life transforming vision correction
– in the form of an eye exam and glasses.
The Optometrist Association Australia,
both nationally and by State, continue to
lend their support. While the Victorian
OAA has always encouraged their
members to support Optometry Giving
Sight, 2009 was the first year that they
Thousands of optometrists, their staff,
patients, optical companies and their
staff and optometry students took part
the World Sight Day Challenge in
October. Ninety Eyecare Plus practices
participated, encouraged to know that
their donations would again be matched
by the company up to AUD$10,000.
ProVision also showed their support by
providing World Sight Day Challenge
T-shirts for all their practices.
Today, as our thoughts turn to Christmas
and time with our family and friends,
I would like to say a heartfelt thanks to
everyone who has supported Optometry
Giving Sight this year. If it wasn’t for your
continued support, there are millions of
people like Ariyarathna who may not be
able to support their own families, learn at
school or care for themselves. Thank you.
Jo Humphries is the Communications Manager for
Optometry Giving Sight. Jo has seven years experience
working with eye care charitable organisations and is
passionate about eye health in third world countries.
mivision • 27
miophthalmology event
Eye on WGC
Global Findings, Local Insights
An Australian perspective from the World Glaucoma Congress
The World Glaucoma Association brought
together over 75 national and supra-national
glaucoma societies for the biennial World
Glaucoma Congress (WGC). This year, more
than 2500 delegates convened in the city
of Boston, U.S. making the third WGC the
largest glaucoma meeting held to date.
In line with its support for continuing medical
education, Pfizer Ophthalmics invited four
Australian ophthalmologists to report the
latest developments from this intensive
scientific congress. The following article
contains selected excerpts from the
team’s reports, covering a range of topics
from basic science to clinical glaucoma care.
Dr. Guy D’Mellow, Clinical Associate Professor Ivan Goldberg,
Dr. Paul Healey and Dr. Tim Roberts
28 • mivision
Glaucoma Epidemiology
and Screening
There are a number of different types of
screening. Universal screening targets
everyone in the population in a particular
age or risk group, but there are problems
getting people who screen positive into
medical care. Fifty per cent will come
in for definitive testing and treatment,
another 25 per cent will come if coaxed and
25 per cent will never come. It is therefore
important to carefully choose which group
to screen, such as those over 65 years or
with a family history of glaucoma.
The other type of screening, which occurs
at an ophthalmologist’s or optometrist’s
office, is called opportunistic screening.
It only seeks to screen people who are
already presenting for another reason.
This approach is usually cheaper and
easier, although it targets fewer people.
The type and focus of the tests used to
screen for glaucoma were also discussed.
While diagnostic tests often focus on high
sensitivity, which correctly diagnoses
those who have glaucoma, screening
tests need to focus on high specificity to
correctly identify those who are normal.
While this may not sound logical, the main
problem with screening for a rare disease
is the large number of normal people who
Dr. Guy D’Mellow and Dr. Tim Roberts
Dr. Paul Healey
are unnecessarily referred for diagnostic
testing. The other important focus is on
the stages of glaucoma where the risk
of blindness is higher, include moderate
to advanced disease and glaucoma with
higher intraocular pressure (IOP).
The second part of the session saw a
discussion of two particular types of
glaucoma that may be more suitable targets
for screening, angle-closure glaucoma
(ACG) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.
ACG causes more blindness than open-angle
glaucoma, much of it in the developing
world. Like angle closure, rates of glaucoma
are high in pseudoexfoliation syndrome
and the disease is more likely to cause
blindness. The Thessaloniki Eye Study
found a glaucoma prevalence of 12 per
cent in participants with pseudoexfoliation
syndrome. In populations with a high
prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome,
the annual incidence of pseudoexfoliation
glaucoma is over 2 per cent. This higher rate
of glaucoma and its more aggressive nature
may make pseudoexfoliation glaucoma a
suitable screening target.
Glaucoma and Myopia: Exploring
the Intimate Link
Myopic subjects have a two to three-fold
increased risk of developing glaucoma
compared with non-myopic counterparts,
independent of other glaucoma risk factors
including IOP. Assessing the status of the
optic nerve and visual field is frequently
more complicated in these eyes making
clinical management more difficult and
filtration surgery more complicated.
Various studies have demonstrated a strain
gradient on susceptible retinal ganglion
cell axons that stabilises during the young
adult years once the eye has grown. Clinical
changes are seen during the ‘growth’ phase
but are non-progressive once the myopic eye
matures. Retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL)
thickness, measured with optical coherence
tomography (OCT), is inversely related
to the refractive status with eyes of –16D
having a significantly thinner RNFL than
those of –1D. The presence or absence of
laminar dots in the nerve head is a useful
clinical sign identifying areas of damage.
The absence of retinal pigment epithelium
can thwart OCT imaging and render the
statistical analysis unreliable due to the lack
of myopic discs in the normative database.
However serial scans can be helpful to
monitor for progression if the initial scan is
used as an individualised baseline.
Dr. Singh reported results from a series of
young myopic Chinese students with optic
disc and visual field features ‘diagnostic’ of
glaucoma. The disease course was nonprogressive and the authors postulated
that damage was due to mechanical stress
during adolescence and the early twenties
that subsequently ceased. As young
myopic eyes are at an increased risk of
hypotony following filtration surgery it was
recommended that these eyes be followed
carefully before deciding on surgery, as their
natural history appears to be more benign.
Progression in Glaucoma
Dr. Michael Kass opened this thoughtprovoking session by posing the question:
“Why was the Ocular Hypertension
Treatment Study (OHTS) conducted?”.
As earlier studies had provided no clear
evidence of the protective role of IOP
reduction, the OHTS was set up to
answer this question, to assess the safety
and efficacy of topical anti-glaucoma
medications and to determine the
demographic and clinical details that
might indicate increased risk for the onset
of glaucoma damage. The goal was an
IOP reduction of ≥20 per cent.1
Of 156 patients who were established to
have a diagnosis of glaucoma, 12 did so with
simultaneous disc and visual field changes,
mivision • 29
“Like angle closure,
rates of glaucoma are
high in pseudoexfoliation
syndrome and the
disease is more likely to
cause blindness.”
while 144 had one primary end point (84
with disc changes; 60 with visual field
changes). These 144 patients then received
ocular hypotensive therapy. Thirty three
(39 per cent) of the 84 with primary disc
changes subsequently demonstrated visual
field changes while 30 (50 per cent) of the 60
with primary field changes later showed disc
changes. On average, those reaching this
secondary end point had higher IOP levels of
about 3 mmHg and thinner corneas.
tests over a longer period of time. Both event
and trend analyses are necessary for the
clinician to use in practice.
According to Dr. David Greenfield,
independent risk factors for progressive
damage include increasing age, higher IOP,
thinner central corneal thickness, observed
disc haemorrhage and pseudoexfoliation
syndrome. It appears that scanning
laser polarimetry and optical coherence
tomography imaging technologies predict
progression in glaucoma suspects as thinner
retinal nerve fibre layers at baseline have been
shown to portend future visual field loss.2
Dr. Francisco Goni reviewed various studies
that compared treatment vs. no treatment;
medication vs. laser; medication vs. surgery;
and medication vs. laser vs. surgery. The
development of prostaglandin analogues
and other new medications makes it difficult
to compare laser with medication as earlier
randomised controlled trials such as the
Glaucoma Laser Trial predated these
medications. These earlier studies suggested
laser trabeculoplasty as being slightly better
than medication for up to approximately two
years after treatment.3 Notably, four trials
that have compared medication with surgery
have been heterogeneous and difficult to
compare, particularly since most were
conducted in the pre-prostaglandin era.4
Dr. Linda Zangwill addressed the
same issue with the Heidelberg retinal
tomograph (HRT) – both for detection of
damage and for prediction of progression.
The HRT offers both event and trendbased assessments of disc structure,
providing both topographic change
analysis and quantification of various
stereometric parameters such as neural
rim area. Baseline measurements predict
future structural and functional changes.
However, Dr. Zangwill pointed out that
there were very limited data to support
the use of structural change rate as a
predictive indicator of functional loss.
In attempting to identify progressive
damage, an event analysis detects a change
from baseline that exceeds a pre-determined
threshold; hence fewer tests are necessary
over a shorter period of time. In contrast,
a trend analysis quantifies the rate of any
progression and is clinically more useful as it
helps to identify those patients at particular
risk of visual disability but requires more
Initial Treatment for Glaucoma
The initial treatment paradigm of medical
therapy followed by laser then incisional
surgery in open-angle glaucoma seems well
established. However each has potential
benefits and pitfalls that make periodic
reassessment of the paradigm sensible.
In defending medication as the first choice of
treatment in glaucoma, Dr. Daniel Grigera
highlighted that initial treatment needs to
be applicable to all, effective in the long
term, cost-effective and have tolerable side
effects. He asserted that modern medication
achieves all these criteria. The argument
for laser therapy as primary treatment was
presented by Dr. Tony Realini, who cited
compliance, side effects and cost in favour
of laser. Dr. Greg Skuta proposed surgery as
the initial treatment for glaucoma, quoting
the Moorfields Primary Treatment Trial that
showed lower IOP and less visual field loss in
the surgical arm compared with medicallytreated subjects.
This comprehensive coverage of the topic
clearly outlined two points; firstly, there is an
obvious need for data that compares newer
medications with newer laser techniques.
Secondly, a more effective patient and
surgeon-friendly laser technique is needed.
The importance of individualising therapy in
glaucoma cannot be overemphasised, based
on severity of disease, rate of progression,
projected lifespan, tolerance to therapy, and
patients’ wishes amongst other factors. Each
of the three approaches may be appropriate
for initial therapy in an individual
circumstance. Currently, medication will
remain the initial choice for most patients.
Dr. Guy D’Mellow is an ophthalmologist from the
Terrace Eye Centre, Brisbane, QLD; Clinical Associate
Professor Ivan Goldberg is an ophthalmologist from
the Sydney Eye Hospital, Sydney, NSW; Dr. Paul
Healey is an ophthalmologist from the Western
Sydney Eye Hospital, Sydney, NSW and Dr. Tim
Roberts is an ophthalmologist from the Royal North
Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW.
Note: This article contains selected reports from
data presented at the WGC 2009. To obtain
complete reports or for information on how to receive
reports from Eye on WGC, please send your request
to: nicole.nader@pfizer.com.
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational
purposes. It contains reports from data presented at
an international meeting. Accordingly, some reported
uses of Xalatan, Xalacom and other named products
may not be registered or representative of the
approved Australian Product Information (PI). Please
refer to the published approved PI before prescribing
any product mentioned in this report. Although the
opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect
those of the sponsor or publisher, both parties
have made every effort to ensure that the authors’
opinions are accurate, fair, balanced and consistent
with the general body of information.
References:
1. K
ass MA, Heuer DK, Higginbotham EJ et al. The Ocular
Hypertension Treatment Study: A randomised trial
determines that topical ocular hypotensive medication
delays or prevents the onset of primary open-angle
glaucoma. Arch Ophthalmol 2002; 120: 701–713
2. L
alezary M, Medeiros F, Weinreb R et al. Baseline
optical coherence tomography predicts the development
of glaucomatous change in glaucoma suspects. Am J
Ophthalmol 2006: 142: 576–582
3. D
e Moura R, Paranhos A Jr, Wormald R. Cochrane
Database Syst Rev 2007; 4: CD003919
4. Burr J, Azuara-Blanco A, Avenell A. Cochrane Database
Syst Rev 2005; 2: CD004399
mivision • 31
micolumn
As I See It:
A view of the
A Time To Celebrate
world from
optometrist,
and former
Australian
The month of December in Australia not only
brings the calendar year to a conclusion but
brings expectations, memories and events to
look forward to.
cricketer and
former coach
of the Pakistan
cricket team,
Geoff Lawson,
OAM.
Summer is in full swing, the beaches
and the coast start to fill with students
who have completed the year’s study, the
tourists stream in and the ‘bushies’ pack
the dusty bags and head for the cooler
shores when the harvest is done.
For most Australians December is also a
time to hit the shops and prepare for the
Christian festival of Christmas. The 25th of
December is a day when all of the country
regardless of their God or their faith takes
time out for family, sharing and giving.
Different Cultures
Australia is a secular country, and that
simple fact contributes strongly to our
sense of tolerance and our sense of
togetherness, despite the vast landmass on
which a mere 20 million souls inhabit.
The multicultural face of Australia
sometimes is used as a point of difference,
a reason to remain discrete and insular
when really it is a point of familiarity.
Different cultures are to be celebrated,
and Australians find this easier to take on
board than most, after all we already have
our intrinsic polarity of Australian Rules,
Rugby League, Rugby Union and Soccer. It doesn’t matter whether you are Greek,
Italian, Polynesian or Irish; football divides
the country more than a hundred deities!
Thankfully grand final season is behind
us in the twelfth month (A League Soccer
excepted) and bragging rights distributed
until next October (the Cats and the Storm
will holiday more relaxed than most).
Fortunately cricket is a summer game
embraced by all those who have various
football gods. December in the cricket
32 • mivision
world means the Boxing Day Test. The
Melbourne Cricket Ground swells to
bursting on the 26th as we settle in front of
the telly for a day of recovery and sloth.
We are a ‘new’ country, just a couple of
hundred years old - without a long and
rich history but also without much of
the baggage of Europe or the established
cultures of Asia. The newness of Australia
provides an environment for a melting pot
of societies to live together, sharing their
various foods, beliefs and histories. Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Malay
and other cuisines can be found in just
about every suburb, and our palates are
better off for the migration. What were
originally Anglo-Saxon recreations like
tennis and golf and cricket and the footy
codes, are now played by the Katichs
and the Chee Quees and the Stosurs and
Vidukas and Ioanes… it goes on. Our
nation is enriched by the participation of
all our varieties in all of our varieties.
“For most Australians
December is also
a time to hit the
shops and prepare
for the Christian
festival of Christmas.”
Flip Side of Christmas
Having spent Christmas in Pakistan I
have seen another side of the holiday
which I have always taken for granted.
Pakistan is 97 per cent Muslim, 2 per
cent Hindu and the rest is made up of
Buddhists. It is enshrined in the Pakistan
constitution (a sectarian one in which
religion and state are bound together) that
all religions are to be treated equally, i.e.
everyone gets a holiday on 25 December!
I reckon Pakistan has more public
holidays than Australia, so we
certainly have that in common with
the Islamic republic! Pakistanis know
what Christmas is about, not many
Australians would know what Eid
(there’s two Eids, confirming my
previous point about holidays.)
December: cricket on the radio, the
beach, harvest, the holidays, a
variegation of people enjoying the
fruits of the year just gone and of our
very lucky country.
As for Christmas shopping, go for
something hassle-free this season, and
buy your friends, family and colleagues
a Gift of Vision. Simply go online: www.
givingsight.org/giftofvision and order.
For AUD$30 your Christmas gift will give
twice - the person you give it to will know
you have thought of them and five people
in a developing community could receive
an eye exam and pair of glasses.
Everyone have some wonderful
holidays. I’ll see you on the radio.
Tune into the ABC for the iconic
coverage of our summer sport…
Even if you aren’t a big cricket fan,
the broadcast is something worth
savouring, something very Australian,
no matter what your ancestry.
“I’ll see you on the radio.
Tune into the ABC for
the iconic coverage of
our summer sport…
Even if you aren’t a big
cricket fan, the broadcast
is something worth
savouring, something
very Australian, no matter
what your ancestry.”
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OAR
mioptometr y
Optometry Association Reports
Happenings and events from the optometry divisions in Australia and NZ
OAA Vic
We get to speak with members practicing
optometry in all sorts of ways: clinical,
academic, corporate, independent, rural
and metro. It’s important that we can help
members answer questions that arise in
day to day practice, but the interaction
is not all one way, and we do spend time
going to visit members directly, to find out
a bit more about what is going on.
In September, the Association hosted
a dinner in Bendigo, and invited local
optometrists to meet the President and a
locally-practicing Board member. It turned
out to be a lively and frank discussion, with
plenty of food for thought.
in other areas of the State. These issues
have since been raised with our Board
and the national Board of Optometrists
Association Australia.
We’re interested in our younger members
too, and have organised a focus group
for a group of optometrists who have
graduated in the past five years. The focus
group will include optometrists practicing
in corporate and independent practice,
research and academia, and public
health settings. Over dinner, we hope
that these members can give our Board
some feedback on the ways in which the
Association can meet their needs, as well
as those of more established practices or
“Top of the list was the curly question of finding and
retaining good staff prepared to work in the country.”
Terri Smith
Following this, I arranged some visits
with members in rural and regional
Victoria, to get a bit more insight into
some of the main issues facing rural
practitioners. Top of the list was the curly
question of finding and retaining good
staff prepared to work in the country.
Some practices are thriving and have great
strategies for managing this perennial
problem which, it must be said, is not
limited to optometry. But we understand
that this is a dilemma which all country
optometrists have to work at.
Another matter raised fairly consistently
was the need to develop an approach to
Medicare funding which recognises that
in rural and regional areas, optometry
really is delivering primary eye care,
absorbing many of the functions that
might be able to be carried out in general
practice or by ophthalmology services
34 • mivision
members. We want to know what members
want from the Association and how they
want to receive it.
From our recent research project on
how communications technologies
might help meet the CPD needs of nonmetropolitan members, through to
student and member sessions on how
Medicare works, and our major annual
event SRC, we hope we’ve been able to
make at least some contact with as many
of our 1,070 members as possible in 2009.
As activities wind down for 2009, we are
already planning for a number of events
into 2010. Find out more about what
we’re up to on our new website:
www.optometrists.asn.au/victoria.
