OV/SA'S REGIONAL SEMINAR SERIES TRAVELS TO SOUTH AUSTRALIA FOR THE FIRST TIME
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MAGAZINE OF OPTOMETRY VICTORIA SOUTH AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2019
WHAT’S INSIDE
OV/SA’S REGIONAL SEMINAR SERIES TRAVELS TO
SOUTH AUSTRALIA FOR THE FIRST TIME
FULL STORY PAGE 8
02 04 10
Editorial Research by QUT aims Australia shines at the
to better understand World Congress of
the health and wellbeing Optometry in Florida
of optometrists
LOCAL NEWS
EDITORIAL
Melbourne in 2021, was truly significant ongoing support and advocacy for
and a key indicator that OV/SA had the optometrist role at the Modbury
indeed, arrived as its own organisation, Hospital in South Australia are projects
ready to be ambitious for members in of which we are very proud.
its own right. As we enter what is often the
Throughout this time we have busiest time of the year for many
continued to deliver and expand practices, we encourage you to reflect
our CPD offerings to members on your own successes this year.
through the highly successful, three Optometrists provide a vital service
day O=MEGA19, a single day, mini- to the community, and the clinical
conference in Adelaide in November, interventions by many of our members
the rural, regional and metropolitan have an often untold, and significant
CPD events and, seminars and projects impact on the wellbeing of patients
targeted specifically to early career and their families.
practitioners. I wish you a safe and happy festive
As 2019 comes to a close it’s timely Member resources such as the season, and look forward to continuing
to reflect on what’s been achieved Assessing Fitness to Drive Clinical to work on your behalf throughout
throughout the year. Guideline and the Locum Guide have 2020.
This year has seen momentous aimed to support members to deliver
change for the association with the the best quality eye care they can, and
Yours sincerely,
amalgamation of Optometry Victoria to practice in a way that is tailored to
and Optometry South Australia into their circumstances and needs. Pete Haydon
our new entity Optometry Victoria Production of the Guide to Healthy Chief Executive Officer
South Australia (OV/SA). Eyes for Kids and Parents consumer
The announcement in October that resource which was distributed to
OV/SA had won the bid to host the 65,000 prep children and their families
World Congress of Optometry in in Victoria early in the year, and the
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN MEMBERS
CONFIRMED FOR SACSA
OV/SA recently invited members they’re based in both rural and
based in South Australia to join the metropolitan locations. The committee
new State Advisory Committee South includes members who are early and
Australia (SACSA). The SACSA will mid-career, as well as experienced
provide operational advice to the members. Members are employees as
OV/SA secretariat, on clinical and well as franchisees and practice owners.
policy matters, ensuring that local It’s anticipated that the SACSA
issues are heard and South Australian committee will have a similar remit
specific impacts of projects and to the already existing Optometric
emerging issues are identified and Clinical and Policy Committee Victoria
responded to. (OCPCV).
Confirmed committee members are The SACSA committee will receive
Loucia Calder, Jelle de Bock, Lauren secretariat support from OV/SA’s
Field, Karen Hawkes, Lisa Ho, Stuart Special Advisor Member Services and
Holden, Alex Jaworski and Senthil Policy, Libby Boschen.
Murrugappa. We thank the committee members for
SACSA committee members work agreeing to take on the SACSA role,
across corporate and independent and we look forward to working with
practices, as well as academia, and them.
2 optometry.org.au
December 2019 sc pe
LOCAL NEWS
JINGYI CHEN: STUDENT ACADEMIC
AWARD WINNER (DEAKIN) 2019
Congratulations to Jingyi Chen on
winning the OV/SA student academic “I was really surprised to win this award
award 2019. Jingyi graduated from as I didn’t expect it at all. I worked
really hard during my degree, and I’m
Deakin University in June this year.
so grateful that it’s paid off. But I feel
After a short break she has taken on a
like everyone in my cohort was very
position with an OPSM franchise on the deserving, and any one of us could
south coast of New South Wales. have won it,” Jingyi said.
