Insight November 2025

A new standard in ocular hygiene is coming

TAKING STOCK OF NATION'S EYE HEALTH

The first national survey in almost a decade highlights lack of access to services as major risk for vision loss

With Hyaluronic Acid & Aloe Vera

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EYEWEAR TRENDS: FRAMING THE FUTURE Industry leaders offer their insights about what the sector is likely to face in the new year and beyond

MED MEETS TECH IN NETWORK ROADSHOW

Optometrists get to grips with new gadgets and technology set to land in their practices

Specsavers has officially been named the 4th Best Workplace in Australia by Great Place To Work® – a testament to our vibrant, inclusive, and people-first culture.

This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional eyecare while creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and inspired to grow.

Join a team that’s setting the standard – in eyecare and in culture.

Explore careers at spectrum-anz.com/careers-at-specsavers

LANDMARK AUSSIE SURVEY: VISION PROBLEMS REDUCED BUT REMOTENESS ‘STRONGEST RISK’

First the good news: Rates of vision impairment have gone down in Australia over the past decade.

That was a key finding in the Australian Eye and Ear Health Survey (AEEHS), released by Health and Ageing Minister Mr Mark Butler in Canberra on 9 October, World Sight Day.

But the bad news was that, despite improvements for both indigenous and non-indigenous Australians, the former was still at much greater risk of vision impairment and loss, and the gap between the two had remained unchanged.

Also, the report revealed that the lack of access to eyecare services, especially for those people living in remote areas of Australia, was now the “strongest risk factor” for bilateral vision impairment or blindness.

The landmark survey, which

included ear health and hearing loss for the first time, involved the examination of 4,519 Australians at 30 randomly selected sites across the six states and two territories between August 2022 and March 2025.

It built on the data from the National Eye Health Survey (NEHS) in 2015 and 2016 and added advanced ophthalmic imaging to define eye conditions in greater detail.

It found an age-standardised prevalence of bilateral vision impairment of 10.9% for indigenous participants and 3.8% for non-indigenous participants. These were lower than the 13.6% and 4.6% recorded in the earlier survey.

“This suggests there has been a small reduction in the prevalence of bilateral vision impairment among both indigenous (-2.7%) and non-indigenous Australians

The national survey involved more than 4500 Australians. Image: primipil/stock.adobe.com.

(-0.8%) over the intervening 8-9 years between the two surveys,” said the AEEHS report.

But the gap remained similar, with almost three-fold higher rates in indigenous compared to non-indigenous Australians.

It said the main causes of that bilateral vision impairment were similar for both groups, with uncorrected refractive error being the main issue for indigenous Aussies, followed by cataract and diabetic retinopathy. In the

OPHTHALMOLOGISTS HIGHEST PAID – SECOND YEAR RUNNING

Ophthalmologists have again found themselves at the top of the list after the release of the latest income data from the Australian Tax Office (ATO).

The ATO figures for 2022-23 show that not only were male ophthalmologists the highest paid professionals in Australia, with an average taxable income of $758,984, they were nearly $100,000 clear of the second group – male neurosurgeons on $658,996.

And ophthalmologists as a group, when also accounting for female professionals with an average income of $393,035, were the third highest paid cohort at $643,389 (but the highest paid overall when grouping men and women).

This marks the second year in a row that ophthalmology has been the highest paid profession in the country.

In 2021-22, data revealed that they made $644,898 on average, which, at the time, was a 9% jump on the previous year.

Within that, Australia’s 424 male ophthalmologists had an average taxable income of $756,832 (median $532,388), which was around $50,000 (7.5%) more than the year before.

For the 184 female ophthalmologists, the 2021-22 number was $386,964 (median $252,347), equating to around $40,000 (11.8%) more for 2022-23.

While the latest data reveals

Ophthalmologists are Australia’s highest paid professionals. Image: millefloreimages/stock.adobe.com.

non-indigenous population, uncorrected refractive error was also the top contributor, followed by cataract and age-related macular degeneration.

Major risk factors identified in the survey included living in remote or very remote areas – “the strongest risk factor, affecting both indigenous and non-indigenous participants” –increasing age and diabetes.

“Most bilateral vision impairment/blindness in both indigenous and non-indigenous Australians aged 50 years or older was found in remote geographical settings . . . while the lowest rates were found in outer regional areas for indigenous Australians (6.3%), and inner regional areas for non-indigenous Australians (1.8%).”

that the average annual income for a male ophthalmologist is more than three-quarters of a million dollars, it’s a very different picture for others in the optical sector.

ATO’s figures show incomes for optometrists rose 1.5% between 2021-22 and 2022-23, with the average income for the country’s 5,297 professionals increasing from

continued page 8

Australian manufacturer Medmont has launched a new addition to its formidable suite of Meridia topographers – the Vantage. Contact lens manufacturing expert Randy Kojima was involved in its creation and says its quality and accuracy in scleral mapping will only enhance the line’s reputation.

page 28

IN THIS ISSUE

This year’s Specsavers Clinical Conference (SCC) was another reminder that the modern optometrist’s role extends far beyond refractions.

It reinforced how optometry is tipping further into chronic disease management, and its role in broader health, particularly with the rise of systemic metabolic diseases.

That vision of the future was followed up in EssilorLuxottica's Eyecare Immersion roadshows around ANZ, which focused on med-tech and dry eye disease.

Regards SCC, optometrists of a bygone era would be baffled to hear about weight-loss drugs, let alone their relevance to eyecare. Yet here we are, with neuro-ophthalmologist Dr Kate Reid turning heads (see page 33) with her talk on GLP-1 receptor agonists in diabetes and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) –diseases optometrists now help manage. That shift is evident in myopia too. Treating this purely as a refraction problem now provokes the professional ire of leading optometrists. As Dr Kate Gifford stressed at SCC, early intervention not only preserves sight and eye health, but reduces long-term costs to patients and health systems.

On the equipment front, the phoropter remains a mainstay in consulting rooms, but with almost 300 diseases manifesting in the eye, it’s no longer the centrepiece. The retina is – with OCT now standard, and ultra-widefield retinal imaging heading the same way.

Looking ahead, Optometry Australia (OA) has outlined a 2040 vision of a multi-tiered profession with specialisations, including neurosensory care using retinal imaging for neurological conditions. It also sees optometrists embedded within primary and specialist care networks.

Initiatives such as OA’s Advanced Pathway for Recognition (APR), beginning with glaucoma credentialling, already lay the foundation. Plus, there’s an ever-present push for oral therapeutics prescribing rights.

Elsewhere, new models are emerging, including dedicated clinics for dry eye, high myopia and neurodivergent paediatric cases. And we’re seeing more providers add audiology to their offering.

As technology, therapeutics and training advance, we’re seeing the profession redefine itself – not just as guardians of vision, but as vital contributors to whole-of-body health.

MYLES HUME Editor

Just as Insight went to print, US company HORIZON SURGICAL SYSTEMS announced what it claims is the first cataract surgery performed using robotics and AI. It said the milestone procedure was completed by Dr Uday Devgan, a world-renowned cataract surgeon based in Los Angeles, “marking a pivotal step toward a new standard of precision and safety in eye surgery”. The company said its Polaris robotic-assisted platform was the first system purpose-built for ophthalmology that fused AI-driven visualisation with micro-robotic control, aiming to reduce variability, increase precision, and integrate seamlessly into established operating room workflows. IN OTHER NEWS , the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) has taken the operating theatre to Canberra, using its second Eye Surgery Showcase at Parliament House

UPFRONT STAT

WEIRD

A new study has found that all tested commercial lubricant eyedrops contained microplastic contamination, raising questions about product safety and packaging standards in ophthalmic care. Published in Eye (2025), the pilot study by researchers from Singapore and Australia provides the most detailed quantification to date of microplastic contamination in over-the-counter tear-replacement solutions packaged in single-use plastic vials. Every product tested contained microplastics, with the number of detected particles ranging from as few as 15 to more than 18,000 per millilitre of solution.

WONDERFUL

Finnish company IXI, founded in 2021 to “create eyewear that provides optimal vision in every situation”, says it is closer than ever to its goal of bringing the world’s first autofocus lenses to commercialisation. In SILMO, the international gathering of the optical and eyewear sector recently held in Paris, it announced it had acquired the lens manufacturing and development facility of Finnsusp in Finland and had also entered into a long-term strategic partnership with OptiSwiss, one of Europe’s leading independent lens manufacturers.

WACKY

A man in the United Statess has turned to an unusual source for a second opinion after finding a tiny black spot in his peripheral vision. Still concerned after an ophthalmologist told him there was nothing to see, Stephen Suprise put his symptoms, including a drooping eye he noticed in a selfie, into ChatGPT. It replied that this could be something serious and should be checked out. Sadly that proved correct: he was diagnosed with cancer and needed chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

to show politicians how ophthalmologists and the medical technology industry are working together. Politicians present included Ms Libby Coker MP and Senator for Victoria, Ms Jane Hume, both from the Parliamentary Friends of Eye Health Group. The ASO also used the event to remind lawmakers that unaddressed and treatable blindness and vision impairment would continue to increase in Australia if something did not change. FINALLY, the World Health Organisation has issued a new global report calling for urgent, coordinated action to curb the rising prevalence of myopia. It projects that by 2050, half the world’s population will be myopic and one in 10 will have high myopia, dramatically increasing the risk of sight-threatening eye disease and productivity loss. It highlighted research showing that even a one-diopter reduction in myopia progression could lower the risk of myopic maculopathy by 40%.

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Helping drivers see in the dark

According to the Australian/New Zealand standards, only category 0 tints (3–20%) are suitable for night driving. Page 53

WHAT'S ON

THIS MONTH RANZCO CONGRESS 14 – 17 November

This year’s speaker line-up includes experts from Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, India, the UK and Brazil, ensuring a global perspective on the latest advancements in ophthalmology. ranzco2025.com

Complete calendar page 56

NEXT MONTH 18TH CONGRESS OF THE APVRS 12 – 14 December

To be held in Manila, Philippines, this event will bring together leading global vitreoretinal experts. 2025.apvrs.org

The Publisher reserves the right to alter or omit any article or advertisement submitted and requires indemnity from the advertisers and contributors against damages or liabilities that arise from material published. © Copyright –No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the permission of the publisher.

HIGH RATES OF VISION LOSS 'UNACCEPTABLE'

continued from page 3

The report pointed out that “many of these risk or protective factors are modifiable, suggesting areas where health promotion initiatives could be better targeted”.

These included programs to “mitigate geographical barriers to eyecare” and deliver more services to communities in remote and rural Australia.

“Protective factors such as access to private health insurance and improved educational opportunities for disadvantaged families could further reduce these health inequities.”

The report also advocated for earlier screening, diagnosis and treatment to prevent vision loss.

That’s one of the factors promoted by organisations such as Optometry Australia (OA).

It said it was encouraged to see the “modest” improvements in rates of vision impairment in the past decade.

That reflected targeted efforts by governments, optometrists and partner organisations to strengthen access to eyecare, said CEO Ms Skye Cappuccio.

“While we acknowledge progress over the past decade and note the success of targeted outreach and prevention programs . . . it is clear that much more needs to be done to

ensure universal, equitable access to eyecare services,” she said.

The research behind the report had found that an eye examination within the last 12 months significantly reduced the risk of bilateral vision impairment.

That was why, in the lead-up to the last Federal Election, OA had called on the Federal Government to reinstate Medicare-subsidised eye exams every two years for all Australians under 65.

of eyecare should not be influenced by where you live.

Image: ASO.

“This sensible change continues to be subject to lengthy Medical Services Advisory Committee processes and we continue to call on the Federal Government to expedite this recommendation.”

She said the gap in eyecare access remained largely unchanged because many of its drivers were structural and systemic.

“We must also prioritise the development of innovative solutions which address [workforce] maldistribution and strengthen access to primary eye health services.

“This includes increasing investment into outreach services that connect communities with ongoing, culturally appropriate care and support self-determined models of care that empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in eye health service delivery.”

Professor Ashish Agar, vice president of the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO), said it was “unacceptable that we still have such high rates of vision loss” in indigenous communities.

The ASO welcomed the news that cataract surgery coverage among indigenous people had improved from 61.5 to 87.6% but noted the report’s warning that remoteness, workforce shortages and short-term funding cycles continued to limit access to equitable care.

It was calling on the government to “urgently address” the widening gap in eye health.

ASO CEO Ms Katrina Ronne said:

“We cannot accept preventable blindness as an inevitability of geography or heritage. The ASO is calling for long-term, stable funding to keep services contributing to the ongoing wellbeing of First Nations communities alive.”

The AEEHS was delivered by the Westmead Institute for Medical Research in collaboration with partner universities and organisations across the sector. It was funded by the Australian Government, with additional support from the Martin Lee Centre for Innovations in Hearing Health at Macquarie University and Vision 2020 Australia.

SALARIES ‘STAGNATING’ FOR OPTOMETRISTS, SAYS OA

continued from page 3

$102,773 to $104,353.

In the latest data, 2,057 male optometrists made an average of $120,015 and the 3,240 females $94,409.

The rise in 2022-23 followed a 3.7% drop in the previous year.

Optometry Australia (OA) said its own survey of 770 members showed that salaries had not kept up with inflation over the past few years.

CEO Ms Skye Cappuccio said: “Stagnating wages can be seen as symptomatic of workforce oversupply, with some impact from the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.”

That was why OA had taken a strong stance against the introduction of any new optometry programs in the short term.

“We must avoid further expansion of the workforce while improving how we utilise the existing highly skilled optometry workforce to meet

unmet community need.

“These findings reinforce the need for prompt, considered action.”

The data revealed the average incomes in other roles in Australia’s optical sector. It showed that orthoptists experienced a rise of 5.7% on the previous year, with the average income for 1,061 people increasing to $73,526, with 131 male staff on $87,344 and 930 females making $71,580.

Optical dispensers had a similar rise, with their average income in 2022-23 rising 6.8%, to $45,490 for the 7,127 staff, from $42,561 made the previous year.

The 1,566 male optical dispensers made an average of $52,330 ($48,512 in 2021-22) and the 5581 females $43,571 ($40,944).

In August, Optical Dispensers Australia CEO Ms April Petrusma said the organisation was concerned about low wages.

“The combination of low pay, high workload, and limited recognition

OA CEO Skye Cappuccio is seeking prompt action. Image: OA.

is leading to dissatisfaction and burnout,” she said at the time.

ODA's own polling had revealed that over 70% of dispensers felt they were not being fairly compensated.

Of others in the sector, optical mechanics made an average of $67,631 among its 488 members, up from $64,824 in 2021-22, with 306 males on $69,992 and 182 females $63,663.

The average taxable income of practice managers in the health sector was $83,534 in the 2022-23 year, up slightly from $83,205 a year earlier, with males making $105,059 and females $80,695.

In the area of medical and pharmaceutical product sales, the average income appears to have taken a significant dip, its 1459 participants making $110,584, down 11.5% on the 2021-22 average income of $124,903. Men made more than women, at $126,373 to $101,362.

NEW HYGIENE DAILY EYELID WIPES LAUNCHING IN JANUARY 2026 FROM B+L

Bausch + Lomb has announced the upcoming Australian launch of Blink Hygiene Daily Eyelid Wipes, due in January 2026. The product marks the company’s expansion of its Blink portfolio beyond dry eye management and into eyelid hygiene – an increasingly important area in ocular surface care.

The sterile, single-use wipes are the first on the market to be indicated for allergies, inflammation, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, and pre- and post-surgical eyelid hygiene.

Bausch + Lomb said the formulation was designed to provide a convenient and clinically relevant option for daily lid care that supportsed both comfort and compliance.

Eyelid hygiene is often overlooked by patients. The eyelid margin is regularly exposed to oils, bacteria, and environmental irritants, which can contribute to conditions such as blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, and infection.

Bausch + Lomb said traditional

cleaning approaches, including warm compresses, diluted baby shampoo, or cotton pad scrubs, can be effective but are often inconvenient or irritating, leading to inconsistent patient adherence. For post-surgical patients, eyelid hygiene could be even more difficult, as the periocular area must be kept clean without direct contact or wetting.

Blink Hygiene Daily Eyelid Wipes simplifed this process by providing individually packaged, sterile wipes suitable for daily use or as directed by an eyecare professional. Each wipe was alcohol-free, paraben-free,

latex-free, and perfume-free, making it suitable for sensitive eyes, contact lens wearers, adults, and children. The formulation included hyaluronic acid to hydrate, aloe vera to soothe irritation, allantoin to support comfort, and bio glycerol to maintain moisture balance. The wipes could also be warmed to loosen secretions or chilled to relieve inflammation and irritation, offering versatility for both routine and clinical applications.

The new product represented the first in the Blink Hygiene sub-range, broadening the Blink brand’s focus from dry eye relief to comprehensive eyelid and ocular surface care.

Bausch + Lomb said this expansion provided clinicians with a more complete toolkit for managing eyelid conditions and supporting surgical recovery.

Blink Hygiene Daily Eyelid Wipes will be available to Australian eyecare professionals and patients from January 2026. For further information, contact Bausch + Lomb Australia on 1800 251 150.

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IN BRIEF

TOP OF THE WORLD

Britain’s Dr Cindy Tromans has been appointed president of the World Council of Optometry (WCO). She shared her vision for the future at the WCO’s 2025 virtual general assembly on September 30, emphasising the importance of optometry’s voice being both heard and acted upon. “We need to ensure that the potential of optometry is understood to provide sustainable, affordable, and equitable eyecare,” she said. The WCO thanked Australian Professor Peter Hendicott, president between 2021 and 2023, for his “dedication, time, expertise, and strategic insight he brought to the organisation” on its presidents group and board of directors.

NETWORK EXPANDS

National Pharmacies has opened its 20th optical store in Australia, its first new location in seven years, as demand for prescription lenses continues to grow amid increased screen time and an ageing population. It said the “milestone” Optical by National Pharmacies store in North Adelaide was located in the health hub of a multi-million-dollar residential and commercial complex on an inner-city landmark site. Senior manager Mr David Tassotti said: “With factors like an ageing population, rising myopia rates, and a growing focus on preventative care, the prescription eyewear industry is set for continued expansion, and we’re proud to be part of that journey.”