Board News
We have a new Victorian President in
Melissa Downing. We also welcome
Kirily Bowen as our new Vice President
and Stephen Jones as Treasurer. Paula
Monaco has left the board after an
amazing 13 years including three terms
as President. We thank her for her
considerable work to promote and support
the optometry profession over those years.
Terri Smith
OAA NSW
Employment contracts concern me – some
more than others. I had one come to me for
comment recently that reinforced why it is
so important that prospective employees
take advice before they sign.
The ‘agreement’ as it was called was a
document in five parts. Problem number
one: the first part, the ‘agreement’, said that
it was the entirety of the agreement between
the parties. It didn’t refer to the other four
parts, so what purpose did they serve?
The ‘agreement’ posed a number of
problems. For example, it refers to
legislation which no longer exists for some
of its terms and conditions. In other places
“Do not sign anything
unless you have taken
advice beforehand. The
Association should be
your first port of call.”
Andrew McKinnon
it refers to non-existent legislation which
even if it did exist would have been the
wrong law to govern the circumstance.
The ‘agreement’ set out the agreed
hours and days of employment – which
were then contradicted by one of the
other four documents. And even worse,
seeing is believing
premium polarised lenses
The World’s Best Polarising
Technology just got better.
powered by
yet another of the documents contradicted
both of the others!
Then there was the bonus arrangement –
not mentioned at all in the ‘agreement’ but
detailed in one of the supporting documents.
First question then, is the bonus scheme
valid or not? The other problem is that the
basis of it looks to be illegal.
Apart from the very important
technicalities, the document was well
written, professionally presented and quite
voluminous. It would be very easy for a
prospective employee to look at it, conclude
that such a professionally prepared
document must be okay and sign. With
potentially disastrous consequences.
And so back to my mantra for anyone
looking to enter into any sort of
agreement, be it for employment,
partnership, franchise or whatever.
Do not sign anything unless you have
taken advice beforehand. The Association
should be your first port of call. If the
matter is beyond our scope of expertise
we will refer you to the appropriate
person. Remember that great maxim
“decide in haste, repent at leisure”.
It’s true! Andrew McKinnon
OAA Qld
Council has identified six areas of interest
to the profession and will shortly embark on
a survey of members to gather their views.
The areas are:
• Enabling Optometrists to sign
WorkCover forms – We are keen to find
out how many WorkCover patients are
seen by optometrists for trauma, foreign
body or other work related issues and
which other practitioners execute the
forms. We are also keen to identify if
members think such an initiative would
be of benefit to patients.
• Working with the Queensland
Government to ensure that all public eye
patients are required to consult private
optometrists in the first instance – We
are interested to find out how many
optometrists have public hospital patients
referred to them and for what sorts of
treatments/issues. We are also interested
to learn if optometrists think such referrals
could make a positive contribution to
waiting list reduction in public hospitals.
• Working with the RACGP and General
Practice Queensland to encourage
all patients out of GP clinics and into
optometry practices – The issue here is to
establish the extent of networks between
optometrists and GP’s and the extent of
referrals between the two groups.
• School screening by private optometrists
– Some optometrists undertake school
screenings and we are interested to
find out the incidence of this practice
and whether members would support a
government initiative under which local
optometrists were relied upon to screen
children in all government schools.
• Funding the Queensland Vision Inc
to facilitate an ongoing Statewide eye
health awareness campaign – We are
seeking feedback from members as to
whether they think the community has a
sound understanding of eye disease and
conditions and preventative measures to
maintain good eye health and the worth
of a State Government initiative to
undertake an information campaign.
• Mandatory optometric examination
for all drivers – Council seeks input
from members as to whether or not they
would support an initiative under which
it was compulsory for all drivers to have
an eye examination before a driver’s
licence was issued/reissued.
Holiday tidings to our Queensland
and NT members and mivision readers
everywhere and best wishes from
President Shannon Pugh and Council for
a peaceful and safe Christmas/New Year
period. Greg Johnson
OAA Tas
“Holiday tidings to our
Queensland and NT
members and mivision
readers everywhere…”
Greg Johnson
36 • mivision
National Registration and
Accreditation Scheme
Optometrists Association (Tas Division)
has examined and endorses the approach
set out in the Health Practitioner
Regulation National Law (Tasmania) Bill
2009 and the Health Practitioner Regulation
National Law (Tasmania) (Consequential
Amendments) Bill 2009.
Scheduled Medicines
The Optometry Board of Australia (OBA)
has released a Consultation Paper which
“At the moment, in
Tasmania, all registered
optometrists may use
diagnostic medicines.”
Geoff Squibb
details its proposed advice to Health
Ministers on the endorsement of registered
optometrists to use and prescribe scheduled
medicines. Under the National Law,
the OBA will decide which registered
optometrists are qualified to use scheduled
medicines and endorse their registrations
accordingly while the power to decide what
optometrists who are so endorsed may
actually use and prescribe will remain with
States and Territory Governments.
At the moment, in Tasmania, all
registered optometrists may use
diagnostic medicines.
Optical Appliance Supply
At S 122 the Health Practitioner Regulation
National Law Bill 2009 limits who will be
able to prescribe optical appliances. It
does not however make a prescription a
condition of supply of appliances. S 122
is intended to help protect against such
vision loss but by itself is ineffective.
Tasmania currently requires prescriptions
before optical appliances may be supplied.
As such Tasmania is one of only two
jurisdictions which afford the public this
protection. Optometrists Association has
commended the Tasmania Government
approach as a model for other States and
Territories to follow.
Unfortunately repeal of the Optometrists
Registration Act 1994 as proposed will
remove this requirement unless action
is taken to retain S 62–65 elsewhere.
We are advised by the Department
that they propose to retain the current
arrangements most likely by amendment
of the Public Health Act 1997.
We suggest also the protection provided
by the current S 62 be extended to
cosmetic contact lenses by adding to that
section the definition of optical appliances
used in S 122 (2).
We support the national scheme and are
keen to assist in its early and consistent
adoption around the country. Geoff Squibb
OAA WA
WAVE 2009
Held at the Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle
in late August, WAVE 2009 proved yet
again, to be very successful!
Being the leading optometric
conference of its type in Western
Australia, WAVE combines practical
hands on education and training via
its clinical workshop program for
delegates, as well as enlisting the services
of leading eye health professionals
in optometry and ophthalmology as
presenters. The event provides an ideal
networking opportunity for Western
Australian optometrists.
We have recently adopted the new
Association Rules for 2009, replacing the
1991 constitution. The new rules have
officially been approved – taking us into the
future with a much more modernised vision.
Finally, I would like to say a big thankyou
to all supporters and sponsors for another
great year! Merry Christmas to all mivision
readers, I look forward to coming back
and seeing you in the New Year.
Tony Martella
NZAO
Clinical Placement
Network for Practitioners
I received great feedback about our
speakers and presentations. There
was a great response to the education
programme which was quite varied and
With the support of several ophthalmology
colleagues, the NZAO is developing
a semiformal network for clinical
placements at the rooms of participating
ophthalmologists (nominal half days).
“We were very pleased
Existing ocular pathology CPD for
the most part is didactic teaching of
large or small groups. The idea of the
Clinical Placement Network is to provide
practitioners with opportunities to sit
in with a colleague and learn/observe/
interact one on one in a clinical setting.
to see that this year’s
trade exhibition was up
in numbers along with
interstate participation”
Tony Martella
Scratches don’t
stand a chance!
Some practitioners are doing this already
with the surgeons to whom they refer;
the Clinical Network is a more formal
extension of that informal system.
The Clinical Placement Network is
supported by the NZAO Education and
Research Fund and is a development for
the benefit of NZAO members.
NZAO Conference 2009
different this year. The issues spoken
about ranged from straight clinical
programmes, to the confronting issue of
suspecting child abuse.
We were very pleased to see that this
year’s trade exhibition was up in numbers
along with interstate participation.
Next year’s WAVE will be held on 6 to 8
August, 2010, with the programme already
being developed now. The planning for
WAVE 2010 is well underway, and we are
currently looking at various speakers to
cover a wide array of topics. I look forward
to seeing you all next year, as the event will
not be one to miss!
Annual General Meeting
This year saw the inception of a new
President: Darrell Baker, a partner with
the Abernethy Owens Group. He will be
replacing Geoff Smith. Thanks to Geoff
for his time and efforts as President.
Christchurch Convention Centre
was this year’s venue for another great
NZAO conference. Keynote speakers
Professor Susan Cotter and Dr. Lou
Lipschultz spoke on clinically
orientated topics relating to children’s vision
and low vision. They were both very well
received by delegates with plenty pearls to
take home. Professor Maurice Yap presented
the Alan Bott Memorial Lecture on ‘The
control of myopia progression’ and the
programme included a line-up of nine other
local speakers presenting a wide range of
interesting research and clinical practise.
Thanks to this years sponsors:
Transitions; Alcon; Hoya; Essilor;
Corneal Lens Corporation; Carl Zeiss
and Ciba Vision.
SFT MULTICOAT
Highest Scratch Resistance
Stays Cleaner for Longer
Superior Anti-Reflection
Next year’s conference will be in
Paihia, Bay of Islands. The New
Zealand Association of Optometrists
Premium Optical Lenses
milenses
RXable Sunglasses:
More Than Meets the Eye
Ordering RXable sunglasses is not as straight
forward as you might think. Once the patient
selects the sunglasses they like, there are a
couple of options the dispenser can choose in
order to fulfill the patients Rxable lens needs.
The question is: what is the right product for
the right patient? Martin Kocbek and Grant Hannaford
The dispenser can choose to order the
sunglasses from the manufacturer with the
prescription applied to the original lenses.
Alternately, they can choose to ‘pop’ out
the original lenses and have a lab make up
a new RXable sun lens for the frame. There
are pros and cons to both these options.
The Original Branded Lenses
In essence, the dispenser may choose
to order the RXable sunglass from the
38 • mivision
original manufacturer. This is the only
way the patient can ensure that they are
receiving the genuine article.
The manufacturer will make up a pair
of sunglasses with the RX applied to the
original lenses. In the case of sunglasses
like Bolle, Spotters, Maui Jim, etc., the
lens specifications are of the highest
standard. Applying the RX to the original
lens means that the patient will receive a
high standard original product.
There are many benefits of ‘branded
lenses’ including:
• Cosmetic – matches the patients
expectation of product as it will more
closely match that found on the shelf
so what they order is based upon that
expectation
• Proprietary technologies are maintained
such as tints or laminates. Most sunglass
companies develop tint or frame
technologies as there is less need to refine
the optical performance of a plano lens
• Many suppliers are more closely
integrating with laboratories in order to
deliver these technologies
• Brand recognition is maintained, a
patient that has seen a given product will
be able to have the features of this item
applied directly to their own particular
prescription requirements
• Advertising and marketing campaigns
drive traffic to your store
• Limits the ability of the dispenser
to deliver the most effective lens for
the patient so care must be taken to
dispenser does not instruct the lab to fit
polarised lenses then the sunglasses would
almost be useless in the activity of fishing.
“There are many things
you need to consider when
making a choice between
a sunglass branded
product and an after
market lens solution.”
The benefits of ‘after market’ lenses are:
• More choice of lens materials
• Many of the branded lenses are bound
to specific material which can result
in limitations to the available lens
parameters, thus giving lesser results
than would be available in other
materials
• Fewer limitations to tints as these are
applied in a more individualised fashion
• Design limitations are overcome,
especially in progressive wear - many
branded lenses are linked to one specific
progressive design which may result in
adaptation difficulties. This is often as
a result of the difficulties of applying
the various proprietary technologies to
lenses and therefore it is simply not cost
effective to have a range of progressive
designs in the brand
• T here is more attention paid to the
optical performance of the prescription
lens from the leading manufacturers of
lenses such as Essilor, Carl Zeiss Vision,
Hoya, Younger, etc. who all provide high
performance RXable sun lenses.
Deciding on the Right Product
There are many things you need to
consider when making a choice between
a sunglass branded product and an after
market lens solution.
As the majority of sunglass frames today
posses at least some degree of curve it is vital
to consider this in the lens selection process.
balance the patient’s needs with their
expectations of a branded product.
After Market Lenses
The dispenser may choose to send the
sunglasses to another lab which provides
an after market lens solution. In this
instance, the original lenses will be
removed and replaced with an RXable
lens provided by the lab.
It depends on what the patient needs and
it’s important the dispenser understand
this before ordering.
The patient may like the look of certain
brand of sunglasses because they intend to
use it fishing and the lenses are polarised.
Also, they may have also chosen the
model because of the specific lens tint.
Unless the dispenser specifically instructs
the lab to fit lenses that exactly match
the specifications of the branded lens,
then the performance of the lens will be
different to the patient’s expectation.
The lens performance could be better,
the same or worse. For instance, if the
A larger degree of curve, say greater than base
4, will require the front curve to be factored
into the lens design process thus limiting the
ability of the lens designer to obtain the best
match between front and back surfaces, form
overtaking function, if you will.
Many dispensers will have seen
the person with a moderate minus
prescription go into a base 8 frame and
develop truly heroic edge thicknesses on
the lens as a result. Conversely, the plus
prescription can often result in a massive
centre thickness.
So what’s the point? Well, the primary
consideration should always be, are
we allowing the patients desire to have
a particular product overcome their
primary reason for attending the practice,
that is, a pair of sunglasses that they can
see through?
This seems like a fairly obvious question
but it is one that is often ignored.
To avoid this quagmire a balance must be
struck, or rather, a compromise. In the
instance where the branded product is
going to result in an unsatisfactory optical
or cosmetic appearance the patient should
certainly be included in the process.
Will they be satisfied with a lens that
satisfies the cosmetic requirements but
fails the performance test?
More often than not the patient will be
able to see the benefits of moving into
a different product which will deliver
more effective optical results. This will
sometimes be available within a given
product range offered by a company
or may (as is often the case in higher
prescriptions) require a little bit of leg
work to find the best product.
A point to note here is that the patients
with the most need to get a prescription
pair of sunglasses are the ones with quite
high powers, so often we find that the
selection process is limited by the very
lens powers themselves.
In this instance it can be argued that the
unsatisfactory performance of the product
would hurt the products image and brand,
more than help it.
In the same way, what is to be gained by
not offering a branded lens and placing
a patient into a generic product if both
will be successful? This then moves into
a situation where the expectation of the
patient will be a larger factor than the
performance (given that one will be much
the same as the other).
As always the crux is to identify what the
patient wants and what the patient needs.
A large array of products can often be
quite bewildering and the effectiveness of
a promotional campaign can muddy the
waters of expectation.
This is where dispensers need to function
as ‘guides’ for the patient in order to
provide them with the best results.
While some of the comments above
may seem to be biased in one direction
or another, try to remember, it does no
individual supplier any good to have
their product poorly or inappropriately
dispensed as it reduces the market
goodwill of both the product and supplier.
Ultimately, what we need to end up with
is the right product for the right patient.
Meet this need and you end up with a
more than satisfied patient.
Martin Kocbek has worked in the optical industry
for over 20 years. He is an optical dispenser and
Director on the committee of the Australasian
Dispensing Opticians Association (ADOA) and
currently Eurostyle Eyewear Sales Manager.
Grant Hannaford is an optical dispenser, practice
owner and Vice-President of ADOA.
mivision • 39
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Equipment Catalogue
30 Day
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Count Down
Make your business purchases before
31 December 2009 and take advantage
of the Federal Government’s extended
50% investment allowance.
What does your practice need?
With only 30 days left to place your order, mivision’s Equipment
Catalogue is here to give you ideas on what to buy before the
31 December deadline. This is by no means a comprehensive list
of equipment that is eligible under the rebate, as most equipment
for your practice will be eligible under the rebate.
Contact each of the suppliers listed in this catalogue for a full list
of the products they have available.
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Hurry! Just 30 days left to buy new equipment!
Zeiss Relaxed Vision Terminal
The RVT is a centration system that makes highly precise measurements of where each lens should be
positioned in a patient’s selected frame to achieve the best level of visual performance.
Together with customised lens technology, the data measured by the RVT will also enable eye care
professionals to offer personalised to the needs of individual wearers. ECP’s can use the RVT to demonstrate
“frame try on” using a full colour digital image of patients in selected frames as well as a visual
demonstration of a range of lens treatments – including tinted lenses and AR coating.
Carl Zeiss Vision | (AUS) 1800 882 041 | www.vision.zeiss.com
Optovue RTVue 3D OCT
Leading Fourier Domain OCT provides comprehensive Retinal, Glaucoma & Anterior Segment functionality.
Ultra-proficient 3D scanning generates finest image clarity for visualization of retinal pathology. Largest ethnic
grouped normative database with deviation and significance. Segmented retinal analysis, elevation maps, symmetry,
serial registration & progression reports. Powerful Glaucoma functionality & assessment includes exclusive Ganglion
Cell Complex analysis, Peripapillary RNFL mapping, Cup/Disc Analysis, significance & progression analysis.
Cornea Anterior Module provides 5µ resolution scanning of cornea & anterior segment, AC angle
measurement, Epithelium & Flap measurements, Pachymetry & Keratoconus analysis.
BOC Ophthalmic Instruments | (AUS) 02 9643 7888 | www.bocinstruments.com.au
Rodenstock Combi Chair and Stands
Replace your worn out refraction chair with one of the quality models from the Rodenstock Instruments range.
Available in right and left handed versions to suit your consultation room’s configuration. Rodenstock has also
given either a two or three instrument table option with their range. The Combi 200 & state of the art Combi 400,
allow 2 instruments to be fitted, while the Combi 300 allows extra flexibility for 3 instruments. Electrically operated
patient’s chair, give patient comfort, flexibility in position and height. Swivel armrests & a flip-up foot rest allow
for patients or all sizes to comfortably be seated. For long lasting performance that looks
professional – Rodenstock Combi Refraction Units.