“Starting work has been really exciting. “For a while now I’ve been keen to
It’s been so good to see in person what participate in the medical ship program
I’ve learnt about in textbooks over the that travels to Papua New Guinea, so
last few years. It’s been great getting I’m hoping to use the money towards a
to know the community in Batemans trip like that. I may have to wait until I
Bay, the practice staff are fantastic and have a little more experience though!”
my mentor Craig is very experienced,” she said.
Jingyi said.
The OV/SA student academic award Jingyi Chen with OV/SA CEO Pete Haydon.
“There’s a slightly older population in the recognises the student who epitomises
community so there is a lot of pathology the highest commitment to patient
and a lot of co-management with the care, including outstanding clinical
ophthalmologist. The practice also has a aptitude, commitment to evidence-
lot of fantastic equipment and that was based practice and professionalism.
a key deciding feature for me when I was The successful recipient of the award
looking for a role,” she said. receives $1,500.
We asked Jingyi how she felt about Thank you to the Deakin University
winning the award, and what she plans staff for their collaboration in
to do with the prize money. identifying the successful student.
CHAMINI WIJESUNDERA: ECO EDUCATION GRANT
WINNER (VICTORIA) 2019
of Melbourne. She also works as an “I’ll be presenting the acute
optometrist in an outer suburban stroke and recovery data from my
Specsavers store. research, as well as a comprehensive
overview of the eye-brain function in
Chamini’s research is focused on
cerebrovascular disease and the role
investigating the visual changes in
of neuro-optometry in this. Attending
acute stroke patients and during
ARVO will also help me expand my
recovery.
knowledge through exposure to other
“I assess patients within a week of research and professional work in the
a stroke, for portable ipad-based, field,” Chamini said.
bed-side perimetry, visual acuity,
visuo-motor function and fundus
examination. Patients are followed up “I feel very privileged and blessed
at three and twelve-month intervals to have received the ECO Education
to investigate for visual function post Grant (Victoria). I hope that eventually
stroke, neuroplasticity and retrograde my research will strengthen the skills
degeneration with OCT,” Chamini said. and the role of all optometrists in
the management of patients with
“There is limited research done about
neurological conditions that could often
the visual function of stroke patients
affect their visual integrity,” she said.
during the acute stage and this is the
Chamini Wijesundera has won first ever study to report visual function
the $1,500 ECO Education Grant as early as 48 hours post stroke,” she OV/SA and our Early Career
(Victoria) 2019. said. Optometrists Victoria South Australia
Chamini is currently undertaking a Chamini will use the grant to present (ECOV/SA) committee thank
PhD in neuro-ophthalmology at La her latest research findings at the ophthalmologist Dr Chrisotlyn Raj
Trobe University in collaboration Association for Research in Vision and and Sunbury Eye Surgeons for their
with the Department of Optometry Ophthalmology (ARVO) in Baltimore in generous sponsorship of the grant.
and Vision Sciences at the University May 2020.
optometry.org.au 3
LOCAL NEWS
FUTURE LEADERS RECOGNISED THROUGH
THE HEALTH SECTOR LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
The Health Sector Leadership Program
(HSLP) is a specialised program for
nominated health professionals who are
ready to take the next step in relation
to leadership. Each year OV/SA is
invited to nominate four members to
participate in the program.
The 2019 OV/SA participants are Ash
Chan, Cassie Haines, Lyn Hsieh and
Lisa Lombardi.
The program was developed by
the Australian Dentists Association
(Victoria) and is sponsored by Guild
Insurance and Leadership Victoria.
Through the program Leadership
Victoria deliver a series of workshops,
covering four key leadership attributes:
ethics, communications, managing
change (Influence) and managing
change (resilience).
Mentoring is also provided as an
optional element of the program.
The HSLP culminates in a graduation Health Sector Leadership Program 2019 graduates (from L-R): Lisa Lombardi, Ash Chan, Lyn Hsieh,
ceremony at the Old Treasury Building Cassandra Haines.
in Melbourne.