WORLD-FIRST FOR AI

Autonomous AI technology for detection of eye disease is to be used in Norway, in what is thought to be the first time in the world that such a program has been used in a national health system. Eyenuk, a US company developing AI-powered eye screening, said its EyeArt AI Eye Screening System had been chosen for deployment in the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority. There were plans to scale its use across Norway’s National Health System in the coming years, it said. The EyeArt AI system enables automated grading of retinal images in under 30 seconds, without requiring an ophthalmologist’s review. Results are stored directly in the national electronic medical record system, ensuring seamless integration into patient care pathways.

FUTURE A KEY FOCUS AT SILMO PARIS TRADE EVENT

SILMO Paris, one of the world’s premier optical trade events, has wrapped for the year, after taking a close look at the future of the sector.

The event, between September 26 and 29, brought together more than 33,000 professionals, with more than half of those from overseas.

A media release said this was a 6.5% increase in attendees. More than 900 companies showcased their products and innovation.

That innovation was front of stage, with artificial intelligence (AI) being a key focus as part of the overall theme of the event – Futurology.

“AI is already transforming the optical sector,” the release said.

That was about “connected eyewear, automated examinations, virtual reality, and intelligent store management”.

Futurology and the event’s Village Tech “embodied the bridge between research, technology and professional practice, inviting visitors to envision the future of optics”.

SILMO’s Trends Forum offered an

“immersive experience” revealing the shapes, colours and materials shaping contemporary eyewear. The forum highlighted:

• The return of reinvented icons.

• The quest for lightness and serenity.

• A charismatic and assertive allure.

• The energy of exploratory graphics. There were awards too.

Among the winners in SILMO’s various categories were Rodenstock’s B.I.G Exact Sensitive lenses in the Vision section and EssilorLuxottica’s Nuance Audio in Glasses Smart Eyewear. Frames awarded included Design Eyewear Group’s ‘Flare’ Face à Face.

LIFT YOUR GAME, ASO TELLS AUSSIE HEALTH INSURERS

The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) is calling on insurers to “lift their game” as part of its support of Health Minister Mark Butler’s demand for insurers to deliver better value and greater accountability.

Minister Butler criticised insurers recently for failing to meet the expected 87% return-to-service benchmark and announced plans for a new “consumer value and market integrity” test when assessing premium increases.

He highlighed “phoenixing”, where insurers retire gold-tier policies only to reintroduce near-identical, higher-priced products.

The minister also highlighted mounting pressure on private hospitals, with profit margins plummeting from 5.1% in 2020–21 to just 0.1% in 2023–24, as investment in the sector continues to decline.

In a media release, ASO president Dr Peter Sumich said the minister’s comments echoed long-held concerns from the medical community.

“Private health insurers have an obligation to return value to their members and support the hospitals and doctors who deliver essential care,” he said.

“When less than the expected benchmark is returned to services, patients ultimately pay the price. Greater accountability is urgently needed.

“We are seeing private hospitals under extreme pressure, with margins falling to near zero. This creates real risks for patients, doctors, and the sustainability of the entire private system.

“If insurers don’t lift their game, the sector will continue to bleed investment.”

In the release, the ASO also said that managed care, often promoted as cost-saving, came with serious risks for patients, including reduced choice of doctors and hospitals, out-of-network penalties, treatment delays due to pre-authorisations, and potential conflicts of interest where profits are prioritised over patient care.

The ASO had joined the Australian Medical Association and Australian Private Hospitals Association and many others in backing the push for greater insurer accountability and would continue to advocate for reforms that protect both practitioners and patients.

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AUSSIE STUDY: EYE DROPS COULD ‘TRANSFORM’ DISEASE TREATMENT

A new eyedrop developed in Australia has shown early success in delivering protective compounds to the eye and raised hopes for less invasive treatment of serious vision conditions.

A media release said the research, led by RMIT University, was focused on retinal diseases, especially age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

ESSILORLUXOTTICA AND META UNVEIL NEXT GEN AI EYEWEAR

EssilorLuxottica and Meta have expanded their wearables portfolio, unveiling three new AI glasses at Meta Connect that “push the boundaries” of eyewear design, functionality, and integration.

Meta Connect, which took place on 17-18 September, is a two-day, livestream event featuring the latest innovations in AI glasses, metaverse technologies and beyond.

• Nine hours of typical mixed-use battery life (plus 36 hours via charging case)

The updated Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) delivers:

• E xtended 8-hour battery life

• Ultra-wide 12MP camera capturing 3K ultra-HD video

• E xpanded range of styles and colours

The researchers investigated delivering lutein, a protective antioxidant compound found in Gac fruit, to the back of the eye to support retinal health and potentially slow or prevent damage.

The release said that in pre-clinical mice studies supported by the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA), the formula reached the back of the eye, which is currently only accessible through injections, and kept the active compound stable for months at room temperature.

The team demonstrated that lutein delivered using their new formulation protected retinal cells from stress and damage linked to vision loss, RMIT said.

Dr Dao Nguyen, who co-led the research, said the formulation could help delevlop more patient-friendly therapies.

“Frequent eye injections are uncomfortable and can be distressing for patients,” said Dr Nguyen.

“If the formulation works, people could use the eyedrop as a preventative measure that could reduce the risk of developing late-stage diseases and the need for injections.

“Our eye drop formula is designed to treat early stages of age-related macular degeneration in a way that’s far easier to use, but it will take further research and clinical trials before it can reach people.”

She said the eye drops would not replace injections.

Dr Dao Nguyen examines a vial of lutein formulation developed for potential use in eyedrop treatments.

Image: Will Wright, RMIT University.

Meta’s partnership with EssilorLuxottica, which has already delivered the world’s top-selling AI eyewear Ray-Ban Meta and the sport-focused Oakley Meta HSTN, is now introducing Oakley Meta Vanguard, Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2), and the new Meta Ray-Ban Display. Building on Oakley Meta HSTN, the new Oakley Meta Vanguard introduces what the companies describe as the era of “athletic intelligence”. Its features include:

• 12MP ultra-wide camera with 122° field of view

• High-decibel open-ear speakers with wind noise reduction

• IP67 water and dust resistance, optimised for endurance sports

• Integration with Garmin and Strava for real-time performance insights

• Availability with prescription and Transitions Gen S

Meta also announced

Conversation Focus, an upcoming AI-driven feature that enhances speech clarity by amplifying the voice of a conversation partner against ambient background noise in busy environments.

The most advanced release is Meta Ray-Ban Display, which integrates a discreet full-colour visual display into the right lens.

Available from 30 September in the US, the device is slated for rollout in Canada, France, Italy, and the UK in early 2026.

EssilorLuxottica CEO Mr Francesco Milleri described the launch as the “next horizon” for consumer eyewear, highlighting the blending of advanced lens technology with AI capability.

STUDY INTO IOLS REVEALS BIG PUBLIC HEALTH COST SAVING

There was an annual multi-million dollar saving. Image: Mostafa Eissa/ stock.adobe.com

A study has highlighted the significant cost savings that could be achieved in Britain’s NHS cataract services by shifting from hydrophilic to hydrophobic intraocular lenses (IOLs).

The analysis reveals that increased use of hydrophobic IOLs could cut the incidence of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) – and reduce the need for costly YAG laser capsulotomies – resulting in savings of up to £13 million per year.

PCO remains one of the most common long-term complications following cataract surgery. The study, which used data from the National Ophthalmology Database (NOD), NHS Spend Comparison Service, and Payment by Results tariffs, compared the financial outcomes of hydrophilic versus hydrophobic IOLs over a nine-year period post-surgery.

The findings show that the cumulative cost per case,

including the initial IOL and any subsequent YAG laser treatment, was significantly higher for hydrophilic lenses at £148.73, compared with £107.58 for hydrophobic IOLs.

Despite these findings, hydrophilic IOLs were still used in 52% of NHS cataract surgeries reported to the NOD in 2022, compared with 46% for hydrophobic IOLs.

According to the study’s modelling, if all hydrophilic IOLs used in that period had been replaced with hydrophobic alternatives, the NHS could have saved an estimated £13 million (range: £10.7–£15.6 million) by avoiding a substantial number of YAG laser procedures.

The authors concluded that while hydrophilic lenses remain widely used across NHS-funded cataract services in England, switching to hydrophobic IOLs presents a compelling opportunity to both improve patient outcomes and reduce long-term healthcare costs.

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Building culture in independent optometry

New research into independent optometry practices reveals how teamwork, recognition, and patient-first values underpin strong workplace culture, while challenges in innovation and resourcing remain.

When Queensland optometrist

Ms Shaina Zheng embarked on a Master of Business Administration (MBA), she didn’t expect one of her assignments to spark such a relevant conversation for Australian optometry. Yet her decision to focus her integrated workplace project on workplace culture in independent optometry has provided rare insights into how small practices foster collaboration, recognition, and patient-first care – and where challenges remain.

Zheng has worked at Eyecare Plus Mermaid Beach since 2017, where she and her husband are co-owners. Balancing practice ownership with family life, she gradually shifted toward the business side of optometry. That transition opened her eyes to a gap in the profession.

“Workplace culture wasn’t something I’d ever been exposed to during university,” she says. “It’s only in recent years that I even came across the term – and I realised how little we talk about it in optometry.”

As part of her MBA, Zheng designed a survey exploring culture across independent practices. While workforce surveys earlier in 2025 revealed troubling dissatisfaction among optometrists who felt “unheard and unsupported”, she suspected the independent sector might tell a different story. Her project set out to test that hypothesis with data rather than assumption.

CASTING A WIDE NET

Unlike many professional surveys, Zheng’s was not limited to optometrists. She invited participation from all roles within independent practices: optical dispensers, receptionists, managers, owners, and clinicians.

“I wanted the results to reflect culture as a whole,” she explains. “It’s not just about one role. In a small practice, every team member contributes to the culture, and everyone feels it if things aren’t working.”

Distributed through networks such as Eyecare Plus, industry media, and professional groups, the survey asked respondents to rate 10 cultural domains –including teamwork, recognition, innovation, and staffing resources – on a seven-point scale from “never” to “always”.

The results, Zheng says, were “overwhelmingly positive”. All 10 domains scored significantly above neutral with an agree or above threshold, with seven reaching a high-confidence positive rating even under stricter analysis.

For a profession grappling with workforce

WORKPLACE CULTURE IN INDEPENDENT OPTOMETRY

Financial or staffing pressures limit our ability to give best care for patients

I feel empowered to suggest improvements to patient care

I feel included and respected by colleagues regardless of my role

I feel safe to speak up about ideas or concerns in this practice

The survey asked respondents to rate teamwork, recognition, innovation, and staffing resources.

pressures, this was heartening. “It was really encouraging to see independent practices scoring well across the board,” she says. “It suggests there’s something about the independent environment that supports positive culture.”

Among the strongest findings were teamwork and recognition.

Respondents frequently described their practices as feeling “like family”. Many cited examples of colleagues stepping in to help each other, without letting the team down.

“In a healthy workplace culture, if someone is struggling, others step up,” Zheng explains. “That came through strongly in the comments.”

This sense of mutual support contributes to wellbeing and retention – critical factors for a sector facing workforce shortages. Small teams, she notes, often foster closer bonds that translate into resilience.

One survey participant captured it well: “All staff members feel like family.”

Recognition also emerged as a major driver of motivation and loyalty. But Zheng emphasises it doesn’t have to mean grand gestures or formal reviews.

“The research, and my own experience, shows the value of recognising strengths and contributions day-to-day,” she says. “It could be as simple as acknowledging how someone’s strengths add value to the team.”

She encourages owners and managers to make recognition an ongoing habit rather than something reserved for annual performance reviews. “Continual conversations are more personal.”

PATIENT-FIRST CARE AND THE RESOURCING CHALLENGE

Another theme was the link between patient-first care and workplace culture. While many respondents celebrated the autonomy to prioritise patient needs without strict financial KPIs, some voiced frustration at resource constraints.

"We found that independent practices have a positive workplace culture. It shows that the independent pathway is a strong and positive career choice that offers supportive and resilient workplaces."

Shaina Zheng Study lead

Medicare fees were a recurring concern. “Several respondents expressed a desire to provide better care – like upgrading equipment – but felt they couldn’t afford it,” Zheng explains.

For some practices, this tension between aspiration and resources created limitations to innovation or high-quality patient care. Yet the majority still highlighted the independence from corporate-style KPIs as a positive, enabling them to focus on patient outcomes over sales targets.

“I found it interesting that many participants consistently described the absence of financial KPIs as a supportive or motivating aspect of their workplace culture,” Zheng reflects. “They felt free to recommend what was best for the patient. But at the same time, without some form of measurement, sustainability and innovation can become difficult. It’s about finding balance.”

In fact, innovation and growth mindset – alongside with financial and staffing resources – was one of only three domains that did not achieve strong significance with a stricter strongly agree or greater threshold was applied.

Zheng attributes this to the structural limitations of small independents. “Without the economies of scale that corporates enjoy, it can be harder for independents to invest in the latest diagnostic technology

or product lines,” she says.

Membership in networks like Eyecare Plus helps bridge that gap by enabling sharing of knowledge and resources. “Looking back, the support we received was vital in making our independent journey more manageable,” she reflects. “Having role models, people to ask questions of, and opportunities to learn from others has been invaluable.”

One of her biggest takeaways is the need to make culture visible. The research shows many independents already cultivate positive environments – and this shows there is an opportunity to make culture measurable, potentially through cultural KPIs.

“If we can make culture something we actively resource and measure, we can strengthen it further,” she says.

She also sees potential for independents to model best practice for the wider profession. “If principles like teamwork, recognition and patient focused care are contributing to positive culture in independents, perhaps those lessons could be applied more broadly across optometry.”

A CAREER PATHWAY WORTH PROMOTING

For Zheng, the findings highlight an opportunity to reframe the independent pathway as a compelling career choice.

“When I graduated, the corporate pathways were the most visible. We didn’t really hear

Who is Shaina Zheng?

Shaina Zheng BOptom MBA GAICD is a co-owner optometrist at Eyecare Plus Mermaid Beach in Queensland and Vice President of The Dry Eye Society, where she contributes to professional education, clinical best practice, and industry collaboration.

Her formal research at QUT led to the development of the Positive Optometry Culture Framework, an evidence-based model for building high-performing, psychologically safe teams. She is also the founder of Impact Culture Group, an initiative applying this framework across healthcare to support team wellbeing, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen sustainable models of care.

much from independents at university,” she recalls. “But this survey shows independents can offer supportive, resilient workplaces. That’s something worth promoting to the next generation.”

By demonstrating measurable positive workplace culture, independents could attract more clinicians who are seeking workplaces where collaboration, recognition, and patient care come first.

“Ultimately,” Zheng says, “Independents demonstrate that a positive workplace culture is achievable. By serving as role models, they help elevate standards across the sector.”

A positive, supportive power duo

If there is strength in diversity, then two married optometry practice owners in Western Australia are an absolute power couple, harnessing their very different talents to make a real difference in the wider family that is their community.

Dr Stephanie Yeo doesn’t do anything by halves.

Not only is she a decorated optometrist, researcher, business owner, PhD candidate, author of scientific material, and mother of two.

Dr Yeo is also a musician (at the time of writing she was preparing for a trip to play the cello at Sydney Opera House).

And when she became a Civil Aviation Safety Authority-certified practitioner, a certificate on the wall wasn’t enough.

The self-described ‘nerdy’ optometrist, who is “painfully curious in everything”, had to have flying lessons to get a greater sense of a pilot’s role and the requirements placed on their vision.

Husband Mr Lionel Lim doesn’t have his wife’s long list of optical industry qualifications.

He’s no cellist but neither does he play second fiddle in a powerful partnership that is E Eye Place, which is developing its second Western Australia eyecare practice and working towards plans for a third, which will take their business in a new direction.

Lim’s strength comes from the honest recognition of his own limitations and value in other areas.

The couple met while studying for their optometry diplomas at Singapore Polytechnic. But while the woman who would later be his wife swept all before her with an intense focus and passion for the subject, Lim had to concede that maybe his talents lay elsewhere.

“I realised that I wasn’t a very good optometrist,” he says.

No matter, Lim had a head for numbers, business and commercial opportunities. He earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of WA, majoring in finance (corporate and investment) and marketing.

A career in banking followed – four years with plenty of recognition and a number of awards.

But the couple wanted to start a family, “and by my experience of working in the banks, along with my underlying chronic health issues, I realised that would not have been possible – it takes out a lot of time, a lot of travel. We decided that that wasn't what we wanted”.

What they also realised was that there were tremendous opportunities in optometry.

One of those was working towards a partnership in a corporate network.

“Everyone was saying it's such a good offer, you should pick it up,” Dr Yeo says.

Lim looked at the books, Dr Yeo considered what she wanted to achieve clinically, and they decided the better opportunity was in striking out on their own.

“I decided that for what I would like to practise, full-scope optometry with autonomy, it wasn't the right thing for us,” she says. “So we basically just went against the grain and against the convention, I suppose, and we said that we're going to try it, and if we fail, that's fine.”

The pair put their savings into opening their first practice in 2016, in the coastal Perth suburb of Port Coogee. It was a greenfield business in a new shopping mall, where they offer full-scope optometry services and a strong focus on dry eye, myopia control and in-house lens edging.

But it was the next move that indicated the power of their partnership and the depth of

inland from Port Coogee.

“It’s an older area, a mature suburb where the previous owner had operated for over 40 years,” says Lim.

That meant they had a good number of established patients. But it also meant that many of the practice’s methods and much of its infrastructure were outdated.

“It did not have a web page, it had paper cards, was still using phone recalls and sending out letters.”

Lim and Dr Yeo saw an opportunity to grow the patient base as well as the footprint of the property.

“It was very under-utilised,” says Lim. “It was your typical outer-suburban standalone property that was converted to a consulting room, so we put in money to actually renovate the whole thing, make it youth friendly, and more accessible for elderly.

“We see a lot of pathology such as keratoconus, glaucoma and macular degeneration,” says Dr Yeo. “So we do a bit of co-management with the specialists as well. It's full-scope optometry.”

That renovation has developed into a multidisciplinary five-room practice, with three of the rooms used by other health professionals, including a chiropractor and a psychologist.

Far from failing, success clinically and commercially has spurred the pair to push on with plans for a third practice that will extend their healthcare vision even further.

Fired by her fierce curiosity and his eye for commercial opportunity, they are working on something “even bigger in terms of its scope”.

They are taking what they have learned in opening a greenfield optometry practice and then establishing a multidisciplinary health centre to develop an interdisciplinary model.

extrapolate that to becoming interdisciplinarian, with GP services and other allied health services.”

Still in development, the idea is to establish a “one-stop shop” for patients.