Briot-Weco Australia | (AUS) 02 9790 3119 | www.briot-weco.com.au
Kowa nonmyd Alpha D-III
Kowa introduces the new definition of accuracy for non-mydriatic Fundus cameras.
• the most natural, accurate colour rendition available,
• the most even illumination across the whole field, so you don’t miss a thing.
The Kowa nonmyd Alpha D-III is quickly establishing an enviable reputation for the quality of its retinal images.
Combining outstanding natural colour with an unmatched consistency in illumination,
accurate diagnosis has never been easier. Call Designs For Vision to learn more.
Designs For Vision | (AUS) 1800 225 307 | www.dfv.com.au
Experien
Distinctive solutions
Experien
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Essilor Visioffice
Visioffice is a fully integrated vision system which has been developed jointly from research conducted by the
Essilor group and the expertise of the Activisu® software. The all-in-one dispensing unit combines a quick and
accurate measurement system to obtain all individual patient parameters required for elite lens designs, assistance
in selecting a frame as well as information on different lens designs and value-added features. Visioffice simplifies
the sales process and allows you to build your business further. It established your practice at the cutting-edge of
technology, enhancing your professionalism and high end positioning.
Contact your Essilor Account Manager or local laboratory today.
Essilor Australia | (AUS) 1800 806 759 | www.essilor.com.au
M730 Focus Automated Perimeter
Medmont has now released the new M730 Focus Automated Perimeter – a compact central visual field instrument
which does not require strictly controlled ambient lighting conditions. Offering similar diagnostic functions to the larger
M700 instrument, including flicker test and regression analysis, the M730 Focus provides a 30 degree field capability,
with the ability to be linked to PC networks and integrated into practice management systems. New features include
patented software monitoring of visual field fixation, a screening test requiring less than one minute for completion
and the ability to overlay visual field and retinal images. Employing the same proven LED technology as the M700,
the M730 Focus requires no regular maintenance and offers exceptional reliability.
Medmont International Pty Ltd | (AUS) 03 9874 1388 | www.medmont.com.au
MPOD
Optometrists can now screen patients for macula pigment deficiency and supply patients with a solution only available
from eyecare practitioners. The Macular Pigment Optical Densitrometer (MPOD) uses heterochromic flicker photometry
to assess the risk of macular degeneration by directly measuring macula pigment density in a simple and painless
test. Patients at risk can then be supplied with Viteyes supplements which are based on the trusted AREDS formula
recommendations. Viteyes supplements are exclusively available from optometrists and ophthalmologists, improving
patients retention and ensuring improvement in macular pigment density can be monitored
using the MPOD. The unique scientific method of caring for your patient’s macula has arrived.
Optical Manufacturers | (AUS) 1800 226 890 | www.omf.com.au
Heine Omega 500 Unplugged BIO
The New Dimension in Freedom and Comfort. Heine’s Omega 500 Unplugged has rapidly become the state-of-theart instrument in binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy world-wide. The brightest and sharpest optics are complimented
by a completely re-engineered articulating head band to produce the most comfortable and usable BIO ever. The
light-weight integrated Lithium battery with charge indicator means no more power loss nor restrictions by cables or
heavy transformers. Other smart technology includes true colour halogen light source, sure-grip lockable filters and
rheostat-control located at the temple, with easy-lift optics allowing you to talk to your patients without removing or
having to readjust the BIO. Experience the ultimate with the Omega 500 Unplugged!
Optical Manufacturers | (AUS) 1800 226 890 | www.omf.com.au
Asset finance • Cash management • Commercial property finance
Goodwill & practice purchase loans • Home loans
Income protection & life insurance • Professional overdraft
Experien
Investec Experien Pty Limited (Investec Experien) ABN
94 110 704 464. Investec Bank (Australia) Limited
(Investec Bank) ABN 55 071 292 594. Deposit
products are issued by Investec Bank. Before making
any decision to invest in these products, please
contact Investec Experien, a division of Investec Bank,
for a copy of the Product Disclosure Statement and
consider whether these products suit your personal
financial and investment objectives and circumstances.
All finance is subject to our credit assessment criteria.
Terms and conditions, fees and charges apply. We
reserve the right to cease offering these products at
any time without notice. Income Protection/Life
Insurance is distributed by Experien Insurance Services
Pty Ltd (Experien Insurance Services) which is an
authorised representative of Financial Wisdom Limited
AFSL 231138 (AR No.320626). Experien Insurance
Services is part owned by Investec Experien Pty Ltd.
Don’t miss this opportunity
The Bill to implement the Tax Break has recently received Royal Assent and is now law. The material contained in this document is general commentary only and is based on information we believe to be reliable. None of the material is, or
should be regarded as advice. Accordingly, no person should rely on any of the contents of this document without first obtaining specific advice from their own tax adviser. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Investec Experien and
mivision, its principles, employees and agents accept no responsibility to any person who acts or relies in any way on any of the material contained in this document.
Hurry! Just 30 days left to buy new equipment!
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Topcon 3D OCT-2000
The world’s first 3D OCT with integrated spectrometer, high-resolution non-mydriatic fundus photography and LCD
touch screen, affording unsurpassed retinal assessment capabilities. Topcon’s unique pinpoint registration allows
precise point-and-click on the retina to zoom in, slice and peel back the layers in your choice of 2D or 3D. Normative
database comparisons of optic nerve and RNFL and powerful progression software ensure accurate monitoring and
effective tools for patient explanation. Visualise the cornea and anterior chamber via the anterior segment scanning
facility of the 3D OCT-2000 to simplify assessment of the angle, corneal thickness and
more via the calliper function. Incorporate the gold standard of care into your practice!
Optical Manufacturers | (AUS) 1800 226 890 | www.omf.com.au
F.I.S.O. Consultation Room Furniture
Want style, comfort and quality in your consultation room furniture and equipment?
Our range of chairs, stands and tables from Milan-based Italian manufacturer F.I.S.O. has expanded with some
practical and stylish new developments. Beautifully engineered and crafted from solid steel and wood these units
will provide years of reliable operation whilst being a pleasure to use. We even offer factory custom built chairs and
stands to suit individual space and colour requirements. Combined with diagnostic instruments from
Takagi, Canon, Neitz, Accutome, Medicel, Optopol and a complete range of refraction accessories
Optimed can supply everything you need to make your practice perfect!
Optimed | (AUS) 1300 657 720 | www.optimed.com.au
Optimed Digital Imaging Equipment
The popular Canon CR-1 non-mydriatic digital retinal camera combines state-of-the-art optics with the renowned
Canon EOS digital SLR system to deliver industry-leading image quality and efficiency. Super-low flash intensity
is patient friendly and fast pupil recovery reduces the photography time to seconds. Respected Japanese
manufacturer Takagi supply a range of slit-lamp microscopes compatible with Canon’s EOS digital SLR cameras.
Superb optics and illumination with high resolution still photo and video capture. 3D Spectral Domain OCT’s from
Optopol. 6 micron or new 3 micron axial scan machines available. Normative data for macula and disc,
and anterior segment modules available.
Optimed | (AUS) 1300 657 720 | www.optimed.com.au
Rodenstock ImpressionIST Unit
Rodenstock’s ImpressionIST Unit is a 4 in 1 individual Services Terminal. The ImpressionIST Unit combines the
following core functions: Interactive information terminal, Comprehensive frame consultation & presentation,
Persuasive lens presentations and a patented 3-D video centering system. The 3-D video centering system permits
a fast and simultaneous precise measurement of all centering data, as well as pupillary distance (PD), corneal vertex
distance (CVD), face form angle and pantoscopic tilt. High precision in measurement is ensured. Even unintentional
head movements during the measuring process are automatically corrected. Rodentstock’s ImpressionIST terminal
will provide a unique experience for all patients whilst ensuring the highest accuracy.
Rodenstock Australia | (AUS) 02 9748 0988 | www.rodenstock.com
Financial solutions for healthcare professionals
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Experien
miequipment
Eco-Friendly
Green Machines
When you use equipment and consumables that
are not only ecological, but economical as well,
going green can represent saving money as well
as the environment. Mark Cushway and John Sailer
We all know that reducing waste
and conserving water and energy are
necessary for the health of our planet and
its inhabitants, but eye care professionals
who operate in-house labs should also be
aware that following these practices could
also directly translate into saving money.
7E HLP Edging System edging system
developed in the United States by National
Optronics. Their dry-cut technology is
inherently environmental because it requires
no water or filtration system. “Large labs
can save thousands of gallons a year with
our system,” according to the company.
The majority of the machines and
supplies below can do all of the above
and are available overseas with a few
available locally.
Some equipment simply by its design is
environmental. This is the case with the
Another edger from the States, Super
System Optical’s Fastgrind, designed
for the small to medium size practice,
does use tap water but doesn’t use any
slurries or lead or wax, so there are
no environmental concerns and no
hazardous materials to go down the
drain or be filtered out before they do.
Image 2 (top middle): Gerber Coburn E2G Blocking
System. Consists of a blocker, newly designed
surface blocks, a de-blocker, and an environmentally
safe medium called Onyx-Bond.
Image 3 (top right): PSI 952A Recycling and
Filtration System. Continuously removes abrasive
solids and plastic particles from the water and
recycles it through the cylinder machines.
Naturally Green
Image 1 (top left): AIT Industries AIR Mini Purifier:
Specifically designed to remove grinding odors and
dust that occur while edging hi-index, polycarbonate,
Trivex, and CR-39 materials.
mivision • 45
Water Conservation
For equipment that uses water, along with
hazardous materials, there are devices
that can filter and recycle the water.
A company from the United States,
Practical Systems Inc. (PSI), a
manufacturer and distributor of optical
machinery, supplies and services for
wholesale optical laboratories and retail
optical dispensers for the last 30 years,
offers several options for recycling,
filtering, and maintaining water, polish,
and coolant in retail labs.
All of their options filter contaminants
from the liquids so they can be used over
again, saving money on consumables and
water as well as reducing the amount of
liquids going back into the sewage system.
When connected to a chiller, these devices
will enable labs to maintain consistent
temperatures across all areas of processing,
reducing lens reworks and damage.
Where to Find It
Local Australia and
New Zealand Distributors
Briot-Weco Australia
P: (AUS) 1300 667754 or
W: briot-weco.com.au
Gerber Coburn
P: (AUS) 1800 888 266 or
(AUS) 08 8382 1699
W: www.gerbercoburn.com.au
Overseas Distributors
AIT Industries
W: www.aitindustries.com
National Optronics
W: www.nationaloptronics.com
Practical Systems Inc. (PSI)
W: www.looktopsi.com
Santinelli International Inc.
W: www.santinelli.com
Super Systems Optical
W: www.superoptical.com
Universal Photonics
W: www.universalphotonics.com
If your cylinder machine is hooked up to
fresh water, you’re sending a minimum of
four litres of water through the machine
every minute. That’s 1,920 litres for one
machine in an eight-hour day. Instead
of running water through the machine
and down the drain, a recycling and
filtration system like the one from PSI
(model 952a) can be hooked up to the
drain line of a generator or edger so it can
filter and recycle the water (or coolant)
back through the system, saving tens of
thousands of litres of water a month.
Another filtration system available locally,
Gerber Coburn’s Euro Aquasave, constantly
filters out solids to allow for the recirculation
of water or coolant. For further recycling
and subsequent savings, the filtration
media are washable and reusable. Also
from Gerber Coburn, the Euro Kleenchill
Polish System’s filtration and refrigeration
technology can extend polish life up to 12
months, according to the company. The
filtration system removes waste matter and
debris and reduces polish waste disposal
from once a week to once a year.
Universal Photonics, with labs and
distribution facilities throughout the
United States, Europe and the Far East,
has been a world-leader in surfacing and
polishing technology for 75 years. The
company has an environment policy that
drives its research and development to
conservation, preservation and recycling.
The company has a complete line of water
treatment systems to help keep you as
green as possible.
The Edgemate coolant filtration system from
Universal Photonics eliminates harmful
contaminants from recirculating edging
fluids by removing all suspended solids and
allows the edger coolant to be recycled for six
months or longer. This reduces progressive
and AR coated lens rejects.
For complete wastewater treatment,
Universal Photonics has an ‘evaporator’.
The company says the (rather aptly
named) Megavap Liquid Elimination
system is “specifically designed to
handle wastewater too concentrated for
traditional evaporators” and it can reduce
waste disposal costs up to 90 per cent in
typical situations.
Green Consumables
The transfer fluids, dyes, and solvents used
in conjunction with dyeing units all have
the potential to be hazardous waste, which
is not only unhealthy but also expensive
to discard. Brain Power, Inc.’s (BPI) dry,
on-demand, infrared-heated Turbo Tinters
system distributed by Gerber Coburn
locally, cleverly uses direct infrared heat in
ceramic heating chambers instead of heat
transfer fluid. The Turbo Tinters’ energysaving digital controls provide the precise
temperature regulation needed for today’s
modern lens materials.
PSI’s Cad-Con 1000 is a treatment for
cadmium and lead disposal for labs using
alloy blocking. Cad-Con 1000 treats alloy
reclaim tank water and polish wastewater
for non-hazardous disposal. It separates
lead and cadmium from wastewater and
settles it so that the water can be poured
down the drain. It provides a sealant on
the cadmium and lead particles that makes
them inactive and safe for solid disposal.
Environmentally friendly consumables
from Gerber Coburn include Freebond,
LC CleanerPlus, Sonic Cleaner, and
Freeblock, which are all biodegradable.
Freebond is a blocking medium for surface
blocking, Freeblock is a blocking medium
Image 4 (above left): Briot-Weco ‘ECO-CLEAN’ Filtration System. Designed to meet requirements of water authorities and lengthen the life of your edging unit.
46 • mivision
for finish blocking, LC CleanerPlus is a
lens cleaner for use prior to hardcoating,
and Sonic Cleaner is a cleaning device for
anything from frames to lenses.
Gerber Coburn has also released an eco
friendly surface blocking system. The
E2G uses onyx-bond which is reusable,
biodegradable, alloy and wax-free.
Clearing the Air
To make your in-house lab as
environmentally friendly as possible,
it’s necessary to clean the air as well. In
the U.S., edging technology company,
AIT Industries’ ‘AIR Mini’ features an
air filtration system that eliminates the
obnoxious smell that emanates from highindex edging. In addition to freshening the
air this filtration system also reduces the
overall level of dust in the lab.
Another product from the U.S. is Santinelli
International Inc.’s LED-200 (which stands
for lens edger deodoriser). This machine
connects to any edger and features a built-
in vacuum and activated charcoal filter to
remove odours and small particles.
From a local perspective, Briot-Weco
Australia produce edgers that are
environmental in a number of ways.
They catch the swarf through a filter
to eliminate drainage into the sewer
system, shut the wheels off between cuts
to reduce energy use, offer re-circulating
water as an option to reduce water usage,
and offer three water-delivery systems
into the edger chamber to eliminate
fumes and odours.
John Sailer is Senior Editor of Vision Care
Product News. This article has been adapted by
mivision magazine for reproduction in Australia and
New Zealand and published with kind permission. It
originally appeared under the heading ‘Eco-Friendly
Green Machines’ in Vision Care Product News, the
flagship publication of First Vision Media Group
U.S.A. Vision Care Product News is published
monthly (except December) and reaches over
37,000 vision care professionals.
Key Points
Important to conserve energy and
water; reduce waste.
When used in conjunction with BriotWeco’s Eco Clean filtration system,
both solid waste and slurry gets double
filtered before entering a settlement
tank, making for easy cleaning of the
reticulation water system.
Environmentally-aware practices
lead to saving money. Look out for:
•D
esign: the design of
equipment that is good for the
environment.
Cleaning the air, filtering and
recycling the water, and using
biodegradable consumables all contribute
not only to the health of the planet but to
your bottom line.
• F iltration systems: for recycling
water and to clean the air.
•C
onsumables: that are
environmentally friendly.
NeW
tO AUStrALIA!
Get your orders in
before the
government’s
50% tAx
breAk ends!
Visslo edging equipment
If you are after the latest technology, quality finish, reliability,
low maintenance, self calibrating system....
...Visslo’s edging options have the answers to your needs.
Cerium Optical Australia Pty Ltd
27 DRAYTON STREET, BOWDEN, SA, 5007
Ph. (08) 8346 1366 Fax. (08) 8340 9711 email: zoran@cerium.com.au
www.ceriumoptical.com
mieyecare
The Opportunit y to be the
Patients’ Hero
Our patients want and need to see the best
they can, especially in this visually demanding
world, and that’s why they come to your practice.
As an eye and vision care specialist, you have
the opportunity to be the patients’ hero by
providing the very best vision and best vision
solutions throughout their lives. Contact lenses
are the obvious choice of vision correction for
not only many sports activities but normal and
active daily lifestyles. Dr. Joe Barr
48 • mivision
Some of today’s contact lens optical designs
have the best advanced aspheric optics for
spherical aberration correction and even high
definition vision in some cases. This can be
especially effective for patients with normal
amounts of spherical aberration of the eye, a
larger pupil or in low-light situations.
Too many spherical contact lens wearers
are trying to cope with -0.75 diopter of
uncorrected cylinder that as eye care
professionals we would never let go
uncorrected with spectacles. If these
patients are left with their cylinder
uncorrected, they will not only suffer
blur but possibly eye strain and even
discomfort. Today’s toric lenses are nearly
as easy to fit as spheres, so there is no
reason to let them go uncorrected.
The Astigmatism Opportunity
Recently, we discovered an opportunity
for your patients and your practice that
may surprise you. In the survey conducted
by Decision Analyst1 it was revealed that
more than 40 per cent of astigmats believe
that their astigmatism is the reason they
cannot wear contact lenses.