SURVEY AIMS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE MENTAL HEALTH
AND WELLBEING OF OPTOMETRISTS
Researchers from Queensland to be similar for optometrists, with minutes to complete. The survey closes
University of Technology (QUT) escalating workloads and pressures on 16 December, 2019.
led by Professor Sharon Bentley, to perform at work. In fact, the recent Responses are strictly anonymous, and
are undertaking research to better survey by OV/SA’s early career only de-identified survey results will be
understand the health and wellbeing optometrists committee, found that published.
of Australian optometrists. more than half of those surveyed
struggled with job satisfaction in the
Current data suggests that one in five For more information about the
previous 12 months.
Australians are experiencing a mental research or to participate in the survey
health condition each year. Amongst The QUT researchers are keen visit www.optometry.org.au/research_
OV/SA members this equates to over to use results of their study to surveys/optometrists-urged-to-do-
400 people who may be experiencing develop strategies to better support mental-health-and-well-being-survey/
the debilitating reality of depression, optometrists and to help them
anxiety or other issues. recognise when they need to help and,
For mental health support visit
to seek help.
A recent survey by Beyond Blue www.beyondblue.org.au or call them
found 27 per cent of doctors have Members are encouraged to support on 1300 224 636, or contact Lifeline
experienced anxiety or depression in the research by participating in the on 13 11 14.
the previous 12 months. This is likely survey, which takes around 15-20
4 optometry.org.au
December 2019 sc pe
LOCAL NEWS
AN UPDATE ON THE
GLASSES FOR KIDS PROGRAM
Glasses for Kids (GFK) is a Victorian comprehensive eye examinations to We alerted SSR to our concerns and
government-funded, early intervention children. we discussed our legal advice with
program which aims to remove vision them. SSR subsequently obtained
However we have been alerted to the
impairments as a potential barrier their own legal advice, which came to
potential that the current GFK tender
to educational engagement in prep a different conclusion. They therefore
requirements may place participating
decided to proceed with the tender in
to grade three students of selected optometrists in breach of the Medicare
its current format.
Victorian schools in low income areas. Benefits Schedule (Optometrical
GFK, which is administered by State Services Schedule). We decided to take a cautious
Schools Relief (SSR), delivers eye care approach to this issue and alerted
The concern relates to the section of
all OV/SA members to our concerns
and if needed, glasses at no cost to the Medicare Benefits Schedule which
through the November edition of
participating families. states that Medicare benefits are not
e-Wink, as well as a more detailed
payable “where the service has been
The first iteration of GFK was completed email to members who had previously
rendered by or on behalf of, or under an
in 2018 with 290 schools visited as part participated in the program.
arrangement with, the Commonwealth,
of the program. Additional program a State or a local governing body or an As the member association for
funding has been provided by the authority established by a law of the optometrists we want to ensure that
Victorian government for 2019-2023. Commonwealth, a law of a State or a all of our members are fully informed
OV/SA had informal discussions with law of an internal Territory”. of the potential risks as well as the
GFK in late August about the proposed benefits of participation in GFK.
Working in collaboration with
2019-2023 program. In late October Optometry Australia we obtained legal We will continue to liaise with SSR, and
GFK invited optometrists to complete advice which concluded that GFK keep a watch-in-brief on the program.
a tender outlining their interest in may be considered to be provided Members who would like to discuss this
participating in the program. under an arrangement with a State issue further can contact OV/SA on
OV/SA supports the broad aim of the government, and therefore it may not (03) 9652 9100 or
GFK program, and the increased focus be appropriate to bill Medicare for email office.vicsa@optometry.org.au
in the 2019-2023 program on delivering these services.
ANOTHER RETAILER
SUCCESSFULLY SPOOKED ON HALLOWEEN
Distributing warning letters to Experience suggests that alerting the
uninformed South Australian cosmetic reader to the potential $30,000 fine Members are encouraged to email
contact lens retailers has become as in the first line tends to sharpen the OV/SA at office.vicsa@optometry.
synonymous with Halloween as the focus of even the most belligerent org.au with details of retailers
grinning pumpkins. The initiative of retailer. Where possible, we monitor selling cosmetic contact lenses
one of our vigilant student members in compliance after the warning and and ready-mades so we can advise
October provided a great opportunity provide evidence of any further them of the law.
for OV/SA to educate yet another chain breaches to the SA Government to
of fancy-dress retailers of the dangers follow up.
of misusing novelty contact lenses.