“So, for instance, someone has diabetes,” says Dr Yeo. “They would come in and have their routine systemic health check with their GP, then an eye test, a hearing test . . . it's about that patient's journey; they're not visiting just for one thing.”

They may be in the planning stage, but you wouldn’t bet against them executing that vision.

At the heart of this great endeavour is a mutual respect for what they each bring to their business partnership. And clear boundaries for what happens outside it.

“I'm supportive of Steph’s work in terms of a clinical world,” says Lim.

“When you're a good clinician, and she is a fantastic clinician, your mind needs to be focused and zoomed in on looking after patient care, and that usually takes up a lot of time and effort of your day already.”

In this, he’s willing to play second fiddle.

“He does a lot of the work that I'm terrible at doing,” says Dr Yeo.

“So he's a very good dispenser, on top of being very good with numbers, generating complex business proposals, speaking to council and project-managing.

“You’ve got to trust the other party as a

working relationship, trust the other person's input into it,” he says.

They also have trust in and support from national optometry network ProVision, which they joined as they were establishing themselves and their new practice, and getting to grips with how it all worked.

“We were wondering how much we should be paid? What's the minimum number of patients we need to see in order to be sustainable?” says Lim.

“Then soon we were extremely busy and there's so many invoices that we have to chase. It helped to take the load off and streamline some of the back-end operations, and there’s support for human resources –those two are really big pain points.”

Whatever that pain may be, the two also work hard to make sure they don’t take it home with them.

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“We try to make sure we don't talk about work at home, unless it's really something that's mission critical,” he says.

Two children, aged six and 11, help with that strong familial focus.

“They take up a lot of our time as well,” she says, “and I think the beauty of being an independent . . . I can determine I'm not going to see a patient during this time so I can attend a school ceremony.”

That support for each other in life and work extends to their children. “We try to make sure that we encourage our children to take up their passions.”

And grow this powerful partnership even further.

The future of eyewear appears to be ‘green’ and digital.

What’s

in

frame for 2026 and beyond?

Towards the end of last year, some international business analysts picked Santa to bring exceptional growth for the global eyewear market heading into this year. As we begin to look forward to 2026, Insight asks several Australian industry participants if they still share that optimism and what they see coming.

According to a number of market predictions, the future of the global eyewear industry is so bright that practically everyone will need to wear shades.

A market report compiled by India-based The Business Research Company tipped rapid growth for the industry over the next few years and global revenue to pass AU$350 billion by 2028.

It studied historical data and examined future trends to predict a compound annual growth rate of 10.7%, which had already taken global revenue to AU$236b in 2024, from AU$213b the year before.

And that’s despite much-publicised economic headwinds, rising costs and inflation, and a cost-of-living crisis for many people around the world.

The analyst predicted growth to continue into 2025 and beyond on the back of changing fashion and style trends, increasing vision problems, an ageing population, rising awareness of the need for UV protection, and the growing endorsements of celebrities and influencers.

There was similar market optimism in another, earlier report by London-based industry analyst Euromonitor International.

It noted that the global eyewear industry had faced numerous challenges in 2024, including geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, but still expected growth into 2025 and beyond.

The company identified three key opportunities that could help the industry realise that growth: advancements in technology, innovations in functional eyewear like myopia control, and bridging the gap between budget and luxury segments.

But it also predicted that physical optical stores would remain crucial for eyewear sales due to the demand for try-on experiences.

“The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital distribution, prompting retailers to enhance their omnichannel strategies,” it said.

“Online platforms are expanding their offerings and social content, while physical stores are leveraging digital technologies like scanning and 3D printing to offer more personalised services.”

Just in the past couple of months there have been interesting developments in the eyewear industry, particularly in the design, manufacturing and marketing of smart glasses.

Among many companies now positioning themselves to take advantage of what is a growing section of the optical industry, EssilorLuxottica and Mr Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta have deepened their connection, expanding their wearables portfolio and unveiling three new AI glasses at Meta Connect that “push the boundaries” of eyewear design, functionality, and integration.

That followed Meta’s AU$5 billion investment for a reportedly 3% stake in EssilorLuxottica.

With that in mind and the 2026 fast approaching, Insight spoke to some leading figures in Australia’s eyewear industry.

It had a number of important questions about how the year had gone for them, what important trends they had noted in 2024 and into 2025, what national and global trends and opportunities they saw coming into the new year, and whether Australia was ready to make the most of those.

MS APRIL PETRUSMA: CEO, Optical Dispensers Australia

The head of Australia’s optical dispensing community is not one for rose-tinted glasses.

She acknowledges that several factors

will lead industry growth around the world, including “the rising prevalence and overall awareness of conditions like myopia, industry-based technological advancements, an ageing population, and a growing awareness of eye health in general”.

But she is not convinced that that growth will be as stellar as predicted above.

“The reported projections for the global eyewear market seem rather optimistic but not out of reach,” she says.

She highlights several notable trends in 2025 and into 2026.

“One of the more significant trends is the increasing emphasis on precision and accuracy in eye examinations and lens dispensing.”

Digital measuring devices and 3D imaging technology were now commonplace in manufacturing, allowing practices to obtain highly accurate eye, frame and facial measurements.

Petrusma says the shift towards greener solutions is another trend gaining momentum, driven in large part by consumer awareness of environmental issues.

“Sustainability and eco-consciousness are increasingly more important, and the optical industry is embracing innovative ways to reduce its environmental footprint.

“Frame and lens manufacturers are introducing ‘green eyewear’ options that are not only stylish but also recyclable, sustainable and environmentally friendly.

“The intersection of vision care and sustainability is revolutionising the Australian eyewear market.”

She says this momentum for greater sustainability will only increase in 2025/26.

Businesses that match that momentum will “not only meet the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products but also enhance their brand reputation and foster customer loyalty”.

“In the coming years, we can expect a

continued commitment to environmentally friendly practices, with manufacturers increasingly investing in greener production methods, including innovative techniques that minimise energy consumption and reduce waste generation throughout the manufacturing process.”

She believes Australia and its eyewear industry are well-placed to ride that wave, by focusing on “education, transparency, and innovation”. And she encourages people in the industry to do their research and stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in sustainable materials and production techniques.

MS BONNIE EASON: Practice manager at Evolve Optometry in Ulladulla and Batemans Bay, NSW

Like Petrusma, Eason is also a little sceptical of the rapid global growth predicted by some business analysts; she believes that level of revenue surge is more likely to take another 2-3 years.

“With inflation over the past 12 months and the unknown of what the economy is yet to do, there are some customers who have been more reluctant to invest due to affordability.”

But Eason is particularly optimistic about growth in Australia’s independent sector in 2025/26 and beyond, despite the growing presence of corporate stores.

“For us, the flexibility of being able to choose each individual frame we have in

"Will

L to R: ODA CEO April Petrusma says sustainability and ‘green’ practices and offerings will be important for the ophthalmic sector in future; Bonnie Eason says the rise of smart glasses and AI in retail will play key roles in optometry in coming years.

store is a massive advantage as we have control over what style and quality we are getting,” she says.

“With some of the leading eyewear brands in the world at our disposal, we have shifted to having a larger variety of luxury frames in store as repeat customers begin to understand the difference and want for high-quality eyewear.”

Among those with a greater and growing appreciation of quality are younger customers.

“Younger generations are wanting ‘brand names’ and also leaning towards more eco-friendly frames and solutions,” says Eason.

Those customers were also likely to drive other innovations in the industry, including smart glasses and the use of AI to help those shopping online try on their glasses without having to visit the store.

“Advancements in technology such as smart glasses still have a fair way to go, especially when competing with all the other technological gadgets that are on the market.

“But smart glasses have definitely started to become more popular, particularly with the marketing campaign Ray-Ban has done with their Meta glasses.

“I think it is only a matter of time until we see different brands unveiling competitive counterparts as well as further development.

AI and its impact on shopping had arrived and would continue to have an impact in 2026 and beyond.

“The ‘virtual try-on’ with AI is a merging trend for this year, especially with the popularity of online shopping and the rise of AI,” she says.

“I’m not the biggest fan as this doesn’t provide the same value as trying on in store with a qualified dispenser to assess fit properly, but I can see the appeal to consumers.

“I think sunglass and fashion-brand retailers who are offering this are by far the leaders and are able to do this well because, for the most part, they don’t offer the services that optometrists and dispensers do.”

Eason says it is just a matter of time

smart glasses cater for all prescription types? Will the uptake of smart glasses impact traditional frame sales just like smartwatches did to the traditional watch market?”

Paul Clarke ODA advisory board

before her stores start to integrate these features into their website and give customers greater access to their frames.

That would not be an easy task, given the rotation of stock and the technological support needed.

But like the growing awareness of myopia control and eco-friendly options, this shopping innovation was coming, and Australia needed to be ready.

“As an industry we need to keep adapting to technological changes and advancements as much as we can, to stay relevant and not get left behind.

“We are so early into what AI can do and I think that the unknown can be quite scary, but adapting and taking on new information can also lead to some really exciting innovations.”

MR PAUL CLARKE OAM, former practice co-owner and current lecturer

There’s little Paul Clarke hasn’t done during his many decades in the optical industry.

The optical dispenser/mechanic co-owned Vision West Optometrist at Karrinyup in Perth for 33 years.

And when that came to an end in March last year, after he sold his share of the business, rather than retire he has continued to contribute to the industry.

He is now working part-time as an associate lecturer in optical dispensing

Did you know?

in the School of Optometry at the University of Western Australia and is also chair of the advisory board of Optical Dispensers Australia.

So when the man who is also a past president of the international Opticians Association offers an opinion on the future of the industry, he speaks with some authority.

And he believes there is good reason for optimism in 2025 and beyond.

“There are clear opportunities for optical businesses to achieve increased revenue over the coming years,” he says.

“An ever-expanding ageing population alone will continue to swell customer bases. There are also predictions that the uptake of smart glasses will benefit optical retailers.”

But he also admits that “confounders” and questions remain.

“For example, will people who wear prescription glasses choose to purchase their smart glasses from an optical outlet or more likely online or from an electronics retailer?

“Will smart glasses cater for all prescription types?

"Will the uptake of smart glasses impact traditional frame sales just like smartwatches did to the traditional watch market?”

He says his own business experienced exceptional growth in the wake of COVID,

but it was challenging to find qualified staff.

“More recently my industry colleagues are suggesting that staff shortage issues have eased somewhat and they are also reporting a general slowdown in trade.”

But they remain optimistic about how their businesses will perform in 2025, he says.

Like others, he sees great potential and gathering momentum in “green-rated spectacle frames” that are manufactured in an environmentally friendly way.

And he highlights companies like Eyes Right Optical and its Project Green collection.

“This stylish range sits the middle to higher end of the market and promotes that for every frame sold, they will provide funding to ensure that one more tree will be planted.”

He too sees momentum for independent practices in 2025 and beyond, despite the growing corporate presence in the industry.

“Over the past few years, I have noticed more and more patients verbalise the term ‘independent’ when referring to the practice,” he says.

“It’s a term that’s always been used within the industry, but not so commonly by our customers.

“This could be a message for independent owners of optical businesses that promoting themselves as an independent could make them more attractive to the discerning public.”

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Hey Meta – what’s the future of eyecare look like for EssilorLuxottica?

The company's optometrists have found that out for themselves at its Eyecare Immersion roadshow, test-driving the suite of new technology and clinical services heading into their stores. Insight went along to learn about the rollout.

Shaping the future.

That was the title of the EssilorLuxottica Eyecare Immersion events that travelled to six locations in Australia and New Zealand in September and October.

Insight was invited to the Melbourne event at the Crowne Plaza on 1 October and witnessed over 100 optometrists excitedly getting to grips with what that future looks like, how it feels, and how it might benefit their patients.

This included Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) AI glasses to help not only the sighted better navigate and understand their world but also those with vision loss; Nuance Audio Glasses that combine vision and hearing assistance through an app and cleverly placed speakers and microphones; and intense pulsed light (IPL) and low-level light therapy (LLLT) devices to help address the cause of dry eye disease.

took hold. Even as the session drew to a close, the excitement carried on well past the scheduled time, with professionals eagerly gathered around the new devices and technology.

But before they could get into the hands-on experience, the attendees were given the more broader picture of EssilorLuxottica’s own vision of the future – and h ow they fit into it.

In the business update that kicked off the event, they were told about the company’s diversification into the med-tech space, with recent acquisitions including high-end OCT manufacturer Heidelberg Engineering; Belgian firm Automation & Robotics, which designs and manufactures automated systems for optical lens quality control; Korean lens developer and manufacturer PUcore; and Optegra, which operates a network of more than 70 eye hospitals and diagnostic facilities across Europe.

on dry eye disease, building on EssilorLuxottica’s 2024 acquisition of Italian c ompany Espansione and its advanced dry eye technology. By year end there will be more than 30 practices offering IPL and LLLT services, with many more planned for 2026.

Audiology, too, would become more of an offering in EssilorLuxottica’s businesses, and the attendees were later introduced to Mr Dominic Riga, the company’s first in-practice audiologist, who is based at OPSM stores in Dandenong and Highpoint in Victoria.

On top of this there would be more investments to elevate EssilorLuxottica’s core services through an expanded footprint in medical diagnosis devices, including Optos Daytona NG, Optopol’s Revo FC OCT and visual field technology.

“Our commitment to excellence in every customer interaction is at the heart of this evolution, and our optometrists play a

ESSILORLUXOTTICA HONOURS

TOP ANZ OPTOMETRISTS

EssilorLuxottica announced a number of award winners during its road shows.

They are:

VICTORIA/TASMANIA

Optometrist of the year: Anthony Waters, OPSM Mornington.

Practice manager optometrist of the year: Kim Hoang, EyeQ Camberwell.

Early career optometrist of the year: Briely Wight, OPSM Bairnsdale.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Optometrist of the year: Amanda Connelly, OPSM Mitcham.

Early career optometrist of the year: Catherine Nguyen, OPSM Tea Tree Plaza.

QUEENSLAND/NORTHERN TERRITORY/NORTHERN NSW

Optometrist of the year: James Drakos, OPSM Carindale.

Early career optometrist of the year: Sayo Kokubun, OPSM Pacific Fair.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Optometrist of the year: Wendy Nguyen, Relief WA.

Early career optometrist of the year: Lauren Kennedy, OPSM Bullcreek.

NEW SOUTH WALES/ACT

Optometrist of the year: Arvin Pingol, OPSM Castle Towers.

Early career optometrist of the year: Patrick Walker, OPSM Canberra.

NEW ZEALAND

Optometrist of the year: Rutendo Nhemachena, National Relief NZ.

Early career optometrist of the year: Matthew Pierard, OPSM Hornby.

eyecare excellence and impact patient experiences as well as the success of their stores.

Optometrists in the room offered their own experiences and tips.

Ms Astha Rai, EssilorLuxottica’s eyecare innovations manager ANZ, said excellence was not about being perfect.

“It’s about finding key opportunities and acting on them.

“What’s in your circle of influence?” she asked.

That could be about understanding the patients’ lifestyle needs, leveraging the available eyecare technology, and looking

Stellest lenses, which had “improved the lives of millions of children around the world with myopia”.

She hinted at a “new realm of performance” and more clinical studies set for release next year.

“Stellest 2.0 is now FDA market approved, the first [spectacle lens] in the United States to do so, so we’re very proud of that.”

It was part of EssilorLuxottica’s pushing of the boundaries in vision care, she said.

That was evident, too, in the company’s move to advance in-store treatments for dry eye disease.

Rai said this was part of its ongoing med-tech journey.

“The prevalence of dry eye symptoms is in about 85% of people – this approximates to 23 million people in Australia,” she said.

The company’s acquisition of Espansione now gives optometrists the ability to provide OPE IPL & LM LLLT treatments in store, offering patients a treatment that targets the root cause of dry eye with this evidence-based approach recognised in the recent Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society’s DEWS III report.

Following dinner, the rest of the evening was about true immersion: professionals getting to experience the innovations for themselves and a glimpse into the boundless possibilities that the future holds.

Judging by the reaction of those at the Melbourne event, it’s going to be an exciting one.

“THE PREVALENCE OF DRY EYE SYMPTOMS IS IN ABOUT 85% OF PEOPLE – THIS APPROXIMATES TO 23 MILLION PEOPLE IN AUSTRALIA.”

beyond standard eyewear to care for the patient’s vision in a more holistic way.

It was at this point the focus of the evening shifted towards innovation and EssilorLuxottica’s future path.

Ms Amy Pillay, the company’s professional affairs manager for ANZ, introduced audiologist Riga.

He said 3.6 million Australians were living with hearing loss, with that number expected to double by 2060. But only one in five Aussies who could benefit from a hearing aid actually used one.

The advantages of those aids went beyond hearing, he said.

“It can prevent hearing-related memory loss and dementia, and it also slows down auditory deprivation, and can reduce the feelings of isolation associated with not being able to hear those around you.”

Because of its importance, free hearing screenings will be offered to all patients in OPSM stores with audiology, with a focus on those aged 45 and over.

Pillay then spoke about the company’s

SLOW MYOPIA PROGRESSION

BY UP TO 60% WITH ATROPINE 0.01% EYE DROPS

AT 2 YEARS COMPARED TO PLACEBO *1 -3

*P-value not available (ATOM 1 & 2 studies, placebo was a historical control from ATOM 1). ATOM 2 study data available for 5 years with 1 year washout after 24 months.3

EIKANCE 0.01% eye drops (atropine sulfate monohydrate 0.01%) is indicated as a treatment to slow the progression of myopia in children aged from 4 to 14 years. Atropine treatment may be initiated in children when myopia progresses ≥ –1.0 diopter (D) per year.1

PBS Information: This product is not listed on the PBS.

Before prescribing, please review Product Information available by scanning the QR Code, or calling 1300 659 646

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

Giving practices a new vantage point

The Meridia Vantage brings new functionality to Medmont's renowned topographer family, including wide-coverage scleral mapping, extending the company's industry leading quality and accuracy.

From Down Under to the top of the world, Medmont has made its mark. And it appears to have done it again with its latest device, the Meridia Vantage.

In geographical terms, Vancouverbased Mr Randy Kojima is closer to the latter.

But in the sector in which he works, it’s a company in Australia, at the other end of the planet, that stands at the top of the globe in corneal topography excellence and accuracy.

Kojima is director of technical affairs at Canadian contact lens manufacturing company Precision Technology. He also works as a part-time tutor at an optometry school and is a clinical advisor to a number of companies, including Melbourne-based optical device manufacturer, Medmont.