The survey also revealed that 66 per cent
of astigmats who have never worn contact
lenses and nearly half of those who have
worn contact lenses in the past would be
highly motivated to wear lenses if they
were available to correct astigmatism.
A total of 993 vision-corrected astigmatic
consumers between the ages of 18 and
49 completed this online survey. 150
respondents had never worn contact
lenses and 178 had worn contact lenses
in the past. The survey also found that 7
out of 10 of those who have never worn
lenses would be highly motivated to wear
contact lenses if they were available, and
if their eye care practitioners made the
recommendation. Half of previous lens
wearers would be motivated to try contact
lenses again if they were available.
There is ample opportunity with the right
toric design to fit even more patients who
desire the benefits of contact lenses but do
not realise that toric soft lenses are available
for their visual needs and lifestyle.
Additionally, great optics and lens
stability are two key attributes of soft
toric contact lenses that lead to successful
contact lens wear and great vision. But,
when a soft toric lens is rotated or moved
off axis during normal daily activities like
lens insertion or rubbing of the eyes, rapid
rotational recovery to the lens resting
position is a critical element in reducing
the potential for variable vision or loss of
visual quality that could lead to patient
dissatisfaction, up to and including
dropping out of lens wear.
Some astigmatic lenses also feature
advanced aspheric optics in monthly
hydrogel, silicone-hydrogel and daily
disposable modalities as well.
The Presbyopic Opportunity
We are rapidly approaching a worldwide
population of 1.5 billion presbyopes2. The
Presbyopic population is growing faster
than the population as a whole.
A 2008 Gallup Organisation study
projected that the number of prospective
contact lens wearers in the U.S. was
expected to increase to almost 34 million
over the next decade – a percentage
increase (9.2 per cent) greater than the
overall projected national population
growth rate (8.4 per cent).
In less than 10 years the 50 and older age
group will represent 16 million of the
current 34 million contact lens wearers
that are now 13 years of age and older.
Clearly, as an increasing number of our
patients live longer and have more active
lives, growth in this patient segment will
remain robust for years ahead.
Patient interest in multi-focal contact
lens correction will substantially increase
in most of our practices as a result of
consumer advertising, word of mouth,
and trade advertising of new technology.
We need to be ready to help our patients
and our practices reap the benefits of new
and emerging contact lens technologies
for presbyopic correction.
great for first-time wearers, part-time wears
and full-time wearers; great for children and
teens; great for allergy sufferers; great for
heavy depositors; ideal for occasional wear
for sports or vacations and, in fact, they are
great for nearly all your contact lens wearers.
Only one in 10 of the vision corrected
population age 50-64 wears contact lenses.
Our market research shows that one-third of
monovision wearers and one-third of regular
contact lens wearers would be willing to
wear multifocal contact lenses.
In the U.S. growth of single use lenses
increased 20 per cent in 2008 compared
to the year before. Obviously, patients and
eye care professionals alike agree this is
an excellent modality.
I’ve always said that refitting a current
early presbyope contact lens wearer into
a multi-focal contact lens is a slam dunk.
Those in their 40’s do great with multifocal contact lenses. Start them early and
they can progress easily in to a higher add
as they enter their 50’s. This will also keep
these patients from dropping out, and
endear them to you and your practice.
There is growth in prescribing of daily
disposable lenses throughout the world.
Recommending daily disposable lenses can
build your practice through a high level of
patient satisfaction. Annual lens supply
purchases, along with the best modality for
lens replacement compliance at 88 per cent,
can lead to improved patient retention rates
which is beneficial to your patients as well
as your practice. Daily disposable lenses can
be as affordable as two week lenses when
“Some of today’s contact lens optical designs have the
best advanced aspheric optics for spherical aberration
correction and even high definition vision in some cases.”
Young, energetic, high-tech, emerging
presbyopes want to stay in contact lenses
or try contact lenses for the first time. You
can again be the hero by easily satisfying
their gradual onset of near vision challenges
from the first symptoms to full presbyopia
with exceptional vision at all distances while
maintaining better depth perception with
multifocal contact lenses over monovision.
As I learned a long time ago when fitting
and treating presbyopes, a happy presbyopic
multi-focal contact lens wearer is a loyal
patient who is willing to refer other
presbyopes for the opportunity to see well at
distance and near with contact lenses.
The Daily Disposables Opportunity
I personally choose daily disposable lenses
when I wear contact lenses for sports. I
truly believe daily disposable lenses are
one of the healthiest ways to wear contact
lenses and of course, the most convenient.
The benefits for patients are clear. They are
easy to handle with advanced packaging;
a sterile lens every day of use; no lens care;
pricing is right and rebates are available and
utilised. Daily disposable lenses are valuable
to your patients, so keep this modality top of
mind when making a recommendation.
Conclusion
As so many of you are becoming experts
in disease treatment, and are increasingly
focused on treatment of dry eye and seeking
the most comfortable contact lens options,
remember that most of your patients seek
your services because you are the vision
expert. Take the opportunity to provide
the best vision and vision solutions for your
patients throughout their lives.
Dr. Joe Barr, OD, MS, FAAO is Vice President Global
Clinical & Medical Affairs and Professional Services
Vision Care Bausch & Lomb. Dr. Barr joined Bausch
& Lomb in July 2007. Prior to this he was editor of
Contact Lens Spectrum from 1987 to 2007, holding
one of the longest editorial tenures in healthcare
publishing. He also edited the Contact Lens Today
weekly newsletter.
References
1. D
ecision Analyst is an independent research firm from
Arlington, Texas, USA. The survey was sponsored by
Bausch & Lomb.
2. Holden et al., Archives of Ophthalmology, 2008
mivision • 49
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mibusiness
Don’t
Give to Get Better at Giving
Please don’t take the headline as being moralistic;
it is in fact a realistic way of ‘taking care of
yourself’… in business and in all other pursuits.
John Lees
Great Expectations
The often used saying ‘give and you will
get’ is highly misleading, because while
it is obvious that givers will usually get
more…in many cases they don’t, or at
least they don’t get what they wanted or
deserved as a reward for their labours.
Many people in business have found
that when they gave their best not a
soul said thank you, let alone offered some
form of reward for their efforts in giving.
This is the point: if you ‘give to get’ you
will be constantly disappointed at how
little you get back…and then you might
give less or stop giving all together!
52 • mivision
Do this and you will become an enemy
to yourself.
There is of course nothing wrong in
wanting to get a return for what you
gave, even if it is just a pat on the back.
But there is something wrong in giving
with a dependence on getting something
back. The purpose of giving one’s best is a
mental equivalent of physical exercise; it
is done to satisfy yourself first and others
second. And if physical exercise is going
to pay dividends it must be a consistent
and perhaps growing effort, and the same
principle applies to the efforts we make at
work. Some people just don’t understand
“‘giving
your b es
t’ dema
that you
n ds
look bey
o
n d your
job desc
ription ro
le becau
let’s fac
se,
e facts,
n
o
t all job
descripti
ons are
‘succes
prescrip
s
tions’.”
this; for example you hear people saying
things like ‘I’ve given so much to this
company, God knows I’ve given; I’ve
given more than I was ever asked to
do, and what have I got to show for it?
Nothing! So I’m not giving any more,
that’ll teach them!’ Will it? I don’t think
so; this attitude simply penalises the giver!
Give Encouragement
I remember a great educator telling people
years ago that they should be ‘encouragers’
in society, not just with their children but
also with staff, colleagues and customers.
Then he told me that sooner or later he’d
hear people say: ‘Encouraging doesn’t
work; I tried to encourage so and so and he
wouldn’t listen.’
He then explained… ‘They missed the
point: I didn’t mean that they should
encourage others so that others would
be encouraged; I meant that they should
encourage others so that they themselves
could be encouraged.’
So when people continue to give their
best, no matter what return they get…they
are in effect getting better at giving their
best. And if such people consistently go
unrecognised by those they work for, they
can of course take their growing capacity
to give their best to a company that does
recognise and reward active givers. It
should also be said that ‘giving’ at high
levels must be delivered in addition to
what is expected of us at work, via job
descriptions, etc.
Giving Your Best
In other words if you can’t get the basic
job done then your ‘giving more’ efforts
will be unwelcome to say the least. Having
said that, ‘giving your best’ demands that
you look beyond your job description
role because, let’s face facts, not all job
descriptions are ‘success prescriptions’.
Parents understand that giving your best
to kids is the least that needs to be done,
and yet it often turns out that children
don’t respond to what is given, by word or
deed. Does this mean that parents should
give up? Don’t answer that! I remember
asking my eldest son when he was 14 to
read a single, moving page from the book
‘The Diary of Anne Frank’, the incredible,
inspiring story of a 13 year old Jewish girl
who braved the Nazis and lent a searing
voice to the fight for human dignity…and
died in the process. It took me ten minutes to
convince him to read the page and I hoped,
like any parent, that the words would affect
him deeply. My son read the page and then
turned to speak, at which point I was hoping
he would say ‘this has changed my life’.
What he actually said was this: ‘didn’t do her
much good did it?’
John Lees is a sales & marketing specialist
engaged in speaking, training, consulting, business
coaching…and he is the author of 11 books on
business development. Contact John Lees via
email: info@johnlees.com.au and visit his website:
www.johnlees.com.au
mivision • 53
mibusiness
SMSF
Property Purchase
In the past, Self-Managed Superannuation Funds
(SMSFs) were generally not permitted to borrow
against when seeking to acquire an asset such
as a property. This rule was changed in September
20071 to allow, in certain circumstances,
borrowing to acquire an asset. Andre Karney
Buying a property by borrowing against
your self managed super fund (SMSF) can
be done, for example, with an instalment
warrant under strict conditions, such as:
• T he borrowed funds must be used
to acquire an asset that the SMSF is
permitted to hold under the SIS Act;
• T he asset must be held on trust with a
separate legal custodian maintaining
ownership and the SMSF receiving only a
beneficial interest until the loan is repaid;
• The SMSF must have the right but not the
obligation to acquire legal ownership of the
asset by making one or more payments;
• The rights of the lender to the SMSF
under the loan must be limited to the
SMSFs interest in the asset purchased
with the borrowed funds (i.e. no rights in
other assets).
Also, a SMSF may not put an existing
asset of the fund into an instalment
warrant arrangement.
Before entering into such a transaction,
trustees should ensure that the SMSF
trust deed permits this form of
borrowing. Also, the documentation
54 • mivision
required for such a structure can be
complex and should be completed by
specialists in this area to avoid breaching
SIS Act. Some of the rules in the SIS
Act include that the interest rate payable
is at arm’s length and that the SMSF is
not borrowing to fund the acquisition
costs, such as stamp duty.
It is advisable that clients speak to their
accountant and solicitor to ensure all
capital gains tax, GST and stamp duty
issues are appropriately dealt with.
The Australian Taxation Office has
expressed concern over whether a
personal guarantee compromises an
arrangement, but a formal view on
this issue has not been released. You
should also seek appropriate legal and
accounting advice on this issue.
Should I Allow my
Super Fund to Borrow?
Before proceeding with any borrowing to
purchase an investment asset, it is important
to ask whether the asset is one that the
trustee would want to own, and whether it
makes financial sense. If the answer to both
questions is yes, the trustee would then need
to consider the structure for owning the asset
and how to best fund the purchase.
To be a worthwhile purchase, the asset
should generate a combined level of income
and capital growth that exceeds the after-tax
cost of borrowing. Shares and property are
most commonly used in gearing strategies
as they generally provide both income
and capital growth over time. Also, shares
and property have historically provided
significantly higher long-term returns than
cash or fixed interest investments.
However, gearing poses its own set of
risks, including:
• R isk of capital loss: gearing magnifies
the gains where the returns are positive
but also magnifies the losses where
returns are negative.
• R isk of short-term volatility gearing
should be viewed as a long-term wealth
creation strategy of at least ten years, and
investors should be aware that short-term
volatility of returns may be experienced
in pursuit of higher longer-term returns.
• Risk of an increase in interest rates
borrowers should ensure they can repay
interest and principal if interest rates
increase. Loans should also be flexible
to enable borrowers to change between
fixed and variable interest rates, or use a
combination.
• R isk of increase in loan to value ratio: if
the assets secured against the loan fall in
value, the loan-to-value ratio increases,
increasing the likelihood that additional
capital will be required.
“To be a worthwhile
purchase, the asset should
generate a combined level
of income and capital
growth that exceeds the
after-tax cost of borrowing.”
It is also possible to lose more than the
initial equity investment if the value of
the overall geared portfolio falls by more
than the initial investment. For example,
assume a AUD$100 investment is made
up of AUD$30 in equity and AUD$70 by
way of loan. It can be seen in Figure 1 that
should a portfolio fall in value by 50 per
cent, additional capital would be required
to repay the loan amount.
Typically, lenders will not lend as much
for a property purchased under a SMSF
loan agreement because the security in
such an agreement may be limited to the
property only.
Andre Karney from Investec Experien has spent
over 20 years working in banking and finance.
Andre’s lengthy experience in the area of specialist
lending in the healthcare sector ensures an in-depth
knowledge of the market and a strong ability to fulfil
client needs. Call 1300 131 141 Australia Wide
to speak to one of Investec Experien’s specialised
Finance Consultants.
Reference
1. Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (SIS Act).
Important Notice: The material contained in this
editorial is general commentary only and is based
on information we believe to be reliable. None of
the material is, or should be regarded as advice.
Accordingly, no person should rely on any of the
contents of this editorial without first obtaining
specific advice from their own tax adviser, accountant
and lawyer. To the maximum extent permitted by
law, Investec Experien, its related bodies corporate,
principals, employees and agents accept no
responsibility to any person who acts or relies in any
way on any of the material contained in this editorial.
Examples are used for illustrative purposes only. All
finance is subject to our credit assessment criteria.
Terms and conditions, fees and charges apply.
Figure 1.
If the investment moves by:
-10%
-30%
-50%
+10%
+30%
+50%
Total invested
$100
$100
$100
$100
$100
$100
Change in value
-$10
-$30
-$50
$10
$30
$50
Total investment value
$90
$70
$50
$110
$130
$150
Loan repayment
-$70
-$70
-$70
-$70
-$70
-$70
Net equity
$20
$0
-$20
$40
$60
$80
Return on equity invested
-33%
-100%
-167%
33%
100%
167%
mivision • 55
miproducts
Carl Zeiss Visante omni
Carl Zeiss Vision says “the Visante
omni is the first system to combine OCT
and Placido disk technologies, providing
comprehensive anterior and posterior
topography for improved patient
selection and care.
“In addition, the Visante omni Holladay
report allows physicians to access
patient-specific data sets in a simple,
one page printout to maximise workflow
and practice efficiencies.”
Carl Zeiss Meditec AG is one of
the world’s leading medical
technology suppliers.
Further information: www.zeiss.com.au
Linking two of Zeiss’ most trusted
platforms (the Atlas corneal
topographer with Visante OCT), the
new Visante omni allows the refractive
surgeon to identify pre-existing corneal
abnormalities, such as keratoconus, in
their earliest stages.
“Combining OCT pachymetry with
Placido disk technology may provide
the most precise information possible
about the back surface of the cornea,”
said Jack Holladay, MD, of Holladay
Lasik Institute in Houston, TX.
McCann Optical
Parts MCRx
The MCRx sunglass range from
McCann Optical Parts, has quickly
grown into one of the leading Rx-able
ranges on the market. The range has
a mixture of modern, classic and retro
styles, available in both metals and
acetate to suit your clients’ needs
and budget.
As an added benefit to customers
McCann is now offering a lens fitting
service for all of their frames, which
includes single vision tinted lenses
and Multi-coated Polarised lenses.
This is backed by McCann’s 12
month warranty.
For more information, or to arrange
a visit from your representative,
contact McCann Optical Parts on:
(AUS) 1800 787 448.
Arc Optical Widevue Lens
Widevue lens is precision crafted using
in-house German developed, intuitive
calculation software that creates a
lens design uniquely for the wearer,
based on their prescription. The
technology is called Freefocal.
Widevue lenses mimics natural vision
incorporating Lifestyle assignment;
Thickness optimisation (weight
reduction); Fitting the field of vision to
the selected frame; Workplace related
power assignment; Frame related
decentration in X and Y (adjustment
to inter-pupillary distance and frame
shapes); Special fitting needs for
spectacles with a large horizontal
inclination angle (sports eyewear);
Ease of wear for beginners and
56 • mivision
Aesthetic optimisation for strong
minus lenses (lenti).
Widevue lenses come in corridor
lengths of 7mm, 9mm, 11mm and
13mm to fit any frame size.
For further information about
Widevue lens contact Arc Optical on:
(AUS) 1800 308 275
European Eyewear MonoMouse
Electronic magnification enables
patients to do what they are unable do
with optical magnification – experience
high magnification, binocularly, with a
wide field.
For example, the Bierley MonoMouse
used in conjunction with a 20 inch
TV screen, enables the patient to
experience 24x magnification over 16
characters of N8 (newsprint).
The computer version of MonoMouse
also greatly adds to its appeal, as all
age groups are now regular computer
users. For the patient, MonoMouse
could not be simpler to use.
The mouse’ design has been fitted
a video camera and illumination.
MonoMouse uses recent advances
in complimentary metal oxide
semiconductors technology to produce
a device with low power consumption
and excellent image quality.
MonoMouse is the ideal introduction
of electronic magnification into
optometric practices. It offers high
quality magnification plus a wide
field at low cost to the patient.
Call European Eyewear:
(AUS)1800 818 221
Centrostyle Modular
Spare Parts System
Modern, practical and professional
modular system that will save you
time and money when repairing
frames. Colour coded trays to place
spare parts on. When re-ordering
the product on the colour coded tray,
you will know where everything is.