In 2010, in response to lobbying by
Optometry SA, South Australia became
the first jurisdiction to include novelty
(or plano lenses) in the definition
of contact lenses under the Health
Practitioner Regulation National Law
(SA). As a result, whilst any retailer can
sell ‘spider eyes’ to party-goers, they
can only supply them to a customer
who produces a current prescription
for contact lenses written by an
optometrist (or medical practitioner).
OV/SA routinely writes to recalcitrant
retailers, informing them of the
legislation and the reasons for it.
optometry.org.au 5
MEMBER PROFILE
KIRSTY JOHNSTON:
A RE-IGNITED LOVE OF LEARNING
to begin thinking like a clinician, and that will in-turn, support the profession.
hopefully I assist them to do just that,” I highly rate their education programs,
she said. their staff who provide advice, their
role in promoting the profession to
“I really enjoy the journey the students government and other health areas,
go on as they learn, and it’s re-ignited as well as their public awareness
my love of learning, as well as putting campaigns,” Kirsty said.
evidence-based practice front of We asked Kirsty what changes she’s
mind for me. Sometimes it can be seen in the profession in the time that
challenging to assist students with she’s been practising.
self-directed learning, and they do ask “The first change I think of is the
tricky questions from time to time!” technology, OCT in particular, as well
Kirsty said. as advances in the treatment and
management of age-related macular
We also asked Kirsty what she enjoys degeneration. Ortho K and the future
and what is challenging about her role of myopia control is moving forward
working in corporate optometry. with more studies and research, and
“After 17 years working for a health I feel there is more public awareness
ORIGINALLY FROM ADELAIDE, fund I moved to a Specsavers practice of the role of optometrists as primary
KIRSTY MOVED TO MELBOURNE closer to home, as I felt I needed to eye care providers. I remember as a
TO STUDY OPTOMETRY AT THE challenge myself again. It was a good young graduate that the profession was
UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE. opportunity to start fresh in a practice wanting to educate GPs about what we
AFTER GRADUATING IN 1997 KIRSTY where patients didn’t know me at all. can do, it has happened slowly and I
RETURNED TO ADELAIDE TO TAKE It’s a different socio-economic area, feel there is now more trust and liaison
UP A ROLE WITH LAUBMAN AND so I’m seeing more pathology and between the two,” she said.
PANK WHERE SHE LOCUMED IN communicating with local GPs more,” We asked Kirsty what inspired her to
ADELAIDE AND ACROSS RURAL she said. become an optometrist and what keeps
SOUTH AUSTRALIA. IN 1999 KIRSTY her going now.
TOOK ON A ROLE WITH HEALTH “Corporate practice can be different “In year 12 I went to a University of
PARTNERS IN ADELAIDE WHERE depending on the location. I remember Melbourne Open Day, to look at the
SHE WORKED FOR 17 YEARS. SHE a patient who was a nurse telling me College of Optometry in particular. I
RECENTLY MOVED TO A PART-TIME as a joke to get out in the real world… was taken on a tour by Professor Alan
POSITION WITH A SPECSAVERS and I feel I have! As an optometrist, Johnston (no relation), and it got me
PRACTICE IN ADELAIDE. SHE HAS I strongly believe that you represent really interested in what optometry had
ALSO WORKED PART-TIME AT yourself first and foremost, and that to offer. I felt instantly at home at the
FLINDERS UNIVERSITY SINCE 2012. will flow through to the business you College. Five months later I was there as
We asked Kirsty what her role at work for. That’s where all optometrists a student. I found Professor Johnston
Flinders University involves, and how have a common link, whether they and Professor Vingrys to be great role
she finds the work. work in independent or corporate models,” Kirsty said.
practice,” Kirsty said.