His work for the Australian firm includes research, education and clinical support for its R&D program, which has culminated in its latest device, the Meridia Vantage.

The Vantage, now available in Australia, is the evolution of its popular suite of Meridia topographers that also include the Classic and Pro models.

It has all the functionality of those earlier models, including what Kojima says is

The key to that, says Kojima, has been the development of single device that is both a corneal and scleral topographer.

“The Medmont is famous as a corneal topographer,” he says. “It's considered the gold standard in its field.

“But now the imaging goes beyond the cornea to understand the shape of the sclera so we can better fit scleral lenses . . . key for this instrument is the ability to construct a scleral lens accurately and efficiently.”

As someone involved in the manufacture of contact lenses, Kojima understands this well.

To do that, the Vantage topographer can quickly produce maps that extend out to the visible sclera, with up to 20mm x 18.5mm caught in a single capture – with no stitching.

That, and the accurate, full-surface data it produces instantly, help those patients needing larger diameter lenses for various eye conditions, including patients with severe ocular surface disease, post-corneal transplant recipients and others with irregular corneas.

fluorescein in the eye and reflect off the dye so that you can get that light back to the instrument, back to the camera, and it can construct the appropriate eye shape based on that reflection.

“My expertise was applied in terms of how do we image the sclera and limbus and cornea in such a way that we would be approaching both the analysis and the construction of lenses in the best possible manner.

“What do we need to image? What data do we need to collect? What sort of accuracy do we need?”

Kojima says the well-respected accuracy of the Medmont device means practices can get scleral lens measurements and design right the first time, with less need for costly refitting.

“If the patient comes back and it doesn't work, and you need to modify it, that wastes a lot of chair and patient time – going back to the practitioner's office multiple times is a headache when you're a busy person,” he says.

That is just one way the device improves practice workflows.

Previously, many practices involved in fitting specialty contact lenses would have needed more than one device.

The Vantage puts that powerful dual functionality into one small machine, which builds further on the capabilities of previous ones, including dry eye disease analysis and management.

“It's definitely a Swiss army knife that way,” Kojima says.

“If you have the Vantage, you've got a tool that's doing cornea, limbus and sclera imaging of the entire ocular surface and anterior segment. So you really have a powerful device.”

Medmont has worked hard to make that multi-functionality easy to use, for any staff member, further improving practice workflows.

“The software that comes with Medmont is very intuitive . . . it's generally regarded as one of the easier instruments in the practice to teach somebody to use,” Kojima says.

“So one of your staff could be taking the topography, capture the photography and then have it ready in the exam room to be reviewed by the optometrist or the ophthalmologist, so it helps in terms of the efficiency.”

And it’s not just the practice that benefits.

There’s likely to be fewer headaches for the patient as well, thanks to Medmont’s strong focus on the ergonomics of the new device.

Mr Ryan Annear, the Melbourne-based R&D manager at Medmont, says improving ergonomics and aesthetics were key drivers in the design process.

“We put a lot of effort into making sure the ergonomics were good, and put a lot of work into getting the chin rest sitting right,” he says.

That has led to greater comfort

"It's definitely a Swiss army knife that way. If you have the Vantage, you've got a tool that's doing cornea, limbus and sclera imaging of the entire ocular surface and anterior segment.”

Randy Kojima Precision Technology

for the patient and improved access for the practitioner, to help them manipulate eyelids.

He believes that’s an improvement on bulkier machines that sometimes need another staff member to assist.

That greater comfort and efficiency means practitioners “can capture images a lot faster, so the patient isn't under examination for as long”.

It also means patients move quicker through the practice.

Annear acknowledges the help of practitioners who gave feedback with early prototypes.

The design of the Vantage was also supported by the Victorian state government, through its med-tech technology fund, which matched Medmont’s investment dollar for dollar.

“We were able to use that to help accelerate our development and fund help

with the industrial design side of things,” says Annear.

“It made it a lot easier to access the right people with the right skills.”

Medmont partnered with Victoria company Outerspace Design in designing the Vantage’s look, feel and user experience.

The result is a product that highlights the best of Australian manufacturing, says Kojima.

“The Medmont name is recognised around the world for quality and for building medical instruments that are respected by practitioners in every corner of the globe,” he says.

“I think that is pretty powerful.

“Large countries like the US, Japan and Germany are building medical devices, but Medmont is seen as being the top.

“Nobody else is seen as providing better quality topography and better diagnostic data. ”

A burst of British colour: new collection coming to Australia

From the set of The Great British Bake Off to Australian optical practices, Dame Prue Leith’s signature love of colour is inspiring a bold new eyewear collection from Eyes Right Optical.

For more than three decades, Eyes Right Optical has built its reputation on distinctive, design-driven eyewear that balances European flair with Australian practicality.

Now, the Melbourne-based eyewear supplier is about to make arguably its boldest style statement yet. Launching January 2026, Eyes Right Optical will be introducing the Prue collection, an exclusive range of colourful acetate frames created by Dame Prue Leith, best-known as a judge on The Great British Bake Off, and a self-confessed ‘colour obsessive’.

The collection unites two worlds: the exuberant British personality known for her rainbow wardrobe and statement jewellery, and one of Australia’s leading eyewear suppliers for the independent scene with a knack for spotting brands

her own eyewear range grew out of pure frustration.

“I was just irritated by the lack of choice when it came to colourful and stylish glasses,” she says. “I found there were so few brands that actually did colour well.”

Known for her bold necklaces and bright wardrobe on television, Leith has always viewed eyewear as a key part of self-expression.

“I love colour – one may even say I’m obsessed,” she admits. “I don’t own a single beige or grey garment. I have a whole wall of necklaces in my bedroom and sell my own brand of brightly coloured resin jewellery.”

That spirit has been distilled into the Prue collection – a vibrant lineup of laminated acetates, each frame designed to be as flattering as it is comfortable.

is they should be flattering. I want my specs to improve my looks!”

A COLLABORATION BUILT ON COLOUR

According to Mr Mark Wymond, managing director of Eyes Right Optical, the opportunity to bring the Prue collection to Australia came about earlier this year through the company’s UK contacts.

“The Prue eyewear collection has developed a loyal following since its debut in the UK five years ago. We are excited to release it in Australia in January 2026.”

The Prue collection is produced in partnership with Leith and her design team. This ensures that the collection reflects Prue’s vibrant personal style and has bold, beautiful creations that she loves to wear herself, Wymond says.

“While some frames are deliberately flamboyant, the range also includes more commercially wearable shapes. It’s got a broad variety of appeal," he says.

He believes Australian customers will connect strongly with the brand’s colour philosophy. “It’s always going to be a colourful collection – there’s never going to be just a straight black frame.”

Leith, now in her mid-80s, remains a high-energy creative force. A former restaurateur, author and broadcaster, she has worn glasses for more than 50 years and views them as an essential part of her personal style.

“I’d rather spend money on glasses (and necklaces) than on shoes and handbags that spend most of their time under tables,” she says. That sentiment resonates with Wymond, who sees the range as both stylish and empowering.

“It’s very much Prue’s personality –confident, colourful, and unapologetically expressive,” he says. “There’s nothing else quite like it in our portfolio, and really nothing else like it in the market right now. Most licensed brands are quite conservative. The Prue collection is the opposite – it’s lively, it’s joyful, and it stands on its own.”

Eyes Right Optical will distribute the collection exclusively in Australia, bringing in the full suite of approximately 20 models across about 100 SKUs, all crafted in acetate.

The brand’s visual campaign, shot in the UK’s Cotswolds alongside Leith’s jewellery and footwear collections, captures her signature sense of play and sophistication.

The company’s experience launching distinctive European eyewear lines has prepared it well for this latest collaboration. From eco-friendly materials to avant-garde design, Wymond says Eyes Right Optical has consistently championed frames that encourage optometrists and optical dispensers to think beyond the mainstream.

For those independent practices, the Prue collection offers an opportunity to showcase eyewear as fashion – not just function. The frames are designed for patients who view their glasses as an extension of personality, like Leith.

“Most licensed brands are quite conservative. The Prue collection is the opposite – it’s lively, it’s joyful, and it stands on its own.”

Mark Wymond Eyes Right Optical

“Eyewear and necklaces are bang in the eyeline of the beholder all the time,” she says.

Her enthusiasm for self-expression, paired with Eyes Right Optical’s local expertise, gives the brand every reason to resonate in Australian stores. Wymond is confident the collection’s blend of quality, comfort and exuberant design will strike the right chord.

“It’s always a delicate balance with licensed brands – you want to keep the integrity of the designer while also making sure it works commercially,” he says.

“But Prue’s involvement goes far beyond lending her name. The collection is very true to her style and her love of colour. That authenticity is what makes it so special.”

To register your interest for Eyes Right Optical’s January 2026 launch of the Prue collection, email sales@eyesright.com.au

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Specsavers’ vision –clinical and into the future

Optometrists have been given valuable insight into how they can use their clinical skills to save the sight of others, and how Specsavers plans to support that work in Australia and New Zealand.

At the recent Specsavers Clinical Conference (SCC) in Melbourne, optometrists from across Australia and New Zealand had the opportunity to focus on the finer details of vision loss and how they can prevent that from happening.

But before they were taken on a deep dive into glaucoma, idiopathic intracranial hypertension and eyelid lesions, among many other topics, they were given a broader perspective on their own impact and a glimpse into the future.

As ANZ clinical services director Dr Ben Ashby told the 550 people in the room at the Grand Hyatt’s Savoy Ballroom, bathed in Specsavers green, and the 450 online, that future begins with an ending.

This year marked the end of the company’s five-year plan, he said.

“In 2020, our five-year plan kicked off. In an industry where all the research told us detection rates for avoidable blindness were sitting at 60%, we knew from our data we were already at 80%, and we set the massive goal to get to 95% by this year.

“Now we still have six months to go and . . . I am very excited to say this year, we are all up to 94% detection rate for avoiding blindness, and that is absolutely phenomenal.

“There are now hundreds of thousands of people across Australia and New Zealand in treatment that will protect their sight, hopefully now for the rest of their lives.”

That was achieved through an intense focus and hard work in a number of areas, including glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and a growing focus on myopia in children, including more than 33,000 now in management for the eye disease.

Over the past five years, Specsavers optometrists across the region had seen more than five million people and detected glaucoma in more than 170,000 of them, Dr Ashby said, with stores in Batemans Bay, New South Wales, and Masterton, New Zealand, leading the way.

“We now have a genuine, generational opportunity to stop glaucoma from being a leading cause of blindness,” he said.

In diabetic eye disease, Specsavers would continue to co-fund the KeepSight program, a recall program run by Diabetes Australia that reminds people to attend regular eye checks, to monitor the condition and potential vision loss.

More than 100,000 patients had been referred to the program since 2020, with more than 1.17 million appointments registered and a special mention went to the team at Specsavers Orange, NSW who refer nearly 100% of their patients with diabetes to KeepSight.

“In the last five years, 20,000 people would have lost their sight without that intervention,” Dr Ashby said.

And Specsavers had supported eyecare in indigenous Australia and the Pacific with $11 million raised for the Fred Hollows Foundation.

But it wasn’t just about preventing vision loss, he said. Specsavers optometrists had also helped many others improve their vision.

They had seen 552,000 children in

Contact lenses presented a great opportunity in the region, where just 8% of people wear them.

“In the UK, 12% of patients wear contact lenses, and if I was going to pick a country that I thought was suitable for contact lens wear – we've got a better climate, we've got an outdoor culture,” Dr Ashby said.

“We should have way more people in contact lenses here than there is in the UK.”

Pondering the future and hinting at what might be in Specsavers’ next five-year plan, he touched on that growing focus on myopia and children, but also dry eye disease and a stronger push into medical management.

That focus on kids included the creation of Specsavers’ Optomonsters – fun characters that would become part of the brand through stickers, fun packs and other content.

Booster seats would be on the way to every store.

Myopia would be a key focus as Australia and New Zealand worked to prevent the global surge of the eye disease.

Specsavers had launched its two-for-one option with its MiYOSMART spectacle lenses, he said.

“We also launched our MyoEyes product, our second-tier myopia management product – half the price of the original myopia management for that 60% of families that just can't afford the top-tier product.”

Specsavers had now treated more than 2,000 patients with dry eye, and many more were to come after its rollout of low-level light therapy and IPL across its stores.

“This month [September] advanced dry eye therapy will be available at 100 stores,” Dr Ashby told the audience.

“We are going as fast as we can on this one – 30% of patients want it and 15% are asking for it without an optometrist mentioning it first.”

Dr Ashby said 55,000 patients were now in some form of medical management,

ophthalmologists, he said.

Specsavers is also seeking to take the burden off the planet through a partnership with recycler Opticycle launched in 2025.

That meant 20 tonnes of optical waste –frames and lenses – had been recycled, with much of it turned into consumer goods such as pavers. “We want to get to 60 tonnes for this year".

He was equally proud of ongoing recognition of Specsavers’ workplace culture, and its recruitment of graduates.

The company had recently been judged Australia’s fourth best place to work and New Zealand’s second best place to work by Great Places to Work, just its latest recognition in that area, and it now had more than 700 people in its graduate program.

DEEP DIVE INTO THE CLINICAL

Medical management and the challenges of various eye conditions were top of mind as those at the venue and online absorbed the guidance of a number of ophthalmologists and colleagues during the two-day conference.

Topics ranged from glaucoma to uveitis, myopia, corneal cancers and geographic atrophy.

Kicking off the clinical aspect of the

weekend was ophthalmologist Dr Jason Cheng, from Sydney Eye Hospital, who guided attendees on how to better use OCT and visual field testing to detect glaucoma.

Specsavers, he said, had access to great technology that could help optometrists make good diagnoses.

“How good is OCT at detecting glaucoma? It’s pretty good actually, especially in established glaucoma,” he said.

“But you do need to be cautious and always correlate OCT findings with visual fields, intraocular pressure, history and other factors.”

Key OCT parameters included image quality, retinal nerve fibre layer thickness, ganglion cell complex analysis, neuroretinal rim and the presence of disc haemorrhages. When interpreting visual field tests, clinicians looked at the reliability indices, total and pattern deviation, he said.

The glaucoma hemifield test (GHT) with a result “outside normal limits” was highly suggestive of glaucoma. Mean deviation (MD) provided insight into disease severity, while the visual field index (VFI) percentage score was an accessible way for patients to understand their place on the glaucoma severity scale.

Dr Cheng emphasised the significance of structure-function correlation and progression analysis using both event-based and trend-based methods.

He concluded by stressing the importance of a comprehensive patient history and understanding risk factors in achieving accurate glaucoma diagnosis and effective management.

Neuro-ophthalmologist Dr Kate Reid presented on the “weighty” topic of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).

The audience was particularly interested in her thoughts around the new diabetes/ weight-loss drugs, the GLP-1 receptor agonists typified by semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound).

Dr Reid, from Optic Nerve Canberra, said these drugs had been shown to provide profound health benefits by reducing weight, which in turn improved control of chronic diseases such as IIH, diabetes and sleep apnea.

The drugs are synthetic versions of

naturally occurring metabolic hormones, but with a much longer duration of action.

About 80,000 Australian diabetics were using these agents in 2024, she said, which helped slow the transit of food, suppressed appetite and reduced the amount people were eating.

That could lead to “dramatic” weight loss –“up to 20% of body weight”.

Dr Reid cited studies showing “neuroprotection for the eye” through reductions in new glaucoma and dry AMD with extended use, as well as reduction within minutes of the intracranial pressure by exenatide, the first GLP-1 RA to be developed.

But she also noted that many patients reported putting the weight back on after finishing taking the drugs, as well as marked loss of muscle mass.

And there were potential, serious side effects impacting vision.

Those included an “increased risk of NAION [non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy], a sudden, painless vision loss in one eye caused by reduced blood flow to the front of the optic nerve”.

Dr Reid said that a previous history of NAION should be considered an absolute contraindication to GLP-1 RAs. Another issue to watch for was progression of diabetic retinopathy, due to sudden tightening of diabetic control.

‘THE HAM AND CHEESE SANDWICH’

No less weighty a topic was Dr Ebony Smith’s presentation on oculoplastics, and how to examine eyelid lesions and differentiate between those that are benign and cancerous.

In a presentation probably best delivered before dinner than after it, the Queensland ophthalmologist took the audience through a number of slides and case studies showcasing various cancers and growths. Besides examination of the eyelids – “the ham and cheese sandwich” – other factors were important, she said.

These included the history of the lesion.

“Time is very important,” Dr Smith told the audience.

“If it has been there less than three months or longer than five years, it is most likely benign.”

The history of the patient was also vital.

“The age of the patient – the older they are the higher chance of malignancy. Also if have they had skin cancer before and sun exposure?”.

If a lesion that was growing and changing in colour was a “red flag”.

She told her audience to be wary of people who are immune supressed, which can make things look different and optometrists should consider an automatic referral for new or growing lesions in these patients.

“Because it could look benign but might not be.”

Those conducting exams should look for destruction of tissue e.g. ulcers, a change in contour of the tarsus, misdirected lases or loss of lashes

The presence of keratin around the eye could also be a sign of potential cancers.

“The reason why keratin is a really important red flag is because squamous cells make keratin, and squamous cells are the progenitor for SCC [Squamous Cell Carcinoma].”

She encouraged optometrists to refer to a specialist if they were unsure or concerned.

FACING THE GROWING SURGE

Myopia was a key focus the following day.

Dr Kate Gifford, optometrist and co-founder of Myopia Profile, an online resource for professionals and parents of myopic children, invited attendees to “Choose your own adventure” in myopia management.

She acknowledged that the treatment and management of myopia was a fast-changing space.

Partly because of that, “many barriers and issues in clinical communication and thinking of the best treatment” remained.

The good news was that “in the past couple of years myopia control spectacle lenses, contact lenses, ortho-k and atropine have given us everything we need”.

A number of polls of optometrists and others between 2019 and 2023 had shown that knowledge was growing but concerns remained about increased costs to parents.

Dr Gifford said any lack of knowledge could be tackled with education, including the online resources at Myopia Profile.

She encouraged optometrists talking with parents to highlight key messages – “myopia is growing in prevalence around world; it’s a progressive, worsening condition in kids; it’s more manageable now”.

Regarding cost, explaining the “value” in tackling myopia and reducing the risk of greater vision loss later in life could help avoid greater costs in future.