Boxes clip together and ergonomically
designed for easy removal of parts.
Red:Spring Hinge Repairs with
plier kit
Orange: Specialty Repairs
Green: Rimless
Blue:
Standard
Kit contains 1616 pieces of best
selling screws, temple tips, nose pads
and the new spring hinge plier kit. The
cube can be wall mounted. Extra empty
cubes and trays are available for you
to custom design your workshop needs.
Call Mann Optics: (AUS) 1800 805
405 or (AUS) 07 3279 4766
Essilor Xperio Polarised Lenses
Experience the great outdoors like never
before with Essilor’s Xperio Polarised
Lenses.Essilor’s new polarising brand
Xperio combines a wide portfolio of
polarising products with a strong brand
experience and communication for the
patient. Xperio polarised lenses allow
patients to experience both a safe and
beautiful great outdoors by delivering UV
protection plus glare reduction. Clinical
studies also show that Xperio polarised
lenses improve contrast sensitivity and
visual acuity, allowing wearers to see
with exceptional clarity of vision versus
ordinary tints when outdoors or driving.
Xperio grey lenses allow for natural
colour enhancement and the ability to
see true colours outdoors. Practitioners
now have access to strong and
contemporary patient communication
materials, explaining and promoting the
wear of polarised lenses, just in time
for the summer season. For more
information on, please contact your
Essilor account manager or visit:
www.essilor.com.au
mivision • 57
mievent
Specsavers
Asia-Pacific HQ
Opens in Melbourne
Specsavers opened its new multi-million
dollar head office in Port Melbourne with the
announcement that they plan to create 1,000 jobs
across its rapidly growing Australian retail network.
The Specsavers team and more than 100
guests from across the optical industry
came together to hear Specsavers founder
Mr. Doug Perkins remark on the success
of “the fastest rollout the company has
seen in its 25-year history”.
In his address Mr. Perkins stated that
“the company is on track to beat its
initial financial year forecast of
AUD$200 million in revenue by
more than AUD$50 million.”
The privately owned optical franchise
has opened close to 200 stores across
the country since February last year,
with a further 30 scheduled to open
before Christmas.
58 • mivision
“The retail expansion will generate at
least 800 jobs in the coming 12 months,
with an additional 200 new jobs being
created at the 13,000 square metre
manufacturing and operational facility
in Melbourne – more than 1000 jobs in
total,” said Perkins.
Big Plans
At the opening, attended by The Hon.
Lindsay Tanner MP, Federal Minister for
Finance and Deregulation and The Hon.
Martin Pakula MP, Victorian Minister for
Industry and Trade, Mr. Perkins revealed
big plans to “invest in training and career
development in Australia to assist in
beating the skills shortage.”
He said “the investment in the new
headquarters underlines a phenomenal
first 20 months of trading operations for
Specsavers in Australia.”
“Within the multi-purpose facility our
new Specsavers Training Academy now
offers a full range of skills and career
development opportunities to a new
generation of optical professionals,
to deliver an exceptional standard of
customer service in eye care within
Australia. The new facility gives us the
platform we need for the next stages of
growth in both our Australian and New
Zealand markets.”
Focus on Training
The head office houses three specially
equipped training centres for interactive
online and daily face-to-face training
sessions for the network of stores, plus
a fully functioning Specsavers store for
hands-on store training. N.Z. and Statebased Academies are also in the process of
being set up, together with local mockstores for store training.
Specsavers’ Australian MD Peter Larsen
gave further insight into the need to invest
in training, commenting that: “due to
our fast growth the issue we face, like all
others in our industry, is a shortage of
trained staff. That’s why we have taken
the step, within this building, to invest in
the formation of the Specsavers Training
Academy. This will bring together a full
range of training at all levels from optical
assistants starting their first jobs straight
out of school, to continuing professional
education courses for optometrist and
optical dispensers.
“To do our part to address the skills
shortage itself, we will ‘find, recruit
and train’ the very best – with the aim
of providing skills and career
development for the next generation
of eye care professionals in Australia
and New Zealand.”
Development and Growth
Mr. Larsen also reported on local
manufacturing growth, pointing to
27,500 pairs of spectacles being produced
“…due to our fast growth the issue we face, like all
others in our industry, is a shortage of trained staff.”
each week in the on-site laboratory.
The company predicts the total
volume will grow to 37,000 per week
by February 2010.
On behalf of the Federal Government,
Lindsay Tanner welcomed the opening of
Specsavers’ Regional Headquarters for the
Asia-Pacific region in Melbourne, saying:
“Specsavers’ entry in the Australian
market during some of the most
challenging global financial conditions
seen in recent years is a great success story
both in terms of business growth and local
employment opportunities.
“Today’s announcement is great news
for Specsavers and great news for the
Australian economy, with increased
competition and investment in the
Australian market resulting in increased
productivity and thousands of new jobs
across the nation.
“I also commend Specsavers’ commitment
to not only creating new jobs, but
investing in them for the future with the
Specsavers Training Academy focusing on
career development for local employees.”
Victorian Industry Minister Martin
Pakula commented: “The new HQ
complex sets the stage for the company’s
development and growth for employment
in Australia, and a prosperous future for
job opportunities within Victoria.”
mivision • 59
HOYA
launches
NuPolar
HOYA Lens Australia
launched HOYA NuPolar
at a gala event on
20th October at the
stylish Argyle Hotel in
the Rocks in Sydney,
to kick off a series
of roadshows in all
Australian mainland
capital cities, as well as
Auckland, New Zealand.
HOYA NuPolar is a result of partnership
with Younger Optics. The two companies
coming together to combine NuPolar
polarising technology with HOYA’s
digital surfacing and coating technology
resulting in a new range of polarised
prescription lenses.
One of the highlights of the roadshows
was a presentation on NuPolar technology
and the business opportunities HOYA
will offer customers.
HOYA NuPolar is available in single-vision
1.5 index material and comes in G15 green,
brown and grey tints. It is also available
in 1.67 index in brown and grey. They
are double-sided ‘Super-Hard Coated’ as
standard with 85 per cent tint density.
The polarised lenses new to HOYA block
out 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays,
along with intense glare which means less
eye fatigue and improved visual acuity.
Mr Craig Johnston, HOYA’s Retail
Business Development Manager stated
60 • mivision
that “there is room for an increase in
the number of polarised prescriptions,
as at the moment, only 1 percent of
prescriptions in Australia are for
polarised lenses”.
To support the launch of NuPolar, HOYA
said it will offer customers Local Area
Marketing Support, which includes
personalized Direct Mail materials,
posters, transparencies, window displays,
lenticular cards, and DVD loop just to
name a few.
“These tools are designed to aid
businesses and practices in the
marketplace and to help them promote
HOYA NuPolar to patients,” said
HOYA’s Sales and Marketing Director,
Mr. Brad Bairstow.
The launch of HOYA NuPolar also gave
HOYA the opportunity to introduce
newcomers to the company, Tony
Schultz (National Field Sales Manager),
Paul Milchem (National Customer
Service Manager) and Mihajlo Starcevic
(National Fitting Manager).
Overall the roadshows and the new
partnership were an enormous success
for HOYA and Younger Optics, receiving
over 1,000 attendees at all six events.
Images: left to right
1. Craig Johnston (Retail Business
Development Manager, Brad Bairstow (Sales &
Marketing Director) and Tony Schultz (National
Field Sales Manager // 2. Neil MacKinnon
(Managing Director from HOYA) and Warren Reid
(Eyecatchers Optical // 3. Manica Cortezano
(Marketing & Sales Coordinator) and Kate
Gibbs (SA Customer Service)with Francis Braile
and Fabiano from the Optical Superstore Ingle
Farm. // 4. Lisa Carroll (Product Marketing
Executive) and Marija Sindjelic (Marketing
Communications Executive) // 5. Paula Farrar
(Highbury Optometrists) and Mihajilo Starcevic
(National Fitting Manager // 6. Gary Jones
(VIC Sales Consultant), Ethan Ong (Eyecare
I-Wear) and Tony Schultz (National Field
Sales Manager). // 7. Paul Milchem (National
Customer Service Manager) and Isla Hills
(Victoria Street Optometrists).
SOLA
Elan HDV
launched
at the movies
Over 30 launch events held around
Australia and New Zealand gave eye
care professionals an opportunity to hear
about the benefits of SOLA Elan HDV
and to enjoy Vince Vaughn’s new comedy
‘Couples Retreat’.
Mark Thyssen – Carl Zeiss Vision’s Sales
and Marketing Director introduced a
brilliant video presentation to attendees
before the film. This presentation clearly
explained the benefits of SOLA Elan
Over the last couple of
months Carl Zeiss Vision
treated guests to a night
out at the movies to
celebrate the launch of
the new SOLA progressive
lens – SOLA Elan HDV.
HDV through the eyes of two Carl Zeiss
lens designers who, along with Managing
Director Tony Gray, spoke about the
development of the lens.
The presentation on the latest Sola
progressive lens design highlighted
that “Sola Elan High Definition Optics
has an easy to dispense variable fitting
height and is available in a wide range
of materials and prescriptions at an
affordable price.”
mivision • 61
mifashion news
News
mifashion
Gucci Goes Cyber
In the age of social
networking, Gucci is
up to speed. In a bid
to promote their new
eyewear line, the Italian
fashion house is also
introducing a new
photo-inspired social
networking micro site.
G
ucci Eyeweb is a new party photo
destination where users can create
their own photo art ‘reflectively’
in the lenses of the ‘eyeweb’ sunglasses
and can then share the results with friends.
Like a social networking site, users can
leave comments on their photos. Photos
can be added to a timeline as well as
change which virtual city you’re in, which
also alters the language and background
music of the page. Taking a pioneering
approach, Gucci Eyeweb combines highend quality with strong iconic styles that
are destined for a younger audience both in
terms of design and price.
Next Big Thing:
Barracudas
Although a bit less wearable than Kanye’s
shutter shades, the new Barracuda
studded sunglasses from A-Morir have
that same celebrity OTT feel, already
generating a good amount of hype. Crafted
by hand, the Kerin Rose-created shades
feature a fully studded exterior with
comfortable visibility, worn by Rihanna in
the recent ‘Run This Town’ music video
with Jay-Z. The Barracuda is available in
three colours: black, silver, and gold.
62 • mivision
The new glasses, designed by Gucci’s
creative director Frida Giannini (who makes
a cameo in one of the shots in the Milan
section of the site), are inspired by all things
digital and are all marked with the signature
green and red stripes used on the website.
They come in two models - male and female,
distinguished by a single G hallmark for the
boys, and a GG for the girls - and six colours,
with three new models set to be introduced
in Spring 2010.
channel, hotel and restaurant tips, as well
as playlists and a turntable for mixing
tracks by music producer Mark Ronson.”
The launch arrives in conjunction with
the debut of Gucci’s first ever mobile
application, which offers “a 24-hour music
To have a look around and see the great
graphics for yourself, check out:
www.guccieyeweb.com
“I designed these sunglasses and the
accompanying social networking site with
today’s digital generation in mind. I hope
that they will both enjoy wearing them
and reflecting and connecting their own
creativity with their friends around the
world,” says Frida.
Latest Eyewear Trends
Retro Chic / Rocker Chic /
Futuristic / Soft Shapes / Oversized
Frames / Coloured Plastics / Cutout Details / Aviator Frames /
Lennon-Inspired / Wide Arms
Maui Jim Says Goodbye to Luxottica
M
aui Jim recently announced:
“the company has concluded
its distribution agreement
with all Luxottica-owned retail stores
worldwide, effective immediately.”
“This is an amicable decision,” said Chris
Abbruzzese, Maui Jim’s Vice President
of Marketing. “In recent months, given
Luxottica’s long term strategy of vertical
integration, it became increasingly clear that
the continuation of our relationship was no
longer in the best interest of the Maui Jim
brand or ultimately, our consumer.”
In a statement released by Maui Jim and
in letters to its customers, the company
said that it: “will continue to offer
consumers its extensive, 200-SKU line
through more than 15,000 chain and
independent retail outlets.”
“We are relying on our trade partners,
who include the world’s most innovative
and successful retailers, to represent Maui
Jim and to continue to build awareness
for our products and service.For our part,
Maui Jim will continue to offer superior
support to our retail trade partners and
provide them - and consumers - with
our full line of men’s and women’s
sunglasses,” continued Abbruzzese.
A Luxottica spokesperson commented:
“Maui Jim has been a long-time partner
of Luxottica. We acknowledge this
development and at this time we have no
further comment.”
John Galliano Introduces Eyewear
Fashion designer John Galliano has
launched a sunglasses range, produced
by Marcolin.
For women, Galliano goes back to his
Spanish heritage to create ‘Les Biches’:
an oversized dark wrap shade, inspired
by the hand fan used by flamenco
dancers. For men the ‘Beau Regard’
combines house motifs with cinematic
style in a chunky plastic upper set
against a fine metal lower frame, with
contrasted colours.
The Icon Collection is now available
exclusively at John Galliano
boutique in Paris and a few
selected shops worldwide.
Olsens Launch
Eyewear Line
Celebrity twins Mary-Kate and Ashley
Olsen, who already run a successful
fashion label, have designed four
vintage-inspired styles of eyewear.
The designs are being launched in
collaboration with top eyewear maker
Linda Farrow and will be sold through
their luxury label The Row. The line described as ‘sleek and sassy’ - will hit
the shelves in Spring 2010. The much
anticipated collection will feature a
classic aviator, 1960s inspired round
glasses, an oversized square frame and
vintage inspired brow-line shades.
The 23-year-old twins, who have made
oversized shades a signature part of
their style, plan to see how the designs
sell before expanding the range next
year. Ashley said: “We’re testing the
market first and obviously these are
four very different silhouettes, so we’re
seeing what people are responding
to and we’ll open up a couple more
silhouettes for autumn.”
The collection comes after the
duo were praised by the Council of
Fashion Designers (CFDA) earlier
this year for their contribution to
the U.S. fashion industry.
Versace To Lay Off 350 Staff
T
he house of Versace has announced
plans to lay off 350 staff, in a
frank admission that major cost
cuts will be needed to return the fashion
business to profitability. Calling the
move part of a “comprehensive corporate
reorganisation,” the house said in a
press release that the radical downsizing
was “designed to increase efficiency,
return the group to profitability in 2011
and ensure its future growth prospects.
Trading conditions in the wake of the
global financial crisis have been severe
and the Company expects to make a loss
in 2009,” CEO Gian Giacomo Ferraris
said in the release.
As a result, Versace plans to rationalise
production facilities and review its
extensive store network. The house
quietly shut the doors of four boutiques
in Japan in September and ccording
to the house’s website has 93 boutiques
in its global network, including 10 in
North America, 26 in China, eight in
Italy and five in Russia.
mivision • 63
mifashion event
Silmo 2009
In an uncertain economic climate, it is important
for companies to gain first hand experience of their
markets, meet with clients and prospective clients
and take up the opportunity to explore the widest
product ranges available. Being the international
exhibition for the entire optics and eyewear sector,
Silmo provides a unique business platform, a
chance to discover new brands, to exhibit new
trends and innovations; a showcase for talent and
skill of all kinds. Jacque Katsieris
I arrived in Paris with eyewear foremost
in my mind and as I wandered the
streets to my hotel I couldn’t help but
notice the names so recognisable on
the international fashion eyewear front
popping up on optician signs along the
fashionable streets of Paris.
Pinton, Lafont, Mikli to name a few… I
felt as though Silmo was rising up to greet
me before even setting foot in the vast
halls of the exhibition centre.
Purple Haze
The next thing I noticed upon my arrival
was the colour purple – clothes, tights,
flowers, ads, shop windows – everything
was purple. It seems purple is the new black.
I sat with a well known optical star from
Sydney on the plane and was ready and
completely versed on what I should look
at and where I should go whilst at the fair
which gave me a leaping start.
With my press hat on I noticed the fair in a
different light to my normal “business first
– look around later” attitude. My aim was
to immerse myself as quickly as possible
into the attitude of the fair – to drink in
the energy of the designers and ride on the
excitement of the new and unseen.
Village Visit
The village was my first stop – I knew
from previous shows this was where I
was going to be most inspired and it did
not disappoint me. The purple haze I had
felt since arriving in Paris was vibrant
64 • mivision
and in full swing as I walked through the
entrance of the halls to the village.
My first rendezvous in the village was with
some fellow Aussies running around with
the Silmo catalogue in hand looking to
purchase new frames to set themselves and
their practices apart from the norm back
here in Australia. It was comforting to see
that with all the talk of the GFC, they were
still spending time and money bettering their
businesses and venturing abroad to one of
the most expensive cities in the world.
I was to ask the question for the first of
many times over the next few days: “What
is the most exciting thing you have seen
so far?” This answer was to be the same
whether I asked optometrists, wholesalers
or designers: “Not one thing is standing
out but technology and colour is playing a
huge part in what’s going on in eyewear”.
Stand Up
I started with familiar stands… ic! berlin
was my first stop – even from a distance
you couldn’t help but notice the old
Mercedes parked in the middle of the
stand with a toaster on the boot and tables
sprawled everywhere with sales people
and customers hanging from them.
I was quickly ushered into a photo booth
with ic! berlin designer extraordinaire
Ralph Anderl blowing in my ear for a
crazy set of photos and then to disappear
back into his buzzing booth.
Vicky Strojek, press manager then took
me through the new developments of this
iconic brand – everyone is a designer she
says – the glasses of this latest collection
are from the bowels of the company –
Hubert the sales rep, Tom the technical
department and Olivia the trainee, to
name a few. There are stories for each of
where the inspiration came from to design
their frame and how they can turn metal
into something courageous, brave and
with a strong story to tell.