“In 2012 I responded to an email looking
for optometrists to be involved in case- “It’s great to now see female
based learning in what was, at that time, “I feel my two roles, at Flinders and optometrists leading schools,
in the practice, complement each researching and teaching, and this
the new Flinders University optometry
other really well. I now work with is another positive change that I’ve
degree. After workshops and training
two Flinders graduates, and they are
I realised how much I’d missed having noticed. The young students and
fantastic! My colleague has taken a
the opportunity to be involved with the Flinders graduates I work with make
number of placements in his full time
university, and I was super excited, but me feel refreshed and motivated to
role, so I feel there is lots of overlap
nervous for the new role,” Kirsty said. be the best I can be in my profession.
with the roles,” she said.
“Under the guidance of the faculty we I have also made new friends at the
We asked Kirsty why she is an OV/SA University, so it has been all positive,”
began facilitating third and fourth year
member and what she values about she said.
students to look at their studies from
membership.
a practice and patient perspective.
The students have a particular topic “I’ve been a member of the association
each week which unfolds as a patient since graduation, and I’ve always felt it’s
presenting with a problem. They need important to support the association
6 optometry.org.au
December 2019 sc pe
MEMBER PROFILE
DEAN BINNS:
FINDING A SATISFYING WORK LIFE BALANCE
and help train your staff. Plus you’re not have a general case mix of patients with
tied into a franchise. Through Provision’s no particular clinical focus. However, my
support I learnt to run my business patients who began seeing me in their
effectively and successfully,” Dean said. forties, fifties and sixties are now in their
seventies, eighties and nineties, so I’m
In 2008, Specsavers approached Dean
exposed to a fairly broad range of age-
to join as a franchisee.
related pathology,” he said.
“I was quite reluctant to join at first.
We asked Dean why he’s a member
However, even though I finally had
of OV/SA and what he values about
the business running successfully, I
membership.
was finding it hard to gain a work life
balance. Finding the time to develop
“Optometry Australia was around
business plans and strategies, to
during my first days as a student
keep up with all the accounting and
over three decades ago. I think it’s
tax obligations, pay wages, manage
important to maintain connections to
stock and everything else involved,
an association that’s always supported
while consulting full time, was difficult.
me. They provide me with access
However my greatest concern was that
to the latest information in industry
my work was starting to impact on the
standards and clinical practice. I
time I wanted to spend with my two
passionately believe a collective voice
young children,” he said.
AFTER GRADUATING FROM THE is stronger than a single one and as
“I was also concerned about the such the association can act as a more
UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE IN 1990,
impending competitive market. I felt effective advocate when lobbying on
DEAN JOINED A LONG-ESTABLISHED
the Provision practices needed more our behalf,” Dean said.
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE IN
uniformity to compete, that we needed
BALLARAT. TWO YEARS LATER HE
to act as one. Members could choose We also asked Dean about the sort of
WENT OUT ON HIS OWN, SETTING whichever frames and contact lenses changes he’s noticed in the time he’s
UP HIS OWN PRACTICE IN BALLARAT. they wanted to sell, they could charge been practising.
DEAN JOINED SPECSAVERS AS A whatever prices they wanted, they could
FRANCHISEE IN 2008, WHEN THE “I often reflect on the changes in
choose to bulk-bill or not. That’s really
CORPORATE CHAIN WAS FIRST practice every time I mentor a young
attractive to some optometrists, but I felt
ESTABLISHING ITSELF IN AUSTRALIA. optometrist. It saddens me to see that
we needed more consistency,” Dean said.
HE COMPLETED THE CERTIFICATE IN young optometrists no longer have the
OCULAR THERAPEUTICS IN 2018, AND Next year will be the tenth anniversary exposure to optical labs, technicians
HAS RECENTLY BECOME A CLINICAL of Dean’s practice operating as a and glazing that I have had over my
franchise. career. For the majority of that time I’ve
SUPERVISOR FOR DEAKIN UNIVERSITY.