“The brain is not designed to make long-term decisions – temporal myopia,” she said. “We all have it. What is in front of us makes more sense to us, even if it’s not logical.

“Short-term cost looms larger than the long-term consequences of myopia, especially for a parent who doesn’t have myopia.”

Perkins awards winners named Specsavers honoured its top optometrists and practices at its clinical conference. Its Dame Mary Perkins and Doug Perkins awards were presented by head of professional development Ms Cindy Nguyen and its head of clinical performance, Mr Nick Gidas.

Nguyen said the company had received more than 170 nominations for the Dame Mary Perkins Award, which recognises individual acts of outstanding patient care.

Those were whittled down to 34 finalists across Australia and New Zealand, by judges Ms Chrissie Cowan, co-chair of Eye Health Aotearoa and CEO of Kāpo Māori Aotearoa; Ms Carly Iles, CEO of Vision 2020 Australia; and Mr Ross Piper, CEO of the Fred Hollows Foundation.

The winners were Ms Tiana Nix, Nowra Plaza (New South Wales), and Ms Taylor Xue, from Specsavers Porirua in New Zealand.

Nguyen said Nix had demonstrated incredible care in her role.

restore the vision of a patient and their ability to thrive”.

Winners of the Doug Perkins awards for outstanding practices were Specsavers Nowra Plus, NSW, and Specsavers South Dunedin, in NZ.

Using her communication skills, compassion and quick thinking, she was able to help a patient with a corneal laceration preserve their sight and quality of life.

Xue was recognised for her “clinical excellence, empathy and compassion to

Practitioners should focus on the short-term benefits of myopia control and management.

“The short-term message is your child will spend less time with blurred vision between visits.

“Also, myopia control can reduce your child’s lifelong risk of vision problems . . . cheaper than long-term cost of single vision correction.”

Dr Gifford also explored numerous treatments, including spectacles, light therapy and atropine, and studies into their effectiveness.

“Be very sceptical of being told any treatment is superior, because the best myopia control interventions are generally all are equally good,” she said.

There were “a bunch of treatments that work well”, including D.I.M.S. lenses (MiYOSMART), dual focus soft contact lenses (MiSight), orthokeratology and atropine, which were all shown to slow axial elongation by half.

Gidas said Specsavers had sifted through clinical data, patient feedback and its own Great Place to Work surveys to find stores that “consistently demonstrate excellence in . . . accessibility to care, vision correction, sight-saving, impact, well-trained teams, store culture and investing in the future”.

Finalists represented the top 3.5% of all scores in those categories.

Contact lenses presented a great opportunity. The MiSight 1 Day lens was shown to be safe and tolerated by kids in the longest study in myopia management, she said.

Research had shown that of all contact lens fits for six- to 12-year-olds worldwide in 2024, just 38% of those were for myopia control. In Australia it was just 15%.

“So there are lots of opportunities there.”

There was also more research into the most effective use of atropine, in combination with other treatments.

Studies on concentrations had shown that “0.05% had won the race”, she said.

But she also said research had established

Dr Kate Gifford takes the audience through a myopia ‘adventure’.

“There doesn’t appear to be a dose response but more side effects, including allergic effect, photophobia and 20% drop-out rate.”

On prevention, Dr Gifford said polls had shown that promotion of more outdoor time was important.

Identifying pre-myopia and working towards prevention was little understood at the moment, but that knowledge was growing, and they were important.

“If we can delay the onset of myopia by one year, we can reduce the final level of myopia by 0.75 diopters.

"This reduction is comparable to the effect of 2-3 years of myopia control treatment after myopia has already developed,” she concluded.

We are exploring next-generation therapies for people with eye diseases.

Marking nearly 15 years in Australia, Astellas is a world leader in the development of innovative new medicines, employing more than 17,500 people globally. With a strong foundation in Oncology, Urology, and Transplant, we are now broadening our horizons to include new therapeutic areas such as Ophthalmology.

By combining our expertise in eye biology with cutting-edge technologies, we’re pioneering new approaches including novel cell- and gene-based therapies.

We’re looking forward to meeting with the ophthalmic community and engaging in the latest scientific discussions, as we believe that together we can deliver meaningful value to patients who are urgently waiting.

Contact your local MSL to learn more.

Alex Abalos NSW, ACT

MBBS B.Sc (med) Ophthalmology t. 0439 605 923 e. alex.abalos@astellas.com

Natalie Buckman QLD, WA, NT

MOptom MPH BVisSci GCBus FBCLA AFHEA t. 0401 192 393 e. natalie.buckman@astellas.com

Michelle Waugh VIC, SA, TAS

BOptom, MPhil, PhD, MBA t. 0413 139 151 e. michelle.waugh@astellas.com

MAT-AU-NON-2025-00052. WED2520.

Fresh insights, tough questions

Ophthalmology Updates! offers a chance for ophthalmologists to step out of their lanes to learn from their cross-subspeciality peers. Insight was there to summarise the key takeaways.

Ophthalmology Updates! has once again lived up to its name – and then some, in 2025.

The ninth edition of the conference set new records, drawing more than 250 in-person delegates to Sydney’s Fullerton Hotel for two days of ophthalmic science, spirited debate and collegial connection on 30-31 August.

From fresh takes on intraocular lenses (IOLs) and emerging therapies for macular disease, to the event’s first-ever panel on pregnancy in ophthalmology and a searching discussion on professional ethics, the 2025 program demonstrated that it’s more than a forum for ophthalmologists to brush up on key issues affecting each subspecialty.

It’s also a space where clinical breakthroughs, practical dilemmas and broader questions of identity and integrity intersect.

The calibre of speakers reflected this ambition. Five international experts flew in from the US, UK, and New Zealand to share their latest research and experiences, while local leaders cut through the hype to inform colleagues on how the latest technologies are performing in the real world.

Event founder and convenor Professor Adrian Fung was proud to host his largest Ophthalmology Updates! yet, featuring the highest number of delegates and sponsors. Even the Sydney Marathon, held on the Sunday in the same area, couldn’t get in the way.

“This two-day meeting is designed so generalists and subspecialists can grasp what is changing outside their area of expertise, sharpening their referrals and diagnoses,” he said.

“We want delegates to gain both practical take-home insights and space for collegial exchange.”

DAY 1 – IOLs, pregnancy and ethics That intent – to deliver knowledge that could be translated into the clinic tomorrow –was captured from the outset with Dr Ben LaHood’s session.

The Adelaide cataract and refractive surgeon’s talk separated the signal from the noise around IOLs, ranging from monofocals and extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses, to new multifocal options.

Starting with monofocals, he discussed how they were still the quiet achievers, with new data on Alcon’s Clareon showing excellent stability and even better-thanexpected intermediate vision.

“Intermediate vision was probably as good as a monofocal plus, and sometimes as good as some of the EDOFs out there,” he said.

He also discussed a common question among colleagues: what to do when very high-powered monofocals are required.

“Personally, I use a HumanOptics lens. It’s a simple monofocal that goes up to extremely high powers. You do sometimes wonder about the tolerance in creating a lens like that – what you’re really getting. But the advantage is you can still insert it through a standard 2.4 mm incision. It’s a nice lens to have in your kit.”

On EDOFs, he pointed to Johnson & Johnson MedTech’s TECNIS PureSee as a go-to during the past year.

“It’s given really good visual acuity – 20/20 unaided distance and nearly 20/20 unaided intermediate,” he said.

“It’s been reliable, with a consistent

range and very few outliers. Probably the biggest thing is there haven’t been a lot of dysphotopsias, and the refractive accuracy has been excellent, with about 95% of my patients within 0.50 D. It seems to tolerate small amounts of residual astigmatism very well.”

He also noted interest in Rayner’s RayOne EMV lens, which the company developed with Professor Graham Barrett and applies positive rather than negative spherical aberration. “I don’t think it gets quite as much depth as PureSee or Vivity, but the distance acuity has been good, with minimal dysphotopsias,” he added.

Dr LaHood also covered advances in multifocal and full range of vision IOLs, and highlighted the much-discussed Rayner Galaxy spiral design that’s showing promise, with adaptation and patient counselling remain key.

Refractive outcomes have been strong, with nearly 90% of his patients landing within 0.50 D.

“Out of 50 patients, five have described halos at night, but none have found them disabling,” he said. “Even patients who work underground in mines have been very happy with their night vision.”

On the horizon, he said lenses like Alcon PanOptix Pro and Hoya’s Gemetric design could soon broaden surgeons’ options even further in Australia.

Later on day one, Associate Health Sciences Professor Jay Sridhar from Los Angeles had some intriguing insights into

diabetic macular edema (DME) treatment. He described how US retinal specialists tend to use less steroids than ex-US counterparts, and there was discussion of the best treatment regimen to use (monthly vs. treat and extend vs. PRN [as needed]).

Intravitreal anti-VEGF remains the gold standard, with bevacizumab and aflibercept the most commonly used worldwide, but he highlighted research reminding ophthalmologists that long-term outcomes converge, regardless of starting agent.

On the issue of next-generation agents, A/Prof Sridhar pointed to higher-dose aflibercept and faricimab showing the ability to extend intervals safely without sacrificing outcomes, which could reduce treatment burden significantly.

And even further on the horizon, he pointed to gene therapy, port delivery systems, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), senescence inhibitors and systemic diabetes breakthroughs (e.g. GLP-1 agonists) that may change the diabetic eyecare landscape – but cost and access will be the ultimate limiting factors.

Then, he ventured into the controversy around photobiomodulation for intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration. This therapy is now Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-authorised in the US and uses low level light to stimulate cellular function to promote healing, at the mitochondrial level.

Treatment is “intensive”, with nine sessions over three to four weeks, and two to three

treatment cycles per year.

Presenting a study that met the primary endpoint with efficacy, A/Prof Sridhar said: “At month 21, patients in the photobiomodulation group tended to gain about six letters, and a mean gain of 5.6 letters was maintained in month 24 when you compare it to the sham group.

“There were also no significant safety events.”

But despite positive outcomes, scepticism remains due to small sample sizes and potential placebo effects. Ethical concerns about cost, the number of treatments required and treatment administration by non-physicians were also discussed.

“There's also growing interest in many other conditions (DME and high myopia), so I don't think it's going be the last we hear about it, even if it never takes off in dry AMD, but of course, we need continued research to standardise and adopt this more broadly.”

Among the most talked-about sessions was the first-ever Pregnancy & Ophthalmology panel, where seven speakers tackled challenging scenarios across subspecialties.

The discussion explored issues related to pregnancy, including worsening of disease in areas like diabetic retinopathy (DR), thyroid eye disease, and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), and the risks of treatment such as anti-VEGF therapy, glaucoma drops and surgery.

Key clinical takeaways included: anti-VEGF is not an absolute contraindication in

Top, L to R: Prof Ian Kerridge engages panellists during the bioethics session; The event attracted its largest attendance since launching nine years ago; A/Prof Chameen Samarawickrama (left) and Dr Ben LaHood during a break.

Left: World-renowned thyroid eye disease expert Prof Richard Allen (left) flew in from the US to present on the topic.

Opposite bottom: Time for audience engagement is a feature of Ophthalmology Updates!.

pregnancy; DR does not necessarily improve postpartum; brimonidine (Alphagan) is the safest anti-glaucoma drug in pregnancy; pharmacological management of thyroid eye disease remains largely restricted to steroids; and women with IIH should focus on nutrient-rich rather than calorie-dense foods.

Another standout moment was the Bioethics in Ophthalmology session, led by Professor Ian Kerridge who is a haematologist/bone marrow transplant physician at Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, and Professor of Bioethics and Medicine at Sydney Health Ethics (SHE) at the University of Sydney.

The session explored areas like social media promotion and commercial interests and incentives. It also touched on the challenges of whistleblowing when practitioners become “complicit” after caring for patients from a poorly performing peer.

“It was an opportunity to reflect on why we became doctors in the first place,” Prof Fung said.

“[Prof Kerridge] expanded on the virtues of humility and sagacity, which are often overlooked by the more traditional ‘pillars’ of ethics. It was refreshing to have industry representatives (Alcon, Bayer and Roche) on the panel for their unique perspective too.”

Contributing to the panel itself, Prof Fung noted that often the challenge in medical practice is to “stay virtuous”, rather than learning it.

“If you look at many medical students or even people fresh out of high school, they genuinely try to do the right thing. But as we

progress in our careers, challenges creep in – financial incentives, time pressures –and it becomes harder to hold on to those virtues, let alone learn them. Deep down, I think we do know what’s right and wrong, but staying true to that is the real test,” he said.

Prof Kerridge added: “There’s empirical research that bears this out. Serial testing during medical school shows first-year students are more ethically aware and sensitive than final-year students – and both groups score higher than junior medical officers further down the track.

“It's a hard one to combat, because there is literature suggesting that the profession can maintain situations, or particular policies, that principally benefit the profession, rather than the community, and are often slow to act when they concerns about colleagues performance or personal behaviour.”

Dr LaHood, active on platforms such as LinkedIn like many other ophthalmologists, shared an interesting take on how ophthalmologists can toe a fine line that promotes one’s achievements in a healthy way.

“Personally, I try to do it with a bit of humour, and it's usually a bit selfdeprecating,” he said.

“It’s about being genuine and authentic, so if a patient comes to see me, they'll see that same person. It's not as though what I portray online is different to what you'll see in real life. And I think that's probably the biggest thing, is keeping that consistent.”

A dinner at Shellhouse rounded out the Saturday, where delegates enjoyed oysters, champagne and a live DJ.

DAY 2 –

Surgical retina, glaucoma and more Sunday’s program continued the momentum with a strong focus on emerging retinal therapies.

A/Prof Jay Sridhar was on stage again to present on methotrexate for proliferative vitreoretinopathy, while Dr Amy Cohn explored novel approaches to macular telangiectasia type II with ciliary neurotrophic factor (Encelto).

Dr Jennifer Fan Gaskin’s session on normal tension glaucoma was also well received. It tackled critical questions around what target intraocular pressure (IOP) and management should be considered in patients with IOPs that are already considered “low”, how to determine if there truly is progression, what lifestyle advice to consider, and when to request neuro-imaging.

INTERNATIONAL FLAVOUR

Event convenor Prof Fung was proud of the calibre of international speakers secured for this year’s conference.

Among them was Professor Richard Allen, from Baylor College of Medicine, Texas. He's is famous for his OculoSurg video library of oculoplastics procedures, the largest such repository in the world and staple viewing for surgeons.

He spoke on teprotumumab, the first-in-class human monoclonal antibody used for treatment of active moderate to severe thyroid eye disease. It has recently been approved in Australia. However, one side effect to look out for with this

treatment is hearing loss.

Associate Professor Simon Fung flew in from San Francisco and showed how corneal transplantation could be successfully performed in children, for challenging diseases such as Peters anomaly.

“All his surgery looked challenging but beautiful, with perfectly aligned sutures at the end of each case,” Prof Fung noted.

Dr Sui Wong from Moorfields Hospital, London, provided the latest updates on ocular myasthenia, and factors to look out for when screening for conversion to systemic myasthenia gravis.

“She also gave a refreshing talk on mindfulness for visual snow symptoms, and how clinical group therapy was transforming her practice,” Prof Fung added.

Looking ahead, Prof Fung confirmed that the 2026 event is already in planning.

“I expect the venue to be the same (Fullerton Hotel), but the date may change to September or October," he said.

"We are already planning more exciting speakers – but if there is someone you think would be great, please reach out. Watch this space.”

The disposable disrupter

The HD Disposable OCULUS LenZ lens has been reshaping vitreoretinal surgery since its introduction in 2017, combining optical precision, ease-of-use, and disposable convenience to challenge the status quo and how surgeons view the retina.

Few products can persuade an ophthalmic surgeon-scientist to walk away from their ow n invention.

But for Dr Hyun Seung Yang, Adjunct Associate Professor at the Laboratory of Advanced Optical Imaging at Seoul National University, the OCULUS HD Disposable LenZ did exactly that.

It was 2020-2021, and the retinal subspecialist and expert vitreomacular surgeon was applying his PhD background in optics to address shortcomings he – and others he was not aware of – had identified in vitreoretinal surgery visualisation.

“I once designed a similar type of lens myself,” Dr Yang tells Insight “But shortly after this disposable LenZ lens was introduced, offering a wider field of view at a lower cost, I stopped developing my new lens.”

For someone with deep expertise in optical design, such a concession speaks volumes about the technology he was confronted with – and eventually adopted.

The OCULUS HD Disposable LenZ emerged in 2017 as an alternative to more traditional, reusable glass lenses for fundus viewing in vitreoretinal surgeries.

It was designed to work on the RESIGHT system (ZEISS), one of the most widely used non-contact fundus viewing systems in retinal surgery, which competes in the market with OCULUS’ own BIOM system.

OCULUS had already gained recognition for its reusable WiFi HD lens (gold lens) available on the BIOM, with one of the key selling points being the widefield view it offers spanning 60-130 degrees. So the company’s optical engineers turned their attention to replicating this with a disposable option that could be used on the RESIGHT platform.

With its disposable format, the company says LenZ provides consistent optical clarity while eliminating the need for sterilisation and reducing the risk of scratches or long-term wear.

For Dr Yang, who's also the director of the Vitreo-Retinal Center, Seoul Shinsegae Eye Center, these advantages remain relevant today. Not only did it help to avoid the downtime, cost, and infection risk associated with reprocessing reusable lenses, it also meant he could perform nearly all surgeries without switching between

repeated sterilisation and the gradual chemical or physical damage that can occur over time,” Dr Yang explains.

“That means there’s less risk of fogging, scratches, or contamination. And because the lens is always ready to use immediately and consistently clear, I experience fewer lens-related interruptions.”

equates to one less thing to worry about in often high-stakes retinal work.

As he puts it, “better vision for your patient begins with better vision for you as a surgeon”.

“LenZ has different curvatures on each surface, and the upper side is thicker and stiffer. This design may help provide a sharp, magnified central image along

with a wider peripheral view,” he notes.

This improved peripheral visualisation is a major advantage in surgeries like panretinal photocoagulation or subretinal fluid removal.

“This lens offers a distortion-free peripheral view, which really improves outcomes when I’m working in the far periphery. Since the lens has no haptic ring, I can reach the far peripheral regions by gently tilting the eyeball, even in highly myopic eyes.

“Because of this improved view, I often need less scleral depression or assistance from other clinicians.”