Next on my list was Prodesign – another
big name in Optics worldwide and always
a brand to be reckoned with. This year
they had a frame nominated for a Silmo
design award. It didn’t take home the
prize but is well worth a look when this
new Silmo collection reaches our shores.
Onto a personal favourite, Vera Wang
– this range has gone from strength to
strength from a small catwalk launch
originally, it is now a collection not to be
missed when looking for that stylish, well
designed women’s frame. The collection is
synonymous with exquisite acetates and this
new Silmo release surpasses all expectations.
Onto some homegrown talent with Jono
Hennessy and Colab sharing some space
in the Village and showing Europe and
the rest of the world what the Australian
contingency can do. The Hennessy range
of Sunglasses and Optical was looking
as cool as ever with Jono’s love of acetate
and vintage a big influence on his 2009
Silmo collections.
The next stand I spent some time with
was William Morris London – a fabulous
English range newly launched into
“…even from a distance
you couldn’t help but
notice the old Mercedes
parked in the middle of the
stand with a toaster on the
boot and tables sprawled
everywhere with sales
people and customers
hanging from them.”
Australia. The vibe was hot here and with
the champagne flowing heavily I took
some time to relax and talk to designer
Brian McGinn who has just returned to
London following a very successful design
stint in Australian eyewear.
Brian took me for a walk through the village
to show me what he had found to be most
interesting and inspiring at the fair and
this is where I met the infamous Jacques
Durand. Speaking with the help of an
interpreter I found out all there was to know
about the man who for the past 30 years has
worked alongside Alain Mikli and was the
product manager of the Phillipe Stark range.
mivision • 65
“My aim was to immerse myself as quickly as
possible into the attitude of the fair – to drink in the
energy of the designers and ride on the excitement of
the new and unseen.”
“I am not a designer I am a conceptor – I
hold the hands of the designer.” He went
on to explain when asked what his design
style was like. His concept is simple
– nurture artists and help them create
eyewear…stay tuned for his name on the
international eyewear stage….
“I couldn’t help but notice the party
atmosphere at the Orgreen stand. Orgreen
continues to be one of the leading brands
in Europe and it was obvious that the
Orgreen design continues to inspire many
other designers in the Village section.
What I like about Orgreen is the identity
of their unique and inimitable product.
People wearing an Orgreen can be
immediately recognised,” says Jim Kareh
of Matrix Eyewear Australia.
I have to mention Francoir Pinton, not
only was their stand looking as fabulous as
always with our very own Wallace of
Wel Eyewear in residence but every
second person at the show and on the
streets was wearing a Pinton frame.
Gorgeous acetates rich in colour,
looking both luxurious and trendy
at the same time.
Down on Numbers
As was the case with Odmafair this year
I couldn’t help but notice the empty space
surrounding the booths and the wide
empty hallways at Silmo.
The threat of flu, smaller travel budgets
and confusion over the changed dates may
have played a part in the drop in visitor
numbers to 32,000. Figures were quoted
at a 20 per cent downturn in attendees
this year which was being blamed mainly
on the GFC.
Eyewear giant Safilo was absent, whilst
Luxottica was only represented with a
small stand for its Persol brand. However,
that said, the low profile maintained by
the conglomerates allowed smaller brands
to shine.
The Europeans as a whole bring so much
style and grace to these trade shows, it
makes it easy to become envious of the
opticians and their amazing scope of
eyewear they can purchase and sell in
their boutiques.
I am off now to buy a François Pinton
frame – preferably in purple if there is
such a model.
Jacque Katsieris is the Managing Director of
ProOptics. She has worked in the optical industry
for over 10 years and says she “absolutely loves her
job” and that her “customers are divine.”
Winners of the 16th
Silmo d’Or
Lenses: Serengeti, ‘Polar PhD’ |
Frame Technological Innovation: Rolf,
‘Imperator’ | Children’s Frame: Julbo,
‘Tango’ | Teen’s Frame: IDC, ‘Kumi’ |
Sport Eyewear: Demetz, ‘Translation’
| Low Vision: Essilor, ‘After’ | Optic
Frame (style, design): Morel, ‘Seville’
| Sunglass: Rodenstock, ‘P8481
Porsche Design’ | Village – Optic
Frame (style, design): Derome Brenner,
‘Harlem’ | Village – Sunglass: Face
à Face. ‘Miami’ | Workshop Tool and
Equipment: Essilor, ‘Mr Blue’ | Eye
Test Exam: Nidek, ‘Ark-560 A’ | Luxury:
Exalto, ‘Atom’ | Product Environment:
BOZ, ‘Kit PLV’ | Accessory: Alain Milki,
‘Delfina’ | Optical Instrument: Bushnell,
‘BackTrack’ | Contact Lens: Johnson &
Johnson, ‘1 Day Acuvue TruEyes’
The Latest Evolution From
mifashion
™
EYE W E A R
With
Matching
Memory Metal
Optical Frame
Two Frames One Price
Australia
| NZ 0800.348.683 | www.fitovers.com | www.dualityeyewear.com
67 1.800.068.828
mivision
•
mivision • 67
mifashion
Exclusive:
Oakley Elite Launch
“Take a problem, find a solution, then wrap that solution in art”
mivision received an exclusive invitation to Oakley’s
Californian Headquarters to preview its latest
Elite collection. And, guess what?… We accepted!
Sharon Smith provides this exclusive report on the
Elite revolution from Orange County California.
The invitation we received to preview
Oakley’s latest collection at Oakley HQ was
akin to getting one of the few gold tickets to
Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.
mivision was the only representative from
the Australian media invited as part of an
exclusive worldwide preview of the new
Elite collection to leading fashion, design and
optical journalists from around the world.
When I arrived in California our trip
started in the conspicuous Oakley manner
– with a convoy of four black Hummers
to take the international media scrum of
fashion editors to Oakley Headquarters in
Orange County.
Oakley HQ looks like an enormous
futuristic military ‘bunker’ perched at the
top of a hill, with a fully functioning Russian
tank with Oakley badging in the foreground.
Oakley is proud of their ‘design bunker’.
From here the company has churned out
540 worldwide patents across multiple
68 • mivision
categories including eyewear, time-pieces,
apparel, etc.
On our tour of Oakley’s Metropolis style
headquarters we were taken through the
fully automated Rx lens assembly plant
which was built using automotive industry
technology. We also saw Oakley’s
ballistics and puncture testing and a
special custom graphics room featuring
4D resin prototype copiers.
California is a hub of manufacturing.
There are 131 manufacturers of products
based here however Oakley is one of the
only company’s in California to do most
of its manufacturing onsite.
Oakley HQ is the architectural brainchild
of Oakley President Colin Baden. It
includes an NBA basketball court (which
has recently been acquired by the fashion
design department, Oakley’s fastest
growth category), a 400 seat amphitheatre
and one of their best performing Oakley
stores in the U.S., with warranties and
repairs done on site.
Here, the concept of ‘boys and their toys’
is a way of life. At HQ, there’s also a bike
‘pump’ track, electric remote control cars,
a helicopter pad and, of course, the tank!
Athletic Appeal
Deep in the bunker’s catacombs are
research labs with equipment and facilities
not unlike Q’s headquarters from James
Bond. Products in development here are
all top secret from eyewear, timepieces,
apparel, luggage and specialty items for
U.S. Special Forces, NASCAR and others.
Oakley has endorsed 1500 athletes
worldwide and 50 ex-sponsored athletes
are now Oakley sports managers.
These retired athletes work as sport
talent scouts after they receive Oakley
product knowledge and management
skill training.
Most areas were off-limits to photography,
specifically their manufacturing, research
labs and design floor. Aside from those
who work in these areas, other Oakley
employees don’t have access to “where the
magic happens”.
Whilst their passion lies with the more
rebellious sports, such as X games, these
managers understand the need to attract
trend influencers from the mainstream
sports such as golf and tennis to influence
and appeal to the mainstream.
Left: CSix Carbonfiber | Right: Pit Boss Matte Black Titanium Black Iridium Polarized
Elite Driven by Design
Ultimate Protection
New Collection, New Icon
Their latest top-secret limited-edition
collection, Elite, is the culmination of
Oakley’s ‘best of the best’ in design and
cutting edge technology. What separates
Oakley from the competition “is not a
matter of opinion, but of science.”
Colin Baden was incredibly passionate
and hands-on during our tour. He
personally demonstrated many of their
eyewear tests for the media:
The Oakley ‘O’ icon has undergone
numerous transformations over its history
and now, at the Elite release, Oakley also
unveiled their newly faceted ‘O’ which will
be the marque on all their premium products.
Oakley is both design and personality
driven. The founder, Jim Jannard was an
amazing visionary who literally founded
the performance eyewear category back
in the 1980s.
The current president, Colin Baden
began his career with Oakley when his
architectural designs were commissioned
for Jannard’s dream home. Since then he
has risen through the ranks from Director
of Design to VP of Design within a year,
then to President in 1999 before taking on
the role of CEO in August this year.
With a designer at the helm, Oakley will
continue to lead in its creativity rather
than purely focusing on the commercial
implications of their research.
Colin calls himself the “head mad
scientist” and doesn’t believe in mission
statements. Instead he has created several
brand pillars which he claims “change
every second week” but these guide
Oakley to “wrap invention in art”.
• Refractive Power Test: tests how lenses
change the shape of images - where
he put various competitor frames on a
refractive chart to compare visual clarity.
• Prism Test: which demonstrated how if
this is not done correctly, you get prism
headaches from making the eyes work
hard at correcting the data to brain.
• Mass Impact Test: which tests a heavy
material with a slow impact - testing
the frame’s ability to remain intact,
whereby the lens doesn’t break and
stays in place.
• High Velocity Impact Test: taking a
small mass where they used a lead pellet
with a fast impact, such as gravel flying
up from the road when cycling.
Oakley considers their eyewear as
‘sunscreen for the eye’ – their protection
is inherent in the glass instead of coatings
that can be scratched. They rely on a nine
base curve for maximum protection for
peripheral vision.
About three and half years in the making,
the Elite collection is the final legacy of
Jannard’s manic pursuit of excellence and
for pushing scientific boundaries.
The collection’s separate categories of
shoes, watches and three sunglasses
share a common theme through the use
of atypical materials, specifically carbon
fibre. In-house competitiveness between
Oakley’s design teams has pushed the
design envelope to produce Elite.
In the past something like what they
created here may not have made it to
production stage. The Elite collection
represents Oakley’s entire philosophy to
date – bridging the gap between their ideas
and what isn’t yet available in the market.
mivision • 69
Elite Eyewear
Pit Boss
The Elite eyewear collection started as
a design concept from founder Jim’s
vision. It has been four years in the
making and represents his desire for
something aesthetically aggressive
and sculpturally organic.
To create Pit Boss, Oakley used forged
titanium plate chiselled then bolted to
the frame using the same technology
from Time Bomb II ‘Reloaded’. The
design team developed a frame design
which used ultra lightweight titanium
plates created with 200 tons of
pressure which was fused to pure O
Matter frame material.
The High Definition polarised lens
technology eliminates haze and
distortion, with an iridium mirrored
coating, AR coating on back, and
added hydrophobic coating which
provided antistatic, smudge, sweat and
easy cleaning properties.
C Six Carbon Fibre
Oakley Elite C Six is considered the
‘pinnacle’ of the Elite collection.
During the development of this frame,
Oakley’s engineers worked with a
company which uses carbon fibre
material in making F1 cars.
The Elite C Six utilises pure carbon
fibre, a material thinner than human
hair yet stronger than high tensile steel.
This breakthrough material was an
innovation from the aerospace industry.
The difference between Oakley and
competitors in using carbon fibre, is
that they have machined carbon fibre
into structures more than 40 layers
thick, and mounted it to the spine, so
each piece flexes and moves, whereas
usually it is a material used decoratively
instead of structurally. The engineers in
the eyewear design team worked with
carbon fibre for its lightness, durability
and inherent beauty.
The team had to create special rotary
cam integrated hinges using ‘Unitreks
L’ polimer composite which is also
used by NASA. The ‘spine’ is made
of beta titanium for its memory metal
properties and strength.
The biggest challenge was using the
stiff carbon fibre, however they created
an armadillo type technology so the
spine sections slightly overlap using a
patent pending multi point fit system
for the ultimate fit.
The cross-section of the carbon fibre
when carved is like a topographic
map with 80 layers so no two frames
are identical. Oakley used five-axis
computer numeric controlled machining
which carved and shaped the
composite which required more than
24 hours of continuous milling using
probe telemetry with micro-precision.
The machining process required 90100 man hours per frame to make.
Lance Armstrong used this frame
during the last leg into Paris of the Tour
De France during his comeback, which
they will auction them for charity. They
are bringing to market a total of 250
pairs worldwide.
C Six Aluminum
Using the technology originally
developed for the manufacturing of their
timepieces, the aluminium was sculpted
in custom-engineered tooling processes
including precise 20,000rpm cutting by
computer numeric controlled robotics.
The aluminium is then anodised with
electricity then combined with carbon
fibre components and a flexible titanium
spine. This labour intensive process
includes hand assembly, followed by
hand finishing and hand polishing.
Images | Sunglasses: Pit Boss Tungsten Iridium Polarized | Watch: TB2 White Watch | Top: Oakley HQ | Middle: Tank at Oakley HQ | Bottom: Inside the Oakley HQ
70 • mivision
Matching Frames
& Sunglasses to a Face
The ODMA board is committed to the ongoing
education and training of optical dispensers.
With hundreds of frames in all shapes, sizes and
colours to choose from, selecting the most flattering
eyewear for a customer’s face can be confusing.
We’ve brought you this simple guide from the
ODMA Optical Retail Guide to help narrow it down.
Square Face:
Oval, Round, Cat’s Eyes
Oblong Face: Round, Square
Matching Frames and Sunglasses
to a Face has been reproduced with
kind permission from ODMA. This
article appeared in the ODMA Optical
Retail Guide, in the Education and
Training section, under the heading >
Selling Sunglasses • Matching Frames
& Faces.
Independent practitioners, who would
like to receive a copy of the ODMA
Optical Retail Guide, should contact
E: marketing@odma.com.au.
Triangle Face: Frames Straight
Top Line, Cat’s Eyes
Reduce the angles with soft, curvy styles
that will give definition. Cat’s eye styles
and classic ovals work well.
Widen and shorten the face with styles
that do not extend beyond the widest
part of the face. Round or square shapes
will look great. Decorative or contrasting
temples add width to the face.
Oval Face:
Any Frame Shape
Round Face: Wider Frames,
Rectangular, Angular
Diamond Face:
Oval, Square, Rimless
Almost any style works for an oval
face, experiment with the latest looks,
such as shields, square-shaped frames,
higher temples.
Frame should make the face appear longer
and thinner. Look for frames equal to or
slightly wider than the broadest part of
the face. Soft angular, rectangle or double
brow styles work well.
Oval sunglasses will soften the contour
of the face. Make sure the styles are no
wider than the top of the cheekbones.
Soften the lower portion of the face by
accenting the eye area. Cat’s eye styles should
angle outward at the top corner, metal
frames with rimless bottom also work well.
mifashion
72 • mivision
The Obvious
Companion Sale
In recent years, Overspecs, Sunclips and Rxable clip-ins have experienced a steady rise in
popularity. This section of the eyewear market has
carved out a solid niche for itself mainly due to its
attractive price point and convenience. Yoan Massie
Cost, fit and convenience are what drive
this category, and the demand for this
companion sale to corrective eyewear, has
never been higher.
The growth of this sector is largely due to
the fact that Australians are living longer
than ever before, and as our population
ages, there will be even greater need, and
demand, for these products.
For customers who work or play outdoors,
having adequate UV and glare protection
is paramount so it’s important we discuss
the following products with them:
• Overspec Sunglasses
• Normal and Magnetic Sun Clips
• Clip-in Rx-able Lenses
The need for very large numbers of
consumers to wear corrective eyewear
also creates an opportunity to support
their wider eyewear needs.
The very real risks associated with UV
damage to the eyes have been proven to
pose an even greater risk to people who
wear spectacles. Due to the large amount
of people who are exposed to this risk,
it is important that you offer customers
effective and affordable solutions.
Overspecs
This category provides a convenient
alternative to purchasing two prescription
frames – one for outdoors and the other
for inside. Overspecs are rather like
sunglasses that can be worn over your
normal spectacles. They have optical
quality lenses which absorb all harmful
ultraviolet rays, protection at the top and
wide side-shields to eliminate rays from
all directions. Particularly beneficial to
those over the age of 50 and low vision
patients, overspecs also offer comfort to
anyone who experiences glare problems.
Duality Eyewear
Within the overspecs market, Duality offers
high quality memory metal optical frames
with a matching pair of Fitovers Eyewear i.e.
overspecs. Fitovers Eyewear product snaps
perfectly into place, giving the wearer the
appearance of wearing a pair of designer
sunglasses. Duality Eyewear has made it
simple for the eye care professional to offer
their patients a progressive friendly memory
metal optical frame, and a Fitovers Eyewear
product for one price.
It is estimated that 85 to 90 per cent
of patients that purchase prescription
eyewear leave without adequate sun wear
protection. Duality Eyewear provides
the patient with a frame with Dualflex
temples and Reflex Memory Metal bridge.
The matching Fitovers feature polarised
side lenses that reflect away glare while
maintaining peripheral vision, as well as
an integrated brow bar that blocks light
from entering from above.
The Duality Eyewear target market is men
and women aged 47 to 75. The memory
mivision • 73
development of a new patented flipup sun clip design. Unlike traditional
flip-up designs, the SideKick features
wrap around lenses that offer the wearer
additional protection from both the
peripheral line of sight and from light that
enters from above. The majority of light
is now filtered through the UV absorptive
filters or blocked by the brow bar. The
result has been superior protection and
reduced eyestrain.