“I’ve always been insistent my staff worked alongside some brilliant optical
Dean reflected on his decision to set up provide exceptional patient service. That dispensers who have taught me so
his own practice in Ballarat so quickly combined with being able to offer a much about dispensing,” he said.
after graduating. great product at a great price has been We asked Dean what inspired him to
“At the time I thought I was talented and a real success for me. As a franchisee become an optometrist, and what
skilled enough to run my own practice, the company pays and trains my staff, motivates him now.
so I resigned and ventured out solo. In and provides the best marketing I’ve
“My son enters year twelve next year.
hindsight this was a gross mistake as I’d ever seen. I never imagined seeing my
I remember at his age I had no idea
only had two years clinical experience business advertised on the hallowed
what I wanted to do, but I had a brilliant
and next to no business acumen, besides turf of a Lord’s Ashes test. They also
physics teacher who taught me the
a crash course in basic book-keeping my provide me with competitive health fund
basics of light and optics, and I was
mother taught me,” Dean said. relationships and look after all the back-
sold. I’m amazed that such a delicate
room administration of the practice. All
“For years the practice struggled organ like the eye is so essential to life.
that means I’ve been able to spend more
however I knew it was important to keep As opposed to other organs in the body
time watching my kids grow up,” he said.
advancing my business skills by studying a 1mm change in axial length or the
various IT, business and management smallest amount of trauma to a cornea,
“Working as a franchisee enables me
courses. One of these was the graduate lens, retina or optic nerve can be so
to spend more time doing exactly
certificate in business administration devastating to a patient’s sight and
what I was trained to do: optometry.
offered by Provision,” he said. therefore their life,” Dean said.
I’m able to concentrate solely on my
Provision is a group established by patients and my optometry team yet
“The thing that drives me most about
still have control of the day to day
Optometry Australia to help support being an optometrist is that we really
workings of the business,” Dean said.
independent optometrists and their do make a difference to people’s lives,
practices. In 2016 two partners bought into the whether it’s helping a child participate
“Provision was a great group to join business and they opened a second fully in their education or keeping
franchise in Wendouree. an older patient independent. And
as they offered a range of services to
occasionally we’ll see something that
the independent optometrist such as “We have seven full-time optometrists,
will save a patient’s life,” he said.
buying group discounts on purchases, and thirty-three support staff working
and they help you run your business across both practices. Both practices
optometry.org.au 7
MEMBER EVENTS REGIONAL SEMINARS WELL SUPPORTED BY COUNTRY MEMBERS The 2019-20 regional seminar series is focused on Specific details, including how to register, will be available on ensuring members get the most out of their therapeutics the website and through direct emails to local members in endorsement. while also providing insights on when to refer early 2020. and why, and relevant information for members who don’t have therapeutics. During November the seminar has been delivered in Traralgon in Victoria’s east, Warrnambool in the state’s south-west and in the Eyre Peninsula at Port Lincoln in South Australia. Guest speaker and rural optometrist Richard Lenne has provided a case-based approach to the therapeutics refresher, highlighting factors that influence a decision to treat rather than refer a patient, as well as variances in the presentation of Herpetic eye disease and, the immediate and long-term complications of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus. Participants received 6T CPD points (with assessment). The seminar was free for OV/SA members. The seminars will again be delivered in in the first half of 2020 in Mildura and Ballarat in Victoria, and McLaren Vale in South Australia. The seminars will also be held in Melbourne Local members enjoying the regional seminar in Warrnambool. and Adelaide for metropolitan members. ANTERIOR EYE AT THE MELBOURNE MUSEUM POPULAR WITH MEMBERS There was a strong level of interest in the anterior eye seminar held at the Melbourne Museum in mid-November, with approximately 110 members attending on the night. Guest speakers were clinician scientist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne Dr Laura Downie, and optometrist and Senior Clinical Teaching Instructor at the University of Melbourne, Tim Martin. Laura’s presentation focused on current insights and future perspectives regarding Dry Eye disease, while Tim spoke about the use of steroids in anterior eye conditions. Participants received 6T CPD points (with assessment). The seminar was free for OV/SA members. OV/SA members enjoying the seminar at the Melbourne Museum. 8 optometry.org.au
December 2019 sc pe
MEMBER EVENTS
‘BLUE SKY PRESENTS: A DAY IN NOVEMBER’
HITS THE RIGHT NOTE IN ADELAIDE
‘Blue Sky presents: A Day in November’ was the second Participants received up to 18T CPD points (with
one-day mini-conference to be held in Adelaide this year, assessment) for attending the full day.