This ability to transition between central and peripheral views without switching out the lens is especially important in complex cases.

deeper with Dr Yang. For example, with delicate manoeuvres – like membrane peeling or fluid-air exchanges –the LenZ’s depth of field provides enhanced stereopsis.

“Because of the clear central magnification while maintaining a good depth perception, I can keep the focus easily without frequent refocusing during ILM (internal limiting membrane) peeling,” he says.

“In practice, the central image quality remains clearer, even in patients with media opacities such as intraocular air or gas, a corneal opacity, or a multifocal IOL. This consistent clarity makes fine, delicate manoeuvres much more precise and efficient.”

As a result, he can use a single LenZ lens for nearly 100% of cases.

“This really reduces the time spent switching lenses or refocusing, and it minimises any unnecessary manipulations during surgery.”

Those unnecessary manipulations are further reduced with other LenZ features.

White explains how the lens design makes it easier for the surgeon to approach the eye at a steeper angle in high myopes or paediatric cases.

“Because it’s a smaller setup, you can really get in there for those patients. And since it’s disposable, we don’t need the metal rim to hold the lens in place – the whole thing is made from a single piece of moulded plastic.”

Dr Yang has discovered another ergonomic benefit. Traditional lenses can sit close to the cornea, sometimes restricting instrument manoeuvrability.

“One of the advantages of this lens design is that it provides a bit more working space off the cornea,” he says.

“With this single lens, both central and peripheral work are easy, and the view stays clear even if the patient has a multifocal IOL or some corneal opacity.”

“With this single lens, both central and peripheral work are easy, and the view stays clear even if the patient has a multifocal IOL or some corneal opacity,” he says.

According to Mr Richard White, regional director for OCULUS Asia, this is why surgeons are drawn to the design. He contrasts it with dual-lens systems, which require withdrawing instruments, flipping lenses, refocusing, and re-entering – each step increasing inefficiency and potential for visual disruption.

“That’s why surgeons valued our WiFi lens, with its wide 60-130-degree view, and why we created a disposable version with the same optics and performance, but compatible with this fundus viewing platform,” White explains.

That love of OCULUS optics goes even

“With this lens sitting a bit farther away –about four to five millimetres – it makes it easier to manoeuvre instruments. Ultimately, this means less fatigue for the surgeon over prolonged procedures.”

The LenZ also shines in modern operating rooms that are increasingly reliant on 3D visualisation systems, where imperfections in reusable glass lenses become magnified.

“With this lens’s clear and scratch-free surface, you get a sharper image, better contrast, and far fewer issues with glare or artifacts on the 3D display,” Dr Yang says.

COST EFFECTIVE IN THE LONG RUN

So with these benefits in mind, how does LenZ stack up – especially for costand eco-conscious hospital operators?

White says OCULUS has seen rapid uptake in targeted markets.

“It’s one of those products where the benefits become clear almost instantly. A surgeon goes into theatre with it, and by the time they come out, they’ve already experienced the difference for themselves. That immediate understanding sparks a conversation for routine use in theatres,” he says.

Dr Yang adds: “You might think this disposable lens is quite expensive, but it is actually cost-effective in the long run. By eliminating the need for repeated sterilisation and reducing the downtime associated with repairing glass lenses, we keep surgeries on schedule and minimise unexpected costs.”

And for those hesitant to transition, his advice is simple: “Adapting to this wonderful lens is quite straightforward and can actually make surgeries easier and more efficient, so there’s really little reason not to give it a try.”

Seeing beyond the lens

Leica Microsystems is set to unveil its new digital microscope and surgical visualisation headset at RANZCO 2025, marking a leap forward in ophthalmic surgery and surgeon comfort.

Australian ophthalmologists

will get their first look at Leica Microsystems’ latest ophthalmic innovation – the Proveo 8x 3D digital microscope and MyVeo headset — at the RANZCO Congress in Melbourne this month. Together with Australian distribution partner ParagonCare, Leica Microsystems will host private demonstrations in a dedicated suite, showcasing a new era in surgical visualisation and teaching.

For Leica Microsystems, the launch represents the next step in an ongoing transformation, from a company renowned for optical excellence to one equally recognised for digital innovation.

“For years, Leica has been synonymous with great optics,” says Mr Alvin Kok, head of ophthalmology product management at Leica Microsystems.

“But when we asked customers what Leica meant to them, no one said digital or digitally-empowered. We knew we had to evolve from being known for traditional quality optics to building a quality digital imaging platform calibrated around optics.”

That evolution began several years ago with a simple yet ambitious question: how could Leica build a system that honours the comfort and clarity of traditional analogue microscopes, while paving a clear path into the digital future?

At the time, Mr Kok explains, roughly 80% of ophthalmic surgeons were still using analogue systems, with only a small fraction experimenting with digital visualisation.

“Many were comfortable with what they were trained on,” he says. “You could say they preferred what felt familiar.”

The company saw a clear opportunity. “We didn’t want to force a choice between analogue and digital,” Mr Kok says. “Our goal was to create a microscope that could do both.”

The result is the Proveo 8x, described as a digital visualisation microscope with a modular design. The system allows hospitals and surgical centres to purchase a high-performance analogue base unit, then upgrade to 3D digital capability simply by swapping the camera module. This flexibility means institutions can transition at their own pace, without the need for an entirely new setup.

“We wanted to give both surgeons and financial managers a practical path forward,” Mr Kok explains. “They can start with a standard analogue system and later decide to add a 3D camera and monitor or headset when the time is right.”

Among the most visible – and talked-about – benefits of 3D digital surgery is ergonomics. Traditional analogue microscopes require surgeons to lean forward into binocular eyepieces for extended periods, often resulting in neck and back strain and even shortening careers.

“Manufacturers are becoming increasingly mindful of ergonomics,” Mr Kok says, “but in practice, surgeons still end up turning their heads sideways to view the screen because

of how most systems are configured.”

Leica’s design team wanted to eliminate that compromise. The Proveo 8x introduces what the company calls a “full-frontal orientation”: the microscope’s arm and optics have been re-engineered to ensure surgeons can sit squarely facing the monitor, with a clear, unobstructed line of sight.

“We’ve opened up the field of view so surgeons can sit comfortably, look straight ahead, and maintain a natural posture throughout the procedure,” Mr Kok says.

FASTER, SHARPER AND SMARTER

While ergonomics may be the most visible advantage, the Proveo 8x also introduces major technical improvements beneath the surface, particularly through its integration of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and phacoemulsification (phacoVR) data, providing surgeons with real-time, high-resolution imaging.

“Our system can take up to 5mm A-scan depth, coupled with 500 B-scan slices compared to about 5 in typical systems. That means surgeons are seeing more detail, more depth, and fewer missed structures.”

Another breakthrough lies in Leica’s new medical-grade camera, developed in-house specifically for surgical applications – a first for the company’s medical division. The innovation allows the image to be processed directly in the camera, bypassing external computing units that typically add latency.

“When you move your hand, your brain registers that motion in about 50 milliseconds,” Mr Kok notes. “Most current systems operate around that same speed –50 or 60 milliseconds – so you sometimes see a tiny delay in movement on the screen. Our system processes at 16 milliseconds, more than twice as fast.. It is one of the fastest 3D imaging systems in the market.”

This near-instant responsiveness, he says, can make a noticeable difference during delicate procedures such as suturing.

“When the visual feedback is immediate, it becomes a truly seamless extension of the surgeon’s hands.”

Beyond clinical performance, Leica’s engineers also had education in mind. The 3D digital platform is inherently suited to teaching environments, allowing observers to share exactly what the surgeon sees – in full depth and clarity.

“Training is a major Mriver for 3D adoption,” says Mr Kok. “Many hospitals buy large 3D monitors primarily for their residents and fellows to watch procedures in real time.”

However, these traditional setups can consume valuable operating room space. “A 55-inch monitor has a huge footprint,” he says. “We’ve introduced a smaller 32-inch monitor that can be ceiling-mounted or placed on a smaller, flexible arm mobile cart. It can swivel toward the surgeon or the observing students, depending on the workflow.”

A NEW DIMENSION IN SURGEON COMFORT

For teaching environments with space or distance challenges – such as university clinics or outreach settings – Leica developed an even more compact solution: MyVeo, an all-in-one surgical visualisation headset.

MyVeo – also on display at the RANZCO Congress – provides a live 3D view directly in front of the surgeon’s eyes. It frees surgeons from binoculars or external monitors, delivering a single integrated view

Surgeons can choose between binocular-based, 3D heads-up or MyVeo headset visualisation.

The ergonomic design of Proveo 8x offers surgeons clear line-of-sight.

surgeons are more willing to embrace new technology.”

The Proveo 8x also introduces new features that allow surgeons to customise how they view the surgical field. “In Japan, some surgeons perform parts of their procedures in black and white,” Mr Kok says. “They believe it enhances contrast when performing certain procedures, such

"WE DESIGNED ONE SYSTEM THAT ACCOMMODATES FOR BOTH SEGMENTS; THE TRADITIONAL ANALOGUE USERS AND THE DIGITAL EARLY ADOPTERS."

with seamless data integration from phaco and OCT. Up to three headsets can be used simultaneously, sharing the same live 3D view as the main surgeon.

In early testing, Leica found the headset especially popular among senior surgeons who had spent decades working through binoculars.

“We had one group of surgeons who just couldn’t get comfortable with 3D monitors,” Mr Kok recalls. “Then they tried the MyVeo headset and immediately said, ‘This feels exactly like my analogue binoculars.’ For them, it restored that familiar sense of proximity and control.”

as a capsulorhexis.”

Leica’s engineers took note. “We created settings that let users switch between different visualisation modes – from colour to monochrome – depending on their preferences and the task at hand,” he says. “The colours, contrast and temperature can also be calibrated per preferences and saved to their individual profiles.”

Looking ahead, Mr Kok hints that the platform’s high-speed camera system opens doors to further innovation. “Because we can process images at 16 milliseconds, we have heaMroom to add more features without introducing delay. There’s a lot of

8x and MyVeo in person at the RANZCO Congress in Melbourne in November 2025. Leica Microsystems and ParagonCare, its Australian distribution partner, will host private demonstrations in a dedicated suite.

“We want surgeons to experience it for themselves,” says Mr Kok. “You can describe the 3D depth, the ergonomics, the speed – but it’s when you sit down and look through it that you really understand the difference.”

As digital technology continues to reshape ophthalmic surgery, Leica Microsystems’ Proveo 8x aims to serve as both bridge and catalyst, supporting surgeons who value the precision of optical engineering while guiding them into the next generation of visualisation.

“We’re not just giving them a new microscope,” Mr Kok reflects. “We’re giving them options – freedom to choose when and how they move into digital. That’s what true innovation should look like.”

The Proveo 8x is available in Australia and New Zealand via ParagonCare. For more information about the Proveo 8x, visit www. leica-microsystems.com/products/surgical-microscopes/p/proveo-8x/ or contact mark.shephard@paragoncare.com.au.

It’s

feeling of being the best (again!)

We’re One of Australia’s Best Workplaces™ – Again! Specsavers has been ranked 4th in the Top 10 Best Workplaces™ by Great Place To Work®.

Even more exciting? We’ve made the Top 10 for the third year in a row, continuing to climb as a standout organisation where people love to work.

We’re committed to delivering world-class eyecare while creating a workplace that’s inclusive, energetic, and empowering.

Want to love where you work? Explore opportunities at spectrum-anz.com/careers-at-specsavers

Recognising mimickers of AMD

Differentiating age-related macular degeneration from other causes of macular pathology can be challenging – but the stakes are high, and with new treatment options for geographic atrophy on the horizon, accurate diagnosis is more important than ever, writes STEFAN SISKOS.

ALEARNING OBJECTIVES:

At the completion of this article, the reader should be able to…

• Differentiate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) from its common mimickers.

• Interpret OCT and FAF imaging findings in early, intermediate, and advanced AMD.

• Identify hallmark features of central serous chorioretinopathy, vitelliform dystrophy, and macular telangiectasia type 2.

• Recognise when urgent referral to an ophthalmologist is warranted.

ge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness in Australia. It’s estimated that by 2030 1.7 million Australians over the age of 50 will present with signs of AMD.1 Even more alarmingly, in the absence of adequate treatment or prevention, approximately 330,000 cases may progress to advanced disease.1 Early and accurate diagnosis can drastically improve visual outcomes, as delayed intervention in AMD has been shown to be detrimental to visual acuity recovery. 2

The good news is: our clinical arsenal is expanding. The increasing availability of diagnostic tools such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) have been pivotal in early screening and diagnosis of AMD and its mimickers. While a thorough and precise patient history lays the foundation in our clinical workflow, it is now seldom just enough. Connecting clinical history with our imaging tools is essential for differential diagnosis. In an environment where early detection can improve visual outcomes, the ability to interpret each imaging modality is pivotal for best care.

To gain confidence differentiating AMD mimickers, we firstly need to understand

the risk factors, pathophysiology and clinical findings of AMD itself.

AMD (EARLY AND ADVANCED) Risk Factors

Age-related macular degeneration. The first word in the diagnosis – ‘age’ – indicates one of the major risk factors. AMD is most frequent in individuals aged 65 years and older. 3 The progression to advanced AMD can also be attributed to age, with those over 80 having a higher risk of advanced disease.1

A second major risk factor is genetics. Those with a known family history of AMD are at a greater risk of developing the condition.4

When considering AMD, it is also valuable to evaluate your patients’ lifestyle factors, which can affect their risk profile. Both smoking5 and poor diet6,7 contribute to either the development or progression of AMD. Tobacco use has been shown to accelerate the onset of late-stage AMD by five to 10 years compared to individuals who have quit or never smoked.5

Finally, the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS 1 and 2) highlighted the link between diet and AMD. Individuals who consumed a high antioxidant diet reduced

the risk of AMD progression compared to those who had suboptimal nutrition.6,7

Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of early AMD is well documented. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), or ‘caretaker’ cells, become deficient at removing the protein and lipid waste material from photoreceptors following visual processing. Rather than the waste material passing Bruch’s membrane through to the choroid, the waste is deposited at the RPE level. This cellular waste we all know as ‘drusen’. As the disease progresses, the RPE undergoes further oxidative stress, and cell death eventually commences. It is at this crossroad point that the advanced labels ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ can apply.

Once RPE death commences, the photoreceptors follow suit. This process is geographic atrophy (GA), or ‘dry AMD’ – loss of the RPE and photoreceptor complex in the absence of neovascularisation.

‘Wet AMD’ is characterised by choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) into the retinal tissue. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes the proliferation of fragile blood vessels into the subretinal space causing capillary leakage and haemorrhage. Left untreated, the haemorrhage is converted to fibrotic scar tissue and the retinal architecture is severely compromised.

Clinical imaging

Considering the natural history of AMD, when utilising OCT imaging we would expect to see disruption at the level of the RPE, photoreceptors and Bruch’s membrane. Drusen and RPE changes are common in the early and intermediate forms of AMD1 (Figure 1A). Pigment epithelial detachments (PED)1 (Figure 1B) present as the disease progresses, and it’s not until we see the advanced (wet) stage where subretinal and intraretinal fluid emerge (Figure 1C). Haemorrhaging on OCT scanning can be a subtle finding. There is often a ‘fuzzy’ area at the level of the RPE (Figure 1D).

As dry AMD is an atrophic process, many of the other findings apparent in the other stages of AMD are absent. Areas of geographic atrophy exhibit a ‘waterfall effect’ on OCT scanning. The RPE and photoreceptor junction ordinarily absorbs the light wavelength transmitted on OCT, and absence of the junction produces a pattern reminiscent of a waterfall (Figure 1E).

Perhaps a more precise method to detect dry AMD is the use of FAF. This technique uses specific light wavelengths that excite lipofuscin and fluorophores which appear in retinal disease.8 The corresponding excitation produces an image demonstrating RPE malfunction or death. Areas of stressed RPE produce hyper-fluorescence (bright white), while hypo-autofluorescence (black) is associated with RPE death. Specifically for GA and dry AMD, areas of photoreceptor and RPE loss appear hypo-fluorescent. The surrounding edge is typically hyper-fluorescent, indicating GA progression as growth (Figure 1F).

Bringing the picture together

When patients present with suspected AMD, it is most important to consider their age and family history. Wet AMD can present

with sudden visual disturbances (such as distortion or scotoma) in one eye, but thorough examination of both eyes is vital, as we know AMD occurs bilaterally. It would be unusual to have disease exclusive to one eye, with normal findings in the contralateral eye. When utilising OCT, consider the appearance of the RPE, photoreceptors and Bruch’s membrane. Changes associated with these structures are most prevalent in AMD.

Finally, treating wet AMD with high suspicion is desirable, as early referral and treatment provides greater visual outcomes. 2

CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPTHY (CSCR) Risk Factors

Similar to AMD, central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) has a well-recognised list of risk factors. Interestingly, many of these risk factors stand in direct contrast to AMD risk factors. CSCR affects men much more commonly than women,9,10 with a mean age of 40.9. Corticosteroid exposure, from tablets, to topical creams or inhalers is a further risk factor.11 If the trigger is not exogenous, we need to consider endogenous factors. Stress, anxiety and type-A personalities have been shown to be a significant influence.11 Sleep apnoea is thought to be another contributing factor, as an elevated stress response occurs during apnoeic episodes.11

Pathophysiology of CSCR

The pathophysiology of CSCR is not as well understood compared to AMD. It is thought that steroid exposure affects the permeability of the choroid and dysfunction of the RPE pump,11 leading to a collection of subretinal fluid. Self-resolution over four-to-six months

is common9 with greater improvement apparent once the steroid trigger is addressed.

Clinical imaging

OCT is the key imaging modality supporting diagnosis of CSCR. A key finding is a large, usually sub foveal mound of subretinal fluid (Fig 2A). It’s not uncommon for extrafoveal pockets of subretinal fluid to be present. PEDs are not as common in acute cases, although their presence is more often noted in chronic CSCR.11

FAF imaging also assists with the diagnosis of CSCR. It’s common to find a hyperfluorescent area which corresponds to the patch of subretinal fluid (Figure 2B). In chronic cases, FAF is slightly different. Hyper-fluorescence is seen, but there are also hypo-fluorescent areas indicating persistent disease. A ‘gravity’ or ‘draining’ effect can also be noted in these chronic cases (Figure 2C).