The simple to use concept of flip-ups will
immediately communicate convenience
and ease of use to low vision patients.
SideKick is available in three sizes to
fit 99.8 per cent of prescription eyewear
frames and features scratch resistant
Polaré absorptive filters.
(Distributor: Aviva Optical (AUS) 08 9354 4499)
Domani
The Domani design team strive to create
the most attractive primary frame,
designing their sun clip to follow the
contours of the prescription frame,
transforming a prescription frame into the
latest, coolest, polarised sunglasses.
“Sun clip frames have a highly flexible brow bar,
allowing them to fit a variety of similar frame
sizes and shapes.”
metal optical frames are progressive
friendly and combined with the matching
Fitovers, are ideal for driving and any
other outdoor summer activity.
(Distributor: Jonathan Paul Eyewear
(AUS) 02 4353 0933)
OverSpex
Trademarking the name ‘OverSpex’ for
their overspecs product, this company
provides a stylish range of high-quality
sunglasses for all applications. OverSpex
are designed to fit snugly over-the-top
of optical eyewear. The fusion between
design and technology has also resulted
in the use of TR90, a highly innovative
nylon based fibre which when applied to
OverSpex results in a sunglass frame that
is extremely lightweight, highly durable,
chemical resistant and ensures long-term
colour endurance.
OverSpex are fitted with premium OsVUE Polarised Lenses, providing clarity,
100 per cent UV protection and scratch
resistance. Designed to relax the eyes, OsVUE Lenses are fully polarised to ensure
maximum glare reduction. The range of
Os-VUE Lens tints provide wearers with
74 • mivision
the option to choose the most appropriate
lens for their lifestyle or outdoor pursuits.
(Distributor: Optica (NZ) 03 982 98 98)
Sun Clips
Sun clips are metal sun glasses with without
temples. Rather, these clip-on sunglasses
have cushioned tabs which are designed
to clip on to the front of your existing eye
glasses. Sun clip frames have a highly
flexible brow bar, allowing them to fit a
variety of similar frame sizes and shapes.
These professional quality clips have eye
wires that open, allowing wearers to remove
and replace the lenses if they wish.
Cocoons SideKick
Cocoons patented frames are based on proven
OverRx design principles that ensure a
comfortable fit when worn over a wide range
of prescription eyewear shapes and sizes.
These sun clips offer 360˚ of UV protection,
giving the wearer unsurpassed protection
from the harshest outdoor elements.
The need for a product that could perform
similarly to their full frame Cocoons
Low Vision UV absorptive filters, but at
a more affordable retail price led to the
Outside the car, the prescription frame
glazed with transition lenses will function
as expected, however, once inside the car, a
higher degree of comfort can be achieve by
attaching the polarised sun clip. Through
extensive research and development, using
both magnetic and mechanical forces,
domain achieved equilibrium between the
sun clip’s secure hold and ease of removal.
(Distributor: Domani Eyewear (AUS) 02 9997 1910)
Silhouette
Silhouette sun clips are made from a
polarised polycarbonate material, with
the bridge pieces made from Silhouette’s
patented SPX – a durable, ultralight
and hypoallergenic material. Comfort
is a large factor when using these easily
attached sun clips. They weigh less than
one gram, so wearers barley realise
they’re even wearing them. The lenses are
composed of 12 hydrophobic, anti-reflex,
anti-scratch, synthetic layers – with 100
per cent UV protection and filtering out at
least 85 per cent blue light (brown lenses
filter 97 per cent).
There are five layers of anti-reflective
coating on the inside of the lenses to
minimise glare, in addition to a waterrepellent coating.
There are more than 300 sun clip options
available and Silhouette recommends
using the ‘Clip-on Guide’, a readyreckoner that allows optical practitioners
to effortlessly choose which sun clips
correspond to particular eyewear models.
Overspex has been designed and developed
to cater for the previously overlooked and
undervalued over-the-top eyewear market.
The fashionable Overspex collection
features a wide range of styles and colours
to meet the needs of your most discerning
customers. In the end overspex provides
exceptional quality and value for money
making the collection your first choice in over
the top eyewear.
TM
TM
Email info@overspex.com for a
comprehensive buyers guide.
DESIGNED TO BE WORN OVER PRESCRIPTION GLASSES
All six sizes of Cocoons are now available in a fashionable burgundy
or sensible slate finish. Each frame colour is available with amber,
grey, copper or yellow polarised lenses. All Cocoons include a custom
neoprene case, large lens cloth and limited lifetime warranty.
P O L A R I S E D U V 4 0 0 · S C R AT C H R E S I S TA N T · F L E X 2 F I T ® T E M P L E S · 3 6 0 ° O F P R O T E C T I O N
CALL NOW FOR SPECIAL RANGING OFFERS!
1300 850 882
P.O. Box 308 · Cloverdale WA · 6985
PH
1300 850 882 · FAX 1300 850 886 · WEB www.avivaoptical.com.au
Silhouette’s Pro-Clip is a sophisticated
hinge design that eliminates the need to
repeatedly attach and remove the clip.
They can simple be flipped up or down as
needed with only two fingers.
(Distributor: Mimo (AUS) 02 9970 1800)
Rx-able Clip-in Lenses
These are paired with specially designed
frame sockets that allows the prescription
lenses to be fitted in, giving the wearer extra
convenience and comfort. These lenses are
suitable for sporting events, and can also cater
for prescription lenses including myopia,
hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia.
1
Zero RH+
This breakthrough technology marks the
invention of the first alternative contact
lens/clip on glasses (where you mount
ophthalmic lenses into the glasses).
The Zero RH+ prescription and sport
eyewear range has been created for
fashionable sportspeople who want to
make a statement while demanding
advanced technology and performance
from their eyewear. Zero RH+
sports ranges incorporates See Safe
photochromatic lenses, scientifically
formulated for flexibility and strength.
2
Redline Zero RH+ products are made
specifically with sports in mind and use the
highest technology available to meet the
tough demands of the sportsperson’s world
with glasses suited specifically to cycling,
mountaineering, sailing, golf and other
areas. Made in a Grilamid-Titanium frame,
it comes with an anatomical removable non
slip sports grip end bit. The lenses are See
Safe photochromatic and use NXT-Soft
technology lenses which are unbreakable
and scratch resistant, light, clear and
resistant to solvent. This lightweight frame
also has an adjustable nose piece.
(Distributor: Modstyle (AUS) 03 9387 9411)
3
Images:
1. Cocoons Sidekick, Aviva (AUS) 1300 850 882
2. Cocoons Slim Line, Aviva (AUS) 1300 850 882
3. Convertibles, Optique Line (AUS) 03 9853 0796
4. Duality, Jonathan Paul (AUS) 02 4353 0933
5. Silhouette Clip-On 2, mimo (AUS) 02 9970 1800
6. Silhouette Clip-On, mimo (AUS) 02 9970 1800
7. Rodenstock (AUS) 02 9748 0988
8. Zero RH+, Modstyle (AUS) 03 9387 9411
9. Sola Shield, Mann Optics (AUS) 07 3279 4766
10.Eusta, Rudy Project (AUS) 02 9318 5300
11.Overspex, Optica (AUS) 0430 512 989
12.Prestige, Domani (AUS) 02 9997 1910
76 • mivision
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mivision • 77
Resort Beach
DIsCOVer
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TH E WO N D ER S
Fraser
If you’ve always wanted to see Fraser Island then there’s never
been a better time than now. It’s the perfect time of year to
discover the lakes, rainforests and beaches of World Heritage
Fraser. Perfect for a relaxing break, a romantic getaway or a fun,
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Our Fraser Island Adventure package is $448 * per person twin
share, including resort hotel accommodation, return Hervey Bay
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or book online www.kingfisherbay.com
*Conditions Apply. Valid until 31 March 2010.
CP-KBRV795
airport and marine transfers, buffet breakfast and a 4WD tour of
midiary
2009
December 4 – 19, ONA Network,
Volunteer Tanzania Eye Camp.
Info: www.onanetwork.org.au
November 21 – 23, World ROP Congress
2009, International Conference on
Retinopathy of Prematurity, Hotel Le
Meridien, New Dehli, India. Info: worlddrop@
gmail.com or www.worlddrop2009.org
November 24 – 29, BCLA speaker
at 35th Optometrists Annual Conference,
Majestic Hotel, Harrogate.
Info: alison.weston@leedsth.nhs.uk
November 25 – 27, Ophthalmologica
Belgia 2009, Brussels, Belgium.
Info: www.ophthalmologia.be
November 25 – 28, The Philippine Academy
of Ophthalmology, SMX Convention Centre,
SM Mall of Asia, Manilla, Philippines.
Info: www.pao.org.ph/events.php
November 26, BCLA Pioneers Conference,
Royal Society of Medicine, London U.K.
Info: www.bcla.org.uk
November 28 – 29, ACBO Vision Therapists
Conference, Victorian OAA Office,
Melbourne VIC. Info: Paula Peachey (AUS)
02 6024 1177, E: peachey@albury.net.au
December 3 – 6, 8th International Symposium
on Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics,
Rome, Italy. Info: www.isopt2009.com
December 24, Vision Australia’s Carols by
Candlelight, Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Info:
www.visionaustralia.org
2010
January 6 – 8, Save Sight Institute
– Sydney Eye Hospital Registrars’
Conference. Info: www.eye.usyd.edu.au
January 15 – 17, Opti Munich, New Munich
Trade Fair Centre. Info: www.opti-munich.com
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
January 21 – 24, AIO2010/AACO, Science
City, Kolkata, India. Info: www.aios.org
January 28 – 31, 2010 Global Speciality
Lens Symposium, Bally’s Hotel and
Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada Info:
www.healthcareconferencegroup.com/
conferences
February 4 – 7, 24th International Congress
of Hellenic Society of Intraocular Implant
and Refractive Surgery at Hilton Hotel
Athens, Greece. Info: www.hsioirs.org
February 11 – 15, ASCRS, Fairmont
Mayakoba, Playa Del Carmen, Riveria Maya,
Mexico. Info: www.WinterUpdate.org
February 18 – 21, 5th International
Conference on Ocular Infections,
Breakers Resort, Palm Beach, U.S.
Info: www.ocularinfections.com
February 19 – 20, ANZGIG Scientific
Meeting 2010, InterContinental,
Wellington, New Zealand.
Info: www.anzgig.org.au/meetings
E: anzgig@avenues.co.nz
February 25 – 27, the 10th China
(Shanghai). Everbright Convention and
Exhibition Centre, China. Info: www.siof.cn
March 2 – 6, ARVO 2010 Annual Meeting
at Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA.
Info: www.arvo.org
March 4 – 5, Cornea and Eye Bank
Meeting at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne.
Info: Ms Monica Mauer, Centre for Eye
Research Australia. Ph: 61 3 9929 8652,
E: mmauer@unimelb.edu.au
March 4 – 7, The World Congress on
Controversies in Ophthalmology, (COPHy)
Prague, Czech Republic.
Info: www.comtecmed.com/cophy/2010
March 7 – 13, World Glaucoma Week. Info:
www.glaucoma.org.au
March 5 – 6, Australian and New Zealand
Strabismus Society, The Children’s
Hospital, Westmead, Sydney, NSW.
Info: Dr. Craig Donaldson,
E: craigdonaldson@msn.com.au
March 5 – 7, 40th MIDO, International
Optics, Optometry and Ophthalmology
Exhibition, Fiera Milano (East Gate
entrance), Milan, Italy. Info: www.mido.it
March 6 – 12, North American NeuroOphthalmology Society (NANOS), Starr
Pass, Marriott, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.
Info: www.nanosweb.org/meeting
March 19 – 21, Vision Expo East, Jacob
Javits Convention Centre, New York, NY.
Info: www.visionexpoeast.com
April 6 – 11, 6th International Conference of
Behavioural Optometry, Info: www.acbo.org.au
April 7 – 9, VI World Cornea Congress, Boston,
MA, USA. Info: www.corneasociety.org/wcc
April 9 – 11, Queensland Vision 2010,
Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition
Centre. Info: Marika MacKenzie on
(AUS) 07 3839 4411
May 2 – 6, ARVO Annual Meeting 2010,
Fort Lauderdale, USA. Info: www.arvo.org
May 27 – 30, 34th Clinical Conference and
Exhibition, Hilton Birmingham Metropole
Hotel, National Exhibition Centre,
Birmingham U.K. Info: www.bcla.org.uk
June 5 – 9, World Ophthalmology Congress,
Berlin, Germany. Info: www.woc2010.org
July 1 – 4, AUSCRS and APACRS Combined
Meeting, Cairns QLD. Info: www.auscrs.org.au
October 9 – 11, the CCLSA 13th
International Contact Lens Congress,
Sydney. Info: www.cclsa.org.au
October 16 – 19, 2010 Annual Meeting of
the American Academy of Ophthalmology,
Chicago. Info: www.aao.org
November 20 - 24, RANZCO Annual General
Meeting and Scientifice Congress, Adelaide
Convention Centre, Adelaide, South
Australia.
2011
March 21 – 24, 26th Asia Pacific
Academy of Ophthalmology Congress
and The Royal Australian and New Zealand
College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO)
Annual Meeting, Sydney NSW.
Info: www.apaosydney2011.com
April 9 – 11, Optrafair 2011, One Vision,
One Show, the NEC Birmingham.
July 8 – 11, Odmafair 2011, Sydney
Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling
Harbour, Sydney. Info: www.odmafair.com.au
To be included in midiary email
details to: ads@mivision.com.au
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.
mivision • 79
midirector y
ACCESSORIES
Allso Eyewear* 02 9789 6666
Aviva Optical
1300 850 882
Eyres Australia* 08 9325 2444
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 Optical
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
Eyres Australia 08 9325 2444
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
Eyres Australia 08 9325 2444
Gerber Coburn*
08 8382 1699
KE Optical Group
03 9387 7088
Mann Optics
07 3279 4766
CLOTHS
Aviva Optical
1300 850 882
Eyres Australia 08 9325 2444
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
1800 639 879
80 • mivision
* see midirectory adverts for more information about this company
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
Investec Experien*
1300 131 141
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
Bollé*
1300 138 098
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
Eyres Australia* 08 9325 2444
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
LVMH - Tag Heuer 03 8614 4300
Mackeson & Co 1800 656 121
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
Piranha Eyewear*
02 4284 7888
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
Medmont
03 9874 1388
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
Eyres Australia*
08 9325 2444
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 9728 2055
Transitions Optical 08 8329 0501
Younger Optics
08 8351 4755
Lens Cleaners
Aviva Optical
Gerber Coburn*
Noble Lens Cleaners
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
General Enquires
Provider Liaison
1300 652 752
132 011
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
Op’s Optical Products02 9894 1000
Preston Displays
03 9706 8862
Prescription Lens Surfacing
Arc Optical*
1800 308 275
CR Surfacing Labs* 03 9878 7599
Carl Zeiss Vision*
1800 882 041
Formic Lab
02 9824 3236
I-Optic Computing
1800 635 222
Shaan Labworks*
1800 777 560
Spotters Shades
03 9728 2055
Professional Associations
Association of
Spectacle Makers
02 9412 3033
Australasian College
of Behavioural
Optometrists
03 9792 5822
Australian Dispensing
Opticians Assoc:
NSW / QLD
02 9412 3033
WA
08 9444 5299
SA
08 8227 1444
VIC / TAS
03 9536 3127
Contact Lens Society
of Australia
02 9279 1273
Guild of Dispensing
Opticians
02 9412 3033
Optometrists Assoc Australia:
National
03 9663 6833
NSW
02 9712 2199
Qld / NT
07 3839 4411
SA
08 8338 3100
Tas
03 6224 7711
Vic
03 9486 1700
WA
08 9321 2300
Optometry Aid Overseas08 9380 8311
Society for Holistic
Vision Care
02 9743 1864
RANZCO
02 9690 1001
Publications
Australian Optometry 03 9663 6833
CEO
03 8359 1120
Eye Talk
02 9451 2737
mivision
1300 668 201
Public Heath Organisations
ICEE
1300 664 233
Optometry Giving Sight1300 881 073
Vision 2020
03 9656 2020
Registration Boards
NSW Board of Optometrical
Registration
02 9219 0233 NSW
Optical Dispensers
Licencing Board
02 9219 0211
Optometrist
Registration Board VIC03 9882 8884
Optometrists Board
of SA
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
Research Organisations
National Vision
Research Institute
03 9349 7480
Optometric Vision
Research Foundation 02 9385 7311
Vision Cooperative
Research Centre
02 9385 7516
Centre for Eye
Research Australia
02 9929 8360
Co-op Research Centre for Eye Research
& Technology
02 9385 7400
Rimless Fitting
Arc Optical*
1800 308 275
Essilor Australia* 02 9714 4555
Hoya Lens Australia* 1800 500 971
Opticare*
1800 251 852
Shaan Labworks*
1800 777 560
Simon Optical
02 9649 5518
Sola International
08 8392 8392
RX Laboratory Supplies
Gerber Coburn*
08 8382 1699
Gibson Importing* 1800 331 021
Good Optical
03 9820 9222
Inta Optical
02 9734 9999
Jonathon Paul
1800 068 828
Julbo*
02 6162 0900
Luxottica Aust*
1300 655 612
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 4284 7888
Rudy Project
02 9318 5300
Seabreeze Oz
02 6639 5555
Spotters Shades
03 9728 2055
Topace 1300 782 990
VMD Australia
07 5594 9854
Barz Optics
07 5534 7500
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
Bollé 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 Australia* 08 9235 2444
Gatorz
02 9979 1988
General Optical*
1800 251 025
Gibson Importing* 1800 331 021
Good Optical
03 9820 9222
Hagemeyer
1300 652 525
Healy Optical Group* 02 9420 3200
Inta Optical
02 9734 9999
Jonathon Paul
1800 068 828
Jono Hennessy*
02 9362 4941
Julbo*
02 6162 0900
L’Amy*
02 9428 1500
Luxottica*
1300 655 612
LVMH - Tag Heuer 03 8614 4300
Marriott Sports
02 9980 2226
Matrix Eyewear
02 9557 3122
Maui Jim Sunglasses 1800 010 244
McCann Optical Parts1800 787 448
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 4284 7888
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
SOS Survival Optics 07 4055 5554
Seabreeze Oz
02 6639 5555
Spotters Shades
03 9728 2055
Sunshades Eyewear 02 8303 7300
Bollé*
1300 138 098
Suntrak Eyewear
Bugaboos – Ryders
08 9256 2799
The Eyewear Company02 9648 5422
Eyres Australia* 08 9325 2444
Topace
1300 782 990
Gatorz
02 9979 1988
General Optical*
1800 251 025
Tower Optics
VMD Australia
02 9519 0022
07 5594 9854
Arc Optical*
1800 308 275
Aviva Optical
1300 850 882
Carl Zeiss Vision*
1800 882 041
CR Surfacing Labs* 03 9878 7599
DAW Optical
1800 635 222
Gerber Coburn*
08 8382 1699
Mann Optics
07 3279 4766
McCann Optical Parts1800 787 448
Mostyn Optical
07 3298 5575
Opticare*
1800 251 852
Shaan Labworks*
1800 777 560
Smyth & Perkins
07 3844 4692
Safety & Industrial
Aviva Optical
Carl Zeiss Vision*
1300 850 882
1800 882 041
Cummings Optical* 1800 066 481
Eyres Australia* 08 9235 2444
Gerber Coburn*
08 8382 1699
Hoya Lens Australia* 1800 500 971
Mann Optics
07 3279 4766
MSRx
02 4343 1334
Piranha Eyewear*
02 4284 7888
Prescription Safety
Glasses
02 4322 4597
Rx Safety
08 8186 3698
Shaan Eyeworks*
1800 777 560
Spare Parts
Aviva Optical
1300 850 882
Gerber Coburn*
08 8382 1699
Mann Optics
07 3279 4766
McCann Optical Parts1800 787 448
New Image Optical
Supplies
02 9363 1531
Optech
03 9639 2125
Shaan Eyeworks*
1800 777 560
Spectular Specs
1800 630 660
Spectacle Repairs
Frame Care Australia*07 4051 4546
Miniflam Technical
02 9711 4265
Opticare*
1800 251 852
Sports Eyewear
Adidas
02 9970 1800
Allso Eyewear*
02 9789 6666
Aviva Optical
1300 850 882
1800 888 316
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
03 9729 5822
Optovision
02 9597 6413
Vision Therapy
Australasia
1800 755 441
Xcimer Laser CentREs
Clear Vision Laser Clinic
8266
08 9381
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
St Kilda Road
Laservision Centre
13 13 40
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 • 81
miclassifieds
Position Vacant
short term arrangements to suit
your requirements and availability.