and it certainly hit the right note with members who came The anterior eye theme continued through the busy trade
from across South Australia as well as interstate. fair, with each of the exhibitors providing relevant products
The clinical theme of the conference was anterior eye. Guest and services for delegates to peruse.
speakers were ophthalmologist Dr Ben Connell, clinician CPR refresher training was provided prior to the conference
scientist Dr Laura Downie and, optometrist and Senior lectures, with approximately twenty members taking
Clinical Teaching Instructor Tim Martin. advantage of the opportunity to update their certificate.
The mini-conference format provided delegates with a full Sundowner drinks at the end of the event provided a great
day of lectures that covered a wide range of topics from opportunity for delegates to relax and network before
topography and dystrophies, to steroids use, to dry eye heading home.
insights and future perspectives, and updates from the DEWS OV/SA thanks our sponsors who provided a terrific trade
II research and resulting diagnostic toolkit. A case-study panel fair, the speakers who delivered such outstanding clinical
with all three speakers was also a highlight of the event. content and the delegates who took time out of their busy
The mini-conference was emceed by Gary Edwards, and a schedules, to attend.
fun theme of ‘Follow the Yellow Brick Road’ and musicals was
a highlight of the event. Libby Boschen led the stretching
exercises with delegates between each program break.
optometry.org.au 9
NATIONAL NEWS
AUSTRALIA SHINES AT THE WORLD CONGRESS
OF OPTOMETRY IN FLORIDA
In November representatives of the also very well received and attracted a
OV/SA secretariat and CPD committee lot of attention and good will.
attended the third World Congress of The OV/SA secretariat and CPD
Optometry (WCO) in Orlando, Florida committee have since met to start
where it was formally announced that planning the 2021 event. While marketing
Australia had won the bid to host the and communications will be central
fourth World Congress in Melbourne in to activities over the coming twelve
2021. months, behind the scenes planning
around the structure and content of the
The key aims of attending the WCO
clinical program, including the possibility
were to generate delegate interest
of abstract submissions, potential event
in the Melbourne 2021 Congress; to
sponsors, speaker identification and
answer questions about Australia as a
decisions regarding operational aspects
destination; to network and extend our
will all be a key focus.
knowledge about the requirements of
the WCO and, to start the process of To stay up to date on the latest
planning for 2021. announcements and key developments
regarding the WCO and O=MEAG21,
The trip was incredibly successful with
visit omega21.com.au to express your
around 500 expressions of interest
interest, and follow the prompts.
obtained from delegates from around
the globe. The Australian booth in the OV/SA thanks the World Council
trade fair was very popular throughout of Optometry and the Melbourne OV/SA CEO Pete Haydon (on right) with
the Congress, with the secretariat staff Convention Bureau who have supported outgoing World Council of Optometry President
highly visible in their Akubra hats and the bid and activities in Orlando, Florida, Scott Mundle (left) and incoming Council
and our key conference partner ODMA. President Paul Folkesson (middle)
outfits that displayed the Australian logo
and branding. Give-aways of mini-koalas, We look forward to keeping members
magnets and other merchandise were updated over the coming months.