Bringing the picture together

CSCR is one of the few conditions where flagging the risk factors can almost assure correct diagnosis. Young, stressed males with reduced vision and metamorphopsia. Most acute cases are unilateral, and when examining the unaffected eye, findings are typically unremarkable. Although

subretinal fluid presents with both CSCR and wet AMD, the absence of other AMD markers (drusen, haemorrhage) swings the suspicion away from the more sinister diagnosis. Interestingly, patients with acute onset CSCR can usually be refracted back to good visual acuity.

BEST’S DYSTROPHY/ADULT VITELLIFORM DYSTROPHY

Risk Factors

Genetic predisposition is the largest contributor to development of Best’s dystrophy.12 Best’s dystrophy presents with a mutation in the BEST1 gene.12

space.12 Lipofuscin, macrophages and oxidative byproducts produce the classic egg yolk appearance12 (Figure 3A).

Clinical imaging

OCT imaging provides impressive assessment in AVD. We most commonly find a subfoveal cumulation of lipofuscin which is hyper-reflective. Drusen and other RPE material can be found at the base of lesion (Figure 3B). The remaining RPE around the lesion is normal.

As disease progresses, some AVD lesions turn hypo-reflective on OCT scanning (Figure 3C).

“ABOVE ALL, SUSPICION OF WET AMD REQUIRES URGENT REFERRAL.”

Presentation is in the juvenile years of life, but diagnosis is often made much later on.12 Adult vitelliform dystrophy (AVD) is thought to be a subtype of Best’s dystrophy with a much later presentation.12 The genetic link is not as strong as Best’s, but it may be a factor nonetheless.

Pathophysiology

The exact pathophysiology of AVD is uncertain. Similarly to AMD, it’s believed a dysfunction of RPE metabolism causes the build-up of material in the subfoveal

FAF is an excellent tool for imaging

AVD. We frequently see a discrete hyper auto-fluorescent subfoveal lesion which corresponds to the lipofuscin collection (Figure 3D).

Bringing the picture together

With a vague list of risk factors, diagnosis of AVD is mainly sought via imaging and fundoscopy. The central egg yolk presentation, hyper fluorescence on FAF and large lipofuscin mound on OCT are pathognomonic. Apart from the central

lesion, no other macular abnormalities are typically present, which acts as a differentiating factor compared to AMD. While both AVD and AMD are commonly bilateral, the unilateral cases of AVD is another flag to raise suspicion on the mimicker.

Finally, patients with AVD rarely indicate acute visual changes, as the condition is slow progressing. In contrast, patients with advancing AMD can often pinpoint a time where a distinct visual decline occurred.

MACULAR TELANGIECTASIA TYPE 2

Risk Factors

Macular telangiectasia (MacTel) is perhaps the most mysterious of the mimickers. Risk factors are poorly understood; however, age and genetics are thought to be involved in the development of the condition.13

Pathophysiology

As MacTel is a relatively poorly understood condition, the pathophysiology of the disease is not concrete. The widely

References:

1. D eloitte Access Economics Macular Degeneration Foundation; 2011. Eyes on the Future. A Clear Outlook on Age-Related Macular Degeneration. 145 pages.

2. L im JH, Wickremasinghe SS, Xie J, Chauhan DS, Baird PN, Robman LD, Hageman G, Guymer RH. Delay to treatment and visual outcomes in patients treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor for age-related macular degeneration. Am J Ophthalmol. 2012 Apr;153(4):678-86, 686.e1-2. doi: 10.1016/j. ajo.2011.09.013. Epub 2012 Jan 14. PMID: 22245460; PMCID: PMC4869322.

3. M itchell, P, Smith, W, Attebo, K, Wang, JJ. 1995 ‘Prevalence of age-related maculopathy in Australia: The Blue Mountains Eye Study’. Ophthalmology 102:1450-1460.

4. F ajnkuchen, F, Cohen, SY 2008, ‘Update on the genetics of age-related macular degeneration’, Journal of French Ophthalmology, 31 (6 Pt 1): 630-637.

5. Tan, J, Mitchell, P, Kifley, A, et al 2007, ‘Smoking and the long-term incidence of age-related macular degeneration: The Blue Mountains Eye Study', Archives of Ophthalmology, 125(8): 1089-1095.

6. A REDS - 2007, ‘The relationship of dietary carotenoid and vitamin A, E, and C intake with age-related macular degeneration in a case-control study', Archives of Ophthalmology, Report Number 22, 125(9):1225-1232.

accepted theory involves disorder of the Muller cells14. These retinal glial cells are responsible for inner retinal metabolism, and act as ‘scaffolding’ for the retinal layers.14 Dysfunction and disorganisation of the Muller cells causes retinal atrophy and many of the clinical signs present in MacTel.14

Clinical imaging

OCT imaging is extremely valuable when suspecting MacTel. Cystic cavities commonly appear in the inner retinal layers. These spaces do not cause retinal thickening typical of subretinal or intraretinal fluid but rather produce a thinning effect (Figure 4A). As the condition matures, retinal cells collapse and cavities disappear. Retinal atrophy, photoreceptor loss and capillary pigmentary plaques develop (Figure 4B).

FAF imaging provides insights when imaging MacTel. A subtle hyper auto-fluorescent patch can present at the temporal edge of each maculae (Figure

7. A REDS - 2001, 'A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc for age-related macular degeneration and vision loss’, Archives of Ophthalmology, Report Number 8, 119(10): 1417-1436.

8. S chmitz-Valckenberg S, Holz FG, Bird AC, Spaide RF. Fundus autofluorescence imaging: review and perspectives. Retina. 2008 Mar;28(3):385-409. doi: 10.1097/IAE.0b013e318164a907. PMID: 18327131.

9. K anda P, Gupta A, Gottlieb C, Karanjia R, Coupland SG, Bal MS. Pathophysiology of central serous chorioretinopathy: a literature review with quality assessment. Eye (Lond). 2022 May;36(5):941-962. doi: 10.1038/s41433-021-01808-3. Epub 2021 Oct 15. PMID: 34654892; PMCID: PMC9046392.

10. L iew G, Quin G, Gillies M, Fraser-Bell S. Central serous chorioretinopathy: a review of epidemiology and pathophysiology. Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2013 Mar;41(2):201-14. doi: 10.1111/j.1442-9071.2012.02848.x. Epub 2012 Sep 21. PMID: 22788735.

11. D aruich A, Matet A, Dirani A, Bousquet E, Zhao M, Farman N, Jaisser F, Behar-Cohen F. Central serous chorioretinopathy: Recent findings and new physiopathology hypothesis. Prog Retin Eye Res. 2015 Sep;48:82-118. doi: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2015.05.003. Epub 2015 May 27. PMID: 26026923.

4C). Finally, capillary blunting and wide angle junctions are also apparent on FAF imaging and fundoscopy (Figure 4D).

Bringing the picture together

MacTel presents with a peculiar set of symptoms. Despite physical changes demonstrated on OCT, early disease sufferers can be asymptomatic. Once symptomatic, patients complain of difficulty reading and commonly note the start of each word is blurry or missing (due to dysfunction of the temporal macular region). Comparatively, AMD patients have large central disturbances with metamorphopsia. Using OCT imaging, MacTel exhibits cystic ‘cookie cutter’ retinal thinning. As we know with AMD, this is juxtaposed. Retinal thickening associated with retinal haemorrhage, fluid and PEDs is frequent.

REFERRAL OF AMD AND MIMICKERS

Above all, suspicion of wet AMD requires urgent referral. This stands true for the mimickers as well, as CNV can be a rare complication of the discussed masquerades. Delay or failure to refer can be detrimental to long-term visual acuity. In the absence of wet AMD or CNV, urgent referral is not crucial. Referral patterns can be guided by both the patient and clinician. For example, those with suspected CSCR often push for early referral, as they are the young working demographic that notice an immense visual change. In contrast, elderly patients with intermediate AMD or AVD often are guided by the clinician, as slow visual changes are often not perceived. We see an aspect of tolerance in these cases, as aging often brings other health issues which take precedence over their sight. One major benefit of referral is the potential to access novel treatments. Multiple dry AMD therapies currently are on the horizon, and clinical trials using gene therapy are underway for MacTel. At a minimum, referral of these patients allows baseline imaging and formal registration of their diagnosis. This opens potential pathways to next-gen treatments or trials.

12. N ipp GE, Lee T, Sarici K, Malek G, Hadziahmetovic M. Adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy: epidemiology, pathophysiology, imaging, and prognosis. Front Ophthalmol (Lausanne). 2023 Aug 10;3:1237788. doi: 10.3389/fopht.2023.1237788. PMID: 38983024; PMCID: PMC11182240.

13. Charbel Issa P, Gillies MC, Chew EY, Bird AC, Heeren TF, Peto T, Holz FG, Scholl HP. Macular telangiectasia type 2. Prog Retin Eye Res. 2013 May;34:49-77. doi: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2012.11.002. Epub 2012 Dec 3. PMID: 23219692; PMCID: PMC3638089.

14. N ewman E, Reichenbach A. The Muller cell: a functional element of the retina. Trends Neurosci. 1996;19(8):307–312. doi:10.1016/0166- 2236(96)10040-0.

NOTE: Insight readers can scan the QR code or visit insightnews.com.au/cpd/ to access a link to this article to include in their own CPD log book.

What’s behind this firm's success in the workplace?

Specsavers recently celebrated its latest recognition for being considered a great place to work in both Australia and New Zealand. In light of this ongoing success, Insight asked ANZ clinical services director Dr BEN ASHBY on his thoughts about what is driving this.

When I reflect on what makes Specsavers a truly great place to work, I’m reminded of our purpose: to change lives through better sight and hearing. It’s more than a slogan – it’s the foundation of a culture that empowers every team member, from our store partners and store team members to our lab, warehouse and support office, to make a real difference every day.

This year, Specsavers was named the second Best Place to Work in New Zealand and the sixth Best Place to Work in Australia by Great Place to Work – a recognition that speaks volumes about our people-first approach and the values that drive us. Being a great place to work starts with listening to our people and acting on what they tell us. Every year, every team member anonymously completes the Great Place to Work survey which asks them all about their day-to-day experiences working at Specsavers and their thoughts on our wider strategy. It’s more than a box-ticking exercise; it’s a catalyst for real change and helps to drive our company decisions.

As Mr Paul Bott, our managing director ANZ, puts it: “Being recognised as a Best Place to Work is a testament to the culture we’ve nurtured at Specsavers. It reflects the everyday commitment of our people to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. The impact has been felt across every corner of the business.”

Great Place to Work is the largest workplace culture assessment in Australia and New Zealand across all sectors and organisation sizes, with 158,749 employees surveyed this year in Australia alone. Each employee gives feedback to inform the list of the top 100 organisations that set the standard for workplace culture.

Ms Rebecca Moulynox, general manager of Great Place to Work ANZ, explains: “The Best Workplaces list celebrates organisations that understand culture is their greatest strategic asset. These companies have proven that when you build a workplace founded on trust, pride and camaraderie, you create the conditions for both employee flourishing and exceptional business performance.”

Achieving these accolades in the nations we provide care for is something that has come about thanks to the everyday passion and dedication of thousands of people. It’s a testament to our people and their passion and dedication to make a difference every day.

It might change depending on who you ask at Specsavers, but for me, the secrets to success are simple and boil down to five key points:

1. A partnership model that empowers Our unique joint venture partnership model gives optometrists and retail professionals the opportunity to co-own and manage

businesses in their local communities, supported by a dedicated support office team. This model fosters ownership, accountability, community-mindedness and a sense of pride that’s hard to replicate. It gives our optometrists clinical autonomy and the whole team cares for the community by providing crucial services that change lives through better sight and hearing. It means our partners are personally invested in delivering excellence, and our support teams are there to help them focus on what matters most: patient care.

2. Clinical excellence and professional growth

Specsavers is committed to supporting our team members at every stage of their career. With a multitude of opportunities and pathways developed for different individuals and professions, optometrists’ opportunities begin before they graduate.

Firstly, unlike many others, we offer funding for optometrists experiencing clinical placements in regional practices to support them with travel and accommodation.

Our Graduate Program and Early Career Optometrist (ECO) Program provide structured pathways for development, while our annual Specsavers Clinical Conference connects experts from across ANZ to share best practice and expand skill sets. For those who wish to become store partners, we have the Pathway Program which

gives experienced optometrists and store managers training in leadership, commercial acumen and Specsavers-specific operations to own a successful store.

We also invest in technology and training to ensure our clinicians are always engaged in professional development opportunities that also lead to enhanced patient health outcomes – like our systematic use of OCT imaging, our rollout of advanced dry eye therapies and our structured referral pathways – which have doubled glaucoma detection rates and helped us register over one million appointments for diabetic eye checks with KeepSight.

3. Patient health outcomes come first Specsavers believes that the best quality care and products should be accessible to everyone. That no one should have to experience vision loss that could have been prevented or hearing loss that could have been helped.

Truly patient-centred care puts the needs, preferences and values of the patient at the heart of every interaction. Our clinical pathways, investment in technology, optical and audiology products and ongoing professional development are all designed to ensure the highest standards of care are accessible for all.

By focusing on early detection, prevention, and evidence-based practice, we empower our clinicians to deliver the best possible outcomes for every patient, every time. This unapologetic and unwavering commitment to patient health is something that we are really proud of.

4. Recognition and celebration

We believe in recognising and celebrating our people at all levels and from everywhere in the business. This culture of recognition helps foster pride and motivation across

“We also invest in technology and training to ensure our clinicians are always engaged in professional development opportunities that also lead to enhanced patient health outcomes.”

Dr Ben Ashby Specsavers

provide outstanding customer service; but it also includes smaller moments like our company-wide thank you card system where anyone can send a card to a team member to acknowledge everyday acts of kindness and teamwork.

5. Continuous improvement and employee voice

At Specsavers, we know that the best ideas often come from those closest to the work. That’s why we have a relentless focus on listening to our people and empowering them to shape our culture and business. We have a large field team who are in constant contact with team members in stores and have regular meetings with managers and store partners where we foster a culture of feedback and innovation. We have a Great Place to Work Advisory Group whose core focus is to listen and develop ideas to improve Specsavers from an employee perspective.

Our adoption of the InMoment platform has enabled us to gather real-time, actionable feedback from customers and team members, helping us continuously improve both our service and our workplace culture.

We collect anonymous feedback through our regular ACE (Annual Colleague Engagement) and Great Place to Work surveys. Initiatives like our Innovation Fund

everyone can thrive and contribute to our shared success.

A WORKPLACE FOR EVERYONE

What makes Specsavers unique is that our culture of care extends to every team member – whether you’re in the support office, lab, warehouse, a store partner, optometrist, retail team member, or student. We ensure that everyone, regardless of their role, background, or career stage, has access to development opportunities, wellbeing support, and a sense of belonging.

We’re continuously listening because we know we’ve just scratched the surface and there are so many more opportunities to be an even better place to work.

Our people-first approach is embedded in every part of the business, from wellbeing initiatives like the WeCare program (offering confidential counselling and support for team members and their families) to our PRISM network for LGBTTQIA+ inclusion and cultural experiences with The Fred Hollows Foundation. We support working parents with our ParentHood network and have enhanced leave policies developed for inclusion. We celebrate diversity and ensure all team members feel valued and included.

As one colleague shared in our Great Place to Work survey:

“Specsavers is a great place to work

CAPTURING THE ORTHOPTIC WORKFORCE IN 2025

Orthoptics Australia’s 2025 Workforce Survey reveals critical insights into a growing, diversifying profession –addressing data gaps vital for future workforce planning and eye health care delivery.

TDATA IS THE CORNERSTONE OF EFFECTIVE HEALTH PLANNING –WITHOUT IT, THE ORTHOPTIC PROFESSION RISKS BEING OVERLOOKED IN SHAPING AUSTRALIA’S FUTURE EYECARE.”

here is limited data available for the allied health workforce, particularly for self-regulated professions not captured under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS). Orthoptics is self-regulated by the Australian Orthoptic Board (AOB) and registration is a requirement under State-based Drugs and Poisons Legislation, the Sonography Act and for access to funding through the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Medicare. However, as registration itself is not mandated for orthoptists, there is limited workforce data available for the orthoptic profession. This data-gap was acknowledged as a significant issue for workforce planning in several recent Federal Government reviews, most notably the National Allied Health Workforce Strategy, the final report of which was released early in 2025. The NRAS Complexity Review and the Unleashing the Potential of Our Health Workforce: Scope of Practice Review also pointed out the lack of data available for workforce planning. As the Health Workforce Taskforce works to bring together the recommendations from these reviews and start to implement change, there has never been a more pertinent time for professional associations to gather such workforce data to inform future directions.

much needed information on orthoptic scope of practice. This mission remains just as relevant in 2025, as Orthoptics Australia released its new workforce survey.

Workforce data shows orthoptists independently screen, triage, and monitor eye conditions.

Orthoptics Australia has conducted several workforce surveys over its more than 80-year history. The first workforce survey was conducted in 1976, with surveys initially conducted every three years and later extended to every five years. The first Orthoptics Australia workforce survey was initiated to raise the profile of the orthoptic profession with government agencies and provide

The orthoptic profession has continued to grow steadily over recent decades with the census data in 2016 indicating that more than 1,000 orthoptists were practicing across Australia, mirroring the number of ophthalmologists at that time. The last Orthoptics Australia workforce survey conducted in 2017 showed a concentration of orthoptists working in New South Wales and Victoria aligning with the location of the two training schools but, growing numbers of orthoptists in other states and territories, particularly in Queensland. By 2025, workforce numbers have grown considerably, with further increases in the number of orthoptists practicing across Australia, and notable growth in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. It was already evident in early surveys in the late 1970s that orthoptic work in Australia extended far beyond strabismus and ocular motility disorders to include practice in areas of ophthalmics including surgical assistance and pre- and post-operative assessment. Low vision, disability and paediatric vision screening were also recognised areas of advanced practice orthoptics. There has been further expansion of orthoptic practice, with 2025 data indicating orthoptists working autonomously to screen, triage and monitor ophthalmic pathologies, advanced ophthalmic imaging and extended practice in management of pathology including, contributions to refractive surgery, corneal cross-linking, intraocular lens selection and minor surgical procedures.

The Orthoptics Australia 2025 Workforce Survey also demonstrates a growing number of orthoptists moving into high-level management, public health, education, research and ophthalmic industry roles. This increasing diversity of roles for orthoptists suggests broad recognition of the skills of orthoptists beyond clinical work and reflects that the majority of the profession now holds a minimum of a Master-level qualification. However, this also points to a potential issue of retention of orthoptists in clinical roles. It is of utmost importance to retain orthoptic knowledge and skills within clinical eye care for a robust eye health workforce in Australia and optimal patient care. To do so, it is essential that orthoptists are enabled to work to the top of their scope of practice and are appropriately recognised and renumerated for their specialised clinical expertise.