Vision Therapist
Unmatched daily rate - $500 per
day. Unrivalled organisational support in place. Work close to home.
Locations available in all areas of
Melbourne.
We are a full scope behavioural
optometry practice seeking a full
or part time vision therapist. This
person may be fully accredited
with the Australasian College of
behavioural optometrists in vision
therapy or willing to undertake
such training.
The successful applicant will be
task oriented with good people
and time management skills and
excited to work with children with
learning disabilities, adults with
acquired brain injury and people
with strabismus and/or amblyopia.
A background in early childhood,
teaching or orthoptics would be
beneficial but not essential, as in
house training will also be provided.
Please forward resumes to vision@
thompsonlarter.com.au or call Andrew on [AUS] 02 9481 0449.
Nowra
Are you after a career with job
satisfaction in a professional environment where patient care is the
top priority? Nowra Specsavers
have a full and part-time position
available for a motivated optometrist. Be part of a highly energetic
team in one of our two independently owned practices in Nowra,
NSW. The practices have been
established for 20 years and are
equipped with fundus cameras,
Medmonts, autorefractors and a
pachymeter. Work with trained support staff and three other optometrists. Excellent remuneration is
offered.Only two hours from Sydney, Nowra boasts affordable living
close to some of Australia’s most
beautiful beaches.
For more information on this opportunity, call Louise on [AUS] 02
44 21 0500 or dir.nowracentral@
st.au.specsavers.com
FULL TIME POSITION FOR
OPTOMETRIST & OPTICAL
MECHANIC, WA
A long established independent practice has an available full
time position for optometrist and
optical mechanic.
Excellent support from friendly
staff. Experienced or new graduates may apply. Interstate applicant will receive help in their relocation in WA.
Attractive salary packages negotiable. Email resume at vso@iinet.
net.au or call [AUS] 0413 228 814.
Agents for NSW, QLD, VIC, WA
HD OPTICS is seeking experienced
sales agents with an existing
client base within the optical industry to represent quality acetate
range from Italy. Attractive commission offered.
For further details please call
Helen on [AUS] 03 9455 2760 or
email helen@hdoptics.com.au
Absolutely fantastic OPTOMETRY opportunity.
Regular LOCUM work for qualified
Optometrists. Both full time and
part time positions have become
available in our growing company.
We are able to tailor long term and
82 • mivision
Interested? Please call Russell
on [AUS] 0412 915 599 or email
russell@healthcare2you.com.au to
find out more about the position
available.
OPTICAL DISPENSER/MECHANIC - Melbourne
Well-established and independent
optometry practise in Melbourne, is
seeking a qualified &/or experienced
OPTICAL DISPENSER/MECHANIC to
be part of our sophisticated practice. You are self-motivated and
want a permanent part-time or fulltime position. Apply in confidence
to [AUS] 03 9513 0899 (MUST DIAL
03 for connection).
OPTOMETRIST- PERMANENT
P/T OR LOCUM
Independent optometry practice in
Melbourne is seeking an OPTOMETRIST to be part of our sophisticated trendy practice. You should be
an experienced practitioner wanting
permanent part-time work or locum
sessions. Fantastic career opportunity for the future: unmatchable
hourly rates, flexible hours, free local parking. Apply in confidence to
[AUS] 03 9513 0899. (MUST DIAL
03 for connection).
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 or sue@optomeyes.com.au
Optometrist – Carlingford, NSW
• Permanent part-time position
available or short term locum
position
• Well-established
independent
optometrist with a loyal patient
base
• Work in a professional environment with the latest equipment
A great opportunity exists to be
part of a happy, experienced and
supportive team. The successful
applicant will have professional
freedom and work alongside experienced optometrists. Our focus is
on providing quality eye care, the
latest fashion frames and a comprehensive contact lens service.
An attractive salary will be offered
to the right applicant. Good working conditions and flexible hours
available. Please contact Norm or
Louise on [AUS] 02 9872 1555 or
[AUS] 0418 677 543 or via email:
norms@bigpond.net.au
Optometrist, SE Qld - Equity
Available. Package $100K +
This is a ground floor opportunity to
be part of an expanding practice in
the beautiful Scenic Rim only 1 hour
from Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
The Scenic Rim is one of SE
Queensland’s fastest growing areas but also offers a great work life
balance.
You will be ready to take your experience as an optometrist and apply it to this new business, with a
chance to put your own stamp on it.
We are successful business expanding to a new location , using
the systems and back up established over 80 years through 4
generations of service to this community so you won’t be on your own
in this new venture.
We are looking for someone one
who wants to be involved in the
decision making process in the set
up of this business. The location is
very well established next to a large
medical centre. You may prefer to
be an employee whilst you settle in
but EQUITY will definitely be available. We offer a flexible package,
sensible working hours and young
and vibrant team environment.
For an initial discussion contact
Ron Hailes [AUS] 0418 555 641.
Or email your resume to tamopt@
westnet.com.au
All Optometrists
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 locum@ozemail.com.au
or give us a call on [AUS] 02 4782
5760 to find out more about the flexibility of working as a locum.
Sydney CBD
Optical Dispenser/ Sales Consultant – Fashion Eyewear
• Part time
• Excellent salary & conditions
• Sydney CBD (NSW) Location
HineSight a busy city Optometry
practice located in Circular Quay,
seeks a vibrant, organized, stylishly presented dispenser/ sales
person who has a love of designer
eyewear and a passion for helping
our clients look great.
The role involves optical dispensing, personalized customer
care, sales of high end spectacle
frames, lenses and sunglasses
and general reception.
Your customer focus aided by your
polished communication skills,
outgoing personality, and strong
sales ability ensures you’ll fit right
in with our professional team.
Of course, you’ll need the standard
computer literacy and ability to work
fast and hard through our busy days.
Boutique sales experience is an
advantage and training will be offered to the right candidate with
exceptional sales experience and
attitude. No Thursday night or
weekend work. Hours may be negotiable.
Please call Narelle [AUS] 02 9251
8869
Optical Assistant/
Dispenser - Part Time
Optical Warehouse Toowoomba
• Part Time (Thurs pm/Sat am)
• Excellent Team Environment
• Toowoomba (Qld) location
• Wages negotiable
An ideal opportunity has become
available for an experienced Optical Assistant/Dispenser.
Must
have excellent optical skills, product knowledge and paramount customer service, be self motivated
and enthusiastic. Be willing to
work half day Saturdays and Thursday pm. Phone [AUS] 07 4638
8828 (Weekdays 9-4)
Australia and NZ Wide- All
Locations, All Positions!
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
Optometrists
Are you commercially focused and
highly motivated?
Would you like to:
• Work alongside some of the best
ophthalmic surgeons?
• Spend more time with patients?
• Work with state of the art equipment & technology?
We are looking for Optometrists
who are committed to delivering
the highest level of clinical standards within a commercial environment and believe in providing
world-class customer care.
Please send your expressions of
interest to Dean Powrie CEO/Director to deanp@personaleyes.com.
au or call [AUS] 0414 487 700. All
communications will be handled in
a confidential manner.
Canberra Optometrist
Would you like to earn over
$85,000 PA for 3 1/2 days work
per week? Or even have your own
practice and earn over $170,000
PA for the same amount of work! A
rare opportunity exists in an independent practice for employment or
ownership. Call Ian on [AUS] 0402
392 369 or email insightact@yahoo.com
Optometrist Required Coffs
Harbour
Practise professionally with a therapeutically endorsed optometrist
in a full scope practice covering all
aspects of optometry including pathology and Ortho K in a spacious
custom-designed building, fully
computerised with state-of-the-art
optometric/optical laboratory anddigital imaging equipment. A negotiable productivity linked financial
package
($100,000-$120,000)
is offered to applicants with > 2
years experience and $75,000$90,000 for new graduates with
prospects of associateship/partnership.
Coffs Harbour is a large rapidly
growing regional centre with an excellent climate, lifestyle, shopping,
university, beaches, rivers and resorts with air/road links to Sydney
and Brisbane. Contact Alan Burrow
at W: [AUS] 02 6651 2020 or M:
[AUS] 0429 456 485.
Sales Agents Required – NSW,
QLD and VIC.
We are seeking experienced sales
agents to represent Julbo eyewear.
Julbo is a leading French sunglass
brand that has a strong heritage in
Institute for
Eye Research
supplying high quality eyewear to
the outdoor recreation and sport
markets. Recognised as a market leader in the Outdoor industry
the Julbo collection also includes
a highly successful range of children’s sunglasses and recently
released children’s optical frames.
View the exceptional julbo range at
www.julbo-eyewear.com
Huge range of brightly coloured
Italian acetate frames. All shapes
and sizes. Brand new. Traditional
tortoiseshell and blacks. Generic
brands. Sell as budget package.
FRAMES: $19.95 each. Less for
bulk orders. For more info call
[AUS] 03 9513 0899 (must dial 03
for connection).
to stay on part time if required.
Contact Emad on [AUS] 0414 444
896 or eyepower@y7mail.com
Contact : David Edwards on (AUS)
02 6162 0900 or email oscar@
mont.com.au
Practice for Sale
Canberra
OPTOMETRISTS WA
We are seeking full-time Optometrists to work in our practices.
Please direct your enquiries to Diane
on [AUS] 08 9321 1700 or via email
to specialeyesacc@iinet.net.au
Southern Highlands
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
Would you like to earn over
$85,000 PA for 3 1/2 days work
per week? Or even have your own
practice and earn over $170,000
PA for the same amount of work! A
rare opportunity exists in an independent practice for employment
or ownership.
Call Ian on [AUS] 0402 392 369 or
email insightact@yahoo.com
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: contact@insightoptics.
net.au
From the team at mivision, have a
safe and Happy Christmas & New
Year with your friends and families.
As we don’t have a January issue
we will see you in February.
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
BRIGHT & COLOURFUL
FRAMES - $19.95 each.
SHELL
Clinical Optometrist
Eastern Suburbs, Sydney
• Salarysacrificingbenefits
• Discountedon-siteparking
• Closetomaintransportlinks
The Institute for Eye Research, a dynamic, world class research
organisation located on the University of New South Wales campus,
is dedicated to the advancement of eye care and education in Australia
and globally. For further details, please see our website:
www.ier.org.au
We are currently seeking a talented and motivated individual who
wishes to join our team of dedicated research professionals. Clinical
Optometrists conduct a range of research projects in contact lenses
and associated areas using advanced technology. Applicants must be
eligible for registration in NSW, have a desire to work in eye research
and possess strong organisational and communication skills. A proven
aptitude for clinical and patient management skills is required along
with a keen approach to developing clinical observational skills.
Experienced optometrists and new graduates are encouraged to apply.
Previous research experience is not required.
Applications including a cover letter and resumé should be sent to
Linda Puckeridge,
Human Resources Administrator,
Level 4, North Wing, RMB, Gate 14, Barker Street,
University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052.
Email: l.puckeridge@ier.org.au or fax to 02 9385 7401.
Telephone enquires: 02 9385 7376.
Vision 2020 Australia Global
Consortium launched at
Parliament House
Vision 2020 Australia was pleased to launch the Vision
2020 Australia Global Consortium at Parliament House,
Canberra on Thursday 19 November 2009.
Federal Parliamentarians, members of Vision 2020
Australia and regional stakeholders gathered for
a morning tea to witness the launch of an historic
partnership to improve the lives of millions in our region.
The Consortium is a group of nine Australian eye health
and vision care organisations that have joined forces to
help eliminate avoidable blindness in the Asia Pacific
region. The formation of the Consortium was facilitated
by the Government’s commitment of $45 million over two
years to address eye health and vision care in the 2008
Federal Budget.
The Consortium was launched by the Hon Bob
McMullan MP, Parliamentary Secretary for International
Development Assistance, who signed a Partnership
Framework with Vision 2020 Australia enabling the
Consortium to implement programs under the Avoidable
Blindness Initiative as part of the Australian Government’s
strategy Development for All: Towards a DisabilityInclusive Australian Aid Program 2009-2014.
mitime
The Last Word: Live Your Vision
Sudoku Puzzle
“Life is 10 per cent of what happens to
me and 90 per cent of how I react to it.”
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.
So says John C. Maxwell, an
internationally respected leadership
expert, speaker, and author who has
sold more than 18 million books.
He has trained countless leaders
worldwide. Each year he speaks to the
leaders of diverse organisations, such
as Fortune 500 companies, foreign
governments, the National Football
League, the United States Military
Academy at West Point, and the
United Nations.
The above adage by the esteemed Mr.
Maxwell was brought to mind whilst
reading about the winners of a most
worthy competition run by Transitions
Optical asking customers at retail
outlets to illustrate via photographs and
captions how they “live their visions”.
Iris Mockford of Hervey Bay,
Queensland, was the grand prize
winner of the AUD$20,000 cash prize
for submitting a photograph of her 60th
wedding anniversary with her husband.
remain healthy and active and
continue to spend time with one
another and our friends”.
And when asked what she would do
with the money she had deservedly
won Iris said without hesitation: “We
hope to go on a luxurious trip and spoil
ourselves with only the best. We would
also like to use part of the prize to help
out some of our friends who may have
fallen on hard times so they too can live
their vision”.
Perhaps that man of inspiration, John
C. Maxwell, might like to meet Iris
Mockford and incorporate her simple
philosophies in his high profile lecture
tours because it seems as though this
wonderful lady from Queensland’s
central coast has got life all worked out.
Her reaction to life seems exactly what
Mr. Maxwell was talking about…10 per
cent of what happens to her and 90 per
cent of how she reacts to it.
But it was the accompanying caption
which really sealed the win: “Sixty
years together and we still can see
each other in the morning. Now that
is living a vision!”
What a wonderful attitude! What
a terrific philosophy! If that doesn’t
personify what John Maxwell was
talking about, then I don’t know
what does.
Iris goes on to say: “We would hope
that others would be inspired by
seeing how happy we are after 60
years of marriage and the enthusiasm
we have for life. We would like to
“Sixty years together and we still can see each
other in the morning. Now that is living a vision!”
84 • mivision
8
9
7
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1 9
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1 7
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Last month's solution
8
7
9
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1
6
4
3
2
1
3
5
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2
6
9
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6
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1
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3
7
6
1
Double Vision
9
6
7
8
2
1
3
5
4
2
9
4
7
3
8
5
1
6
5
1
3
2
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7
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1
9
5
2
4
3
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.
From the team at mivision, have a safe and Happy Christmas & New Year with your
friends and families. As we don’t have a January issue we will see you in February.
s
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SCOTT HILLIER WEARS
MOGUL
Australia’s Original Polarised Sunglasses
NEW Season Range Available Now
Mondottica Australia Pty Ltd
Ph +61 2 8436 6666
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