The OV/SA secretariat and CPD committee staff shine at the WCO
10 optometry.org.auDecember 2019 sc pe
NATIONAL NEWS
‘ASKING THE QUESTION’ RESOURCE AIMS TO IMPROVE
ACCESS TO EYE CARE SERVICES FOR ABORIGINAL AND
TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLE
Indigenous Eye Health (IEH) at the However barriers of access to, and The Australian Institute of Health and
University of Melbourne has released utilisation of, services remain and Welfare recommends the use of this
a new, national resource aimed at are reflected in lower rates of eye standard national question to identify,
increasing engagement with Aboriginal examinations and treatments, and record and report the status of patients
and Torres Strait Islander patients. inequitable waiting times for Aboriginal of health services. Improving reporting
and Torres Strait Islander People and monitoring of access to eye health
‘Asking the question’ is a simple compared with other Australians. services through identification of
resource that can be used on a
Other health professions are also Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
reception or consulting desk, as a
working towards improving access to status is an essential step to close the
prompt to ensure that the question
health care for Aboriginal and Torres gap for vision.
‘Are you of Aboriginal or Torres
Strait Islander origin?’ is asked. The Strait Islander people. Asking the Optometry Australia has supported
triangular-shaped desktop resource question is recommended best-practice the dissemination of the resource,
is also supported by an ‘Asking the by a number of key medical and health along with RANZCO and Vision 2020
question’ information sheet. organisations, including the Australian Australia.
Indigenous Doctors Association and
Establishing Aboriginal and Torres the Royal Australian College of General The resources build on the work,
Strait Islander status by asking the Practitioners, who note this as a key resources and artwork of North East
question, can have a significant positive element in establishing cultural safety in Healthy Communities and the Victorian
impact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait mainstream practices. Aboriginal Health Service.
Islander eye health outcomes. As well
as enhancing cultural safety, asking the
question can ensure that patients can
access appropriate pathways to care.
While there has been progress in
reducing the eye health gap between
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Peoples and other Australians over the
last decade, there is still more work
to be done. It’s estimated that 94 per
cent of vision loss amongst Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Peoples is
preventable and treatable.
MEDICARE AUDIT LETTERS
FOR 2019
Optometry Australia has advised that However, they do invite the optometrist
Medicare will be sending letters to 158 to voluntarily repay any instances of
optometrists across Australia where inappropriate billing and to contact
their Medicare billing practices have the Department to explain their billing
been flagged as different to that of patterns.
their peers. This could be related to Members who receive a letter are
the use of specific items, or overall encouraged to contact Optometry
number of items billed. Australia’s optometry advisor help
desk. Staffed by optometrists,
The Medicare letter will note that
the team can confidentially assist
the optometrist’s billing patterns are
members to respond to Medicare, in
different to that of their peers, and
the most suitable way.
recommend that the optometrist
review their billing practices. The optometry advisor help desk can
be contacted on (03) 9668 8500 or by
Medicare are not flagging that further
email national@optometry.org.au
investigation of the optometrist’s
billing will be undertaken at that point.
optometry.org.au 11BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Back row (L-R): From L-R: Rowan Prendergast, Murray
Smith (National Director), Allison McKendrick, Anne
Weymouth (Vice-President), Timothy Lo (Treasurer), Elise
Pocknee-Clem (President), Cassandra Haines, Kurt Larsen,
Jason Tan (Associate Director).
The Optometry Victoria South Australia Board welcomes
discussion and input from our members.
If you have an issue or point of discussion you would like to
raise with the Board, please feel free to contact President Elise
Pocknee-Clem directly at e.pockneeclem@optometry.org.au
Alternatively you can reach individual Board members via the
Optometry Victoria South Australia office on (03) 9652 9100
or email office.vicsa@optometry.org.au
SEASON’S GREETINGS
FROM OPTOMETRY VICTORIA SOUTH AUSTRALIA
The Optometry Victoria South Australia office will be closed between
24 December and 6 January, however members can contact staff during this period by
calling the office phone number (03) 9652 9100.
The staff and Board of Optometry Victoria South Australia wish all of our members a safe and
happy festive season, and we look forward to working with you all again in 2020.
28 Drummond Street, EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES DESIGNED & PRINTED BY
Carlton, Victoria, 3053. Michelle Marven Adcore Creative
Ph: (03) 9652 9100 (03) 9652 9107 (03) 9348 4744
E: office.vicsa@optometry.org.au m.marven@optometry.org.au adcore.com.au
W: optometry.org.au
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