The findings of the 2025 Orthoptics Australia Workforce Survey will be presented this month at the Orthoptics Australia Education and Advocacy Forum, concurrent with the 2025 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmology (RANZCO) Congress in Melbourne. A ‘Future of the Orthoptic Profession’ Roundtable workshop to discuss findings of the survey, challenges and opportunities for the orthoptic profession and directions for future advocacy work will be held as part of the forum. This is intended to also inform development of the Orthoptics Australia Strategic Plan, with the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan reaching its conclusion in 2025.

Findings from the 2025 Orthoptics Australia Workforce Survey are expected to be published as a series of peer-reviewed papers throughout 2026, with the findings of the ‘Future of the Orthoptic Profession’ Roundtable and the 2026-2028 Strategic Plan to be released in the first quarter of 2026.

ORTHOPTICS AUSTRALIA is the national peak body representing orthoptists in Australia. OA’s Vision is to support orthoptists to provide excellence and equity in eye health care. Visit: orthoptics.org.au

WHAT CAN – OR SHOULD – WE DISPENSE?

VIRGILIA READETT, optical dispensing educator, explores ethical dispensing considerations, examining how duty of care, informed consent and product knowledge guide responsible lens and frame recommendations.

As optical dispensers, our recommendations are influenced by many factors, including customers’ needs, their preferences, and our own product knowledge. But do we pause often enough to ask: what should we dispense, as opposed to what we merely can?

“WHAT WE CAN DISPENSE IS BROAD. WHAT WE SHOULD DISPENSE IS NARROWER — AND FAR MORE IMPORTANT.”

This distinction lies at the heart of ethical dispensing. It is not simply about right and wrong, but about our professional obligations: informed consent, duty of care, and upholding standards. To achieve informed consent, customers need clear information about outcomes, risks and alternatives. Duty of care means avoiding omissions or actions that could cause harm. And ethics guide our choices on frames, lenses and coatings – ensuring recommendations are backed by justifiable reasoning, not assumptions or convenience.

DUTY OF CARE IN EVERYDAY DISPENSING

Few scenarios highlight ethical responsibility more clearly than night driving. Reflections, headlight glare and streetlights are common complaints, and students at the Australasian College of Optical Dispensing (ACOD) often suggest filters, tints or multicoating as solutions. But which of these are ethically defensible?

Australian/New Zealand standards (AS/NZS 1067.1:2016) stipulate that only category 0 tints (3–20%) are suitable for night driving. Contrast filters, such as copper, yellow or olive, may improve depth perception in daylight, but at night they reduce light transmission and fall into category 2 –unsuitable by the standards. Drivewear lenses, for example, are marketed specifically for daylight conditions, not night driving.

The safer recommendation is multicoating or anti-reflective coatings, which reduce the flare of headlights without compromising visibility. As ACOD’s CEO Mr Chedy Kalach explains: “Due to tints of any colour (yellow included) reducing light transmission, we do not recommend they be used when driving at nighttime … However, if an optometrist recommended a tint for night driving for medical reasons, it would be permissible for a category 0 tint.”

Other examples highlight the same

principle. High-index lenses provide real comfort for higher prescriptions but recommending them for a mild -1.00D is difficult to justify. In such cases, a smaller or lighter frame material may achieve the desired comfort without unnecessary cost. Similarly, occasional requests for glass lenses demand careful consideration. While patients may believe glass provides superior optics, the minimal benefit in Abbe value compared with CR-39 is outweighed by its fragility, heavier weight, and higher injury risk. As Professor Alexander Holden (University of Sydney) points out, providing a product after advising against it effectively makes the dispenser responsible for any resulting harm. Polycarbonate or Trivex provide safer, more responsible alternatives.

Duty of care often means saying “no” to unsafe or unsuitable options – even when requested – and guiding patients toward solutions that balance safety, function and comfort.

MOVING BEYOND ASSUMPTIONS

Ethics in dispensing also means resisting assumptions about a patient’s means or preferences. Consider the senior gentleman in a low-socioeconomic area who has always purchased low-cost single-vision lenses. If you assume he only wants a mid-range progressive, you risk failing to meet his actual expectations. Upon further questioning, you may discover he is a retired bank manager who values

premium freeform progressives and occupational lenses.

The difference between assuming and asking is not just a better optical outcome – it can be the difference between losing trust and building loyalty. Open lifestyle questions ensure recommendations are tailored, justified and aligned with the customer’s goals.

The same applies to frame selection and coatings. A titanium frame may be more suitable than a cheaper alloy because of its lightweight strength, while multicoat may enhance vision and appearance for many, but not all, occupations. Upsells, when justified, are ethical. What matters is that the recommendation is informed, explained, and tailored.

Ethical dispensing is not about limiting choice; it is about ensuring those choices are informed, safe and defensible. By applying our product knowledge, rejecting unsafe or unnecessary options, and taking time to understand each patient’s needs, we fulfil our professional obligations while also building trust and credibility.

What we can dispense is broad. What we should dispense is narrower – and far more important for the wellbeing of our patients and the reputation of our profession.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Virgilia Readett holds a Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing, Certificate IV in Training & Assessing, and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Communications.

ELEVATING THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE

PAULA PEACHEY, training coordinator at George & Matilda, explores how every patient interaction in optometry –from first impressions to follow-ups – shapes lasting connections and exceptional care.

“PATIENTS MAY COME TO US FOR EYECARE, BUT THEY STAY BECAUSE OF HOW WE MAKE THEM FEEL.”

When I first started in optics, I quickly realised that while clinical skills are vital, it isn’t the only thing patients remember. What often sticks with them most is how they felt – whether they were welcomed warmly, whether they understood their care, and whether they felt truly listened to. That’s what transforms an appointment into an experience, and an experience into a lasting connection.

As someone who has worked across clinical practice, practice management, training, and vision therapy, I’ve seen this from many different perspectives. Whether I’m on the dispensing floor, managing a busy practice, or training new team members, the lesson is always the same: every touchpoint matters. Patients don’t just judge us on the accuracy of a prescription; they notice how efficiently the practice runs, how approachable the team is, and how well we explain what’s happening in terms they can understand.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT

When I was managing the longestestablished practice in the Albury/ Wodonga region, I saw firsthand how powerful first impressions could be.

WHAT PATIENTS VALUE MOST

Over time, I’ve come to believe there are four pillars that really drive patient satisfaction:

1. Efficiency – Patients want their time respected. Streamlined booking, short waits, and clear processes show that we value them.

2. A welcoming environment – This isn’t just about décor; it’s about people. Every staff interaction shapes how patients feel.

3. Empathetic, simple communication – We work with complex terminology, but patients need plain English. Clear, compassionate explanations build trust.

4. A confident, educated team – Knowledge gives patients reassurance. When the whole team can confidently explain, guide, and recommend, patients feel they’re in safe hands.

INVOLVING PATIENTS IN THEIR JOURNEY

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS THAT LAST

For me, the most fulfilling part of optometry has always been the relationships. Watching families return year after year, seeing children grow into adults who bring in their own kids – those connections are priceless. But they don’t happen by accident. They’re built through consistency: delivering the same warmth, professionalism, and attentiveness at every visit.

And when patients feel that consistency, they become our strongest advocates. In my experience, word-of-mouth referrals are still the most powerful way a practice grows. Patients who trust us and feel cared for are more than happy to recommend us to others.

CREATING A CULTURE OF CARE

Patients don’t only judge the accuracy of a prescription; they notice how efficiently the practice runs, how approachable the team is.

A patient might arrive anxious about their vision, worried about the cost of glasses, or even just nervous about being in a medical setting. Within minutes, the way our front-of-house team greeted them, the flow of the check-in process, and the feel of the waiting area could either ease that anxiety or add to it.

A genuine smile, clear directions, and a calm, clean environment speak volumes. Patients sense when a practice is organised, caring, and respectful of their time – and they notice when it’s not.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work, both in practice and now as Training Coordinator with George & Matilda, is helping patients and team members understand the value of involvement. Patients don’t want to feel like bystanders; they want to be part of the process.

I’ve seen how showing a patient their retinal image or walking them through the reasons behind a particular lens recommendation can completely change their level of engagement. Suddenly, it’s not “the optometrist said so” – it’s “I understand why this matters for me.” That sense of ownership makes them more likely to follow advice, return for follow-ups, and even share their positive experience with family and friends.

I’ve always believed that culture underpins everything. Whether in a family-owned practice or as part of a large network, the values we live out each day shape the patient experience. Celebrating team members who go the extra mile, encouraging feedback, and investing in ongoing training all help create a culture where care isn’t just talked about – it’s felt. At the heart of it all is a simple idea: patients may come to us for eye care, but they stay with us because of how we make them feel. By focusing on every interaction –from first impressions through to long-term follow-up – we can turn appointments into experiences and experiences into relationships.

As someone who is passionate about education, mentoring, and community, I feel proud to see how practices that embrace this approach not only thrive but also make a genuine difference in people’s lives. For me, there’s no greater reward than knowing we’ve helped someone see more clearly – and that they leave our practice feeling valued, understood, and connected.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: As training coordinator for VIC/SA/WA at George & Matilda Eyecare, Paula Peachey supports team development and training across three states, helping practices deliver high-quality patient care through tailored learning and support.

SOAPBOX

USING MARKET SHIFTS AS FUEL FOR CHANGE

BY HEIDI HUNTER

The optometry world isn’t what it was 10 years ago. Corporates continue to expand, consolidators are buying up independents, and new graduates are flooding the workforce, many deciding the only way forward is to open their own practice.

It can feel like the odds are stacked against independents. But rather than letting that discourage you, I see it as motivation. Independents have something corporates never will: freedom. We get to decide how we work, who we see, and what kind of practice we want to run. That freedom is our biggest strength, if we know how to use it.

And that’s where establishing a clear point of difference comes in.

Do you really need a point of difference? Technically, no. I know many good practices that don’t have a defined niche, and they do fine. They provide solid eyecare, enjoy loyal patients, and stay afloat. But I also know practices that didn’t adapt and quietly disappeared.

To me, standing out isn’t optional anymore. It’s what separates independents from corporates. We can’t compete with them on scale, speed, or retail space. But we can compete by being deliberate about who we are, and what we offer. Personally, I take the view that if corporates head one way, independents should head the other. When they shorten consults, I lengthen mine. When they double down on sales, I double down on relationships. Patients can see the difference, and they value it.

The challenge, of course, is working out what that difference actually is.

Here are a few questions I ask myself:

• Which patients light me up when they walk in the door?

• What do patients consistently thank me for?

• What skills or knowledge set me apart?

• What do I want my community to say about my practice?

Answering those honestly helps shape your path.

In my case, years working in refractive surgery and ophthalmology practices gave me a solid grounding in corneal care. So, when I bought into an existing practice 12 years ago, I leaned into specialty contact lenses. It wasn’t smooth sailing, lots of remakes, steep learning curves, and late nights spent catching up on overseas conference lectures, but it stuck.

Over time, it’s become the area I’m known for, and it’s now one of the strongest parts of my practice, and one of the most enjoyable.

Here’s the other side of the story: I’ve tried plenty of ideas that didn’t work. Some services fizzled out because they weren’t financially sustainable. Others drained too much energy or didn’t bring me joy. In some cases, I shut down profitable niches simply because I didn’t enjoy the patient group they attracted.

That’s okay. The key is to keep experimenting and refining. The sweet spot is where three things overlap: what you love doing, what you’re good at, and what feels natural. That combination makes the hard work worthwhile.

It’s tempting to try to be everything to everyone. But spreading yourself thin rarely pays off.

For instance, my practice doesn’t see many men aged 35–55. We considered whether to market more actively to that group. In the end, we decided to focus on the patient groups we already serve particularly well. It felt more sustainable to build on our existing strengths rather than divert significant resources into attracting a new demographic.

Retention almost always beats acquisition. Nurturing the patients who already value you is more effective than trying to win over those who don’t fit your model. The biggest barrier for most practice owners isn’t ideas, it’s time. When your diary is packed, finding the headspace to innovate feels impossible.

I’ve had to get creative. I’ve trained my support staff, and even my kids, to run pre-testing, OCT, topography, and fundus imaging. In some cases, they actually do it better than me! Delegating these

tasks has freed me up to focus on patients and strategy.

I’ve also learned that protecting your team is just as important as serving your patients. My staff know I’ll back them 100%, and that loyalty flows both ways. I’ve even discharged patients who treated my staff poorly. It sends a clear message about what kind of culture we stand for.

Yes, the industry is changing. But independents don’t need to be afraid of corporates or oversupply. We need to use these shifts as fuel to sharpen our own identities.

Your point of difference doesn’t have to be groundbreaking. It could be a clinical specialty, a unique patient experience, or simply longer, more personal consultations. What matters is that it’s authentic to you and valuable to your patients.

In the end, differentiation isn’t just about business strategy. It’s about building a practice you’re proud of, where your team feels supported, and where patients know they’re truly cared for. That’s the space where independents shine brightest.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Name: Heidi Hunter

Qualifications: B.Optom

Job title: Optometrist, director, Optometry

NSW/ACT president

Location: Custom Eyecare Newcastle, 158 Darby St, Newcastle, NSW Years in industry: 25 years

Above: Standing out isn’t optional anymore. It’s what separates independents from corporates.

“Your point of difference doesn’t have to be groundbreaking. It could be a clinical specialty, a unique patient experience, or simply longer, more personal consultations. What matters is that it’s authentic to you and valuable to your patients.”

EVENTS CALENDAR

To list an event in our calendar email: myles.hume@primecreative.com.au

NOVEMBER 2025

RANZCO CONGRESS

Melbourne, Australia 14 – 17 November ranzco2025.com

OPTOMETRY VIRTUALLY CONNECTED Online 16 November ovc.optometry.org.au

SILMO INSTANBUL

Istanbul, Turkey 19 – 22 November silmoistanbul.com

DECEMBER 2025

18TH CONGRESS OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC VITRO-RETINA SOCIETY Manila, Philippines 12 – 14 December 2025.apvrs.org

JANUARY 2026

MIDO

Milan, Italy

31 January – 2 February mido.com

FEBRUARY 2026

100% OPTICAL

London, UK

128 February – 2 March 100percentoptical.com

Education and fellowship are on offer in the online Optometry Virtually Connected event.

MARCH 2026

RANZCO GLOBAL EYE HEALTH & INTERNATIONAL AGENCY FOR PREVENTION OF BLINDNESS CONFERENCE Hobart, Australia 6 – 8 March conferences.com.au/2026ranzco/

OWA WAVE 2026 CONFERENCE

Fremantle, Australia 21 - 22 March optometry.org.au

AUGUST 2026

O-SHOW 2026

Melbourne, Australia 16 – 17 August o-show.com.au

CHANGING LIVES THROUGH

SPECSAVERS

WHY DID YOU PURSUE AN OPTOMETRY CAREER?

Optometry has been my dream since Year 7, when I injured my eye playing soccer. That experience sparked my curiosity about eye health. Growing up overseas, I realised that optometry in Australia offered so much potential, not just prescribing glasses but also therapeutics and collaborative care with ophthalmologists. I decided to study optometry at QUT in Brisbane, where I had relatives. Moving wasn’t easy, especially with English not being my first language, but it was worth it. During my third year, I joined Specsavers Sunnybank as a dispenser, and I knew this was where I wanted to build my career.

HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK AT SPECSAVERS?

I started as a dispenser at Specsavers three years before becoming an optometrist in the same store. At the time, I also worked in an independent practice, but Specsavers stood out to me. I loved the scale of the business, the chance to serve a wide range of people, and the access to advanced technology. Even as a student, I was amazed by the equipment – performing pre-tests and visual field tests gave me confidence and sharpened my clinical and communication skills. What really attracted me, though, was the culture: colleagues building strong bonds with patients while delivering affordable, high-quality eyecare. Becoming an optometrist in the same store was a privilege, and I’m excited by the future potential of partnership and mentoring younger optometrists.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ROLE WITHIN THE BUSINESS, AND WHAT DID IT ENTAIL?

I began as an optical assistant. My role involved pre-testing, including OCT, NCT, autorefraction and visual fields, which gave me a strong clinical foundation and a chance to interact with patients before they saw the optometrist. On the retail side, I dispensed glasses and guided patients in choosing the right lenses. This combination of clinical and retail experience built my

Specsavers

SO LET’S TALK!

In a few short years, Specsavers has achieved market leadership in Australia and New Zealand with more people choosing to have their eyes tested and buy their prescription eyewear from Specsavers than any other optometrist. To learn more about these roles, or to put your hand up for other roles as they emerge, please contact us today:

Joint Venture Partnership opportunities enquiries: Kimberley Forbes on +61 (0) 429 566 846 or E kimberley.forbes@specsavers.com

Optometrist employment enquiries: Specsavers Recruitment Services –anz.srsdepartment@specsavers.com

Locum employment enquiries: ANZ.locumteam@specsavers.com

Graduate employment enquiries: apac.graduateteam@specsavers.com

communication skills and helped me understand what patients truly value.

SINCE THEN, WHAT GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES HAVE PRESENTED THEMSELVES?

I was fortunate to progress to senior dispenser, where I mentored newer colleagues and gained experience dispensing products like MiYOSMART. This deepened my technical knowledge, which has been invaluable as an optometrist. Repeating thousands of pre-tests also gave me an eye for patterns and helped me anticipate patient concerns, improving my efficiency in clinic. In my final year of university, I was offered an optometrist role at my store, something I remain incredibly grateful for, especially to my optometry partner Ryan Chan and retail partner Peter Victorsen for their support.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP CAREER HIGHLIGHTS SINCE JOINING SPECSAVERS?

It’s hard to choose, but winning an all-expenses paid trip to the 2025 Specsavers Clinical Conference (SCC) has been my biggest highlight – it was an unforgettable experience. I learned so much from ophthalmologists, optometrists, and industry representatives, while also networking with colleagues across ANZ. Another highlight was mentoring some university students during the event alongside my fellow graduate winner Harshil Maisuria from New Zealand. Sharing my journey with the student winners and encouraging them as future optometrists was both an honour and a joy.

WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT TURNING UP FOR WORK EACH DAY?

For me, it’s the people. Every day I get to meet new patients, listen to their stories, and help them see better, which often means improving their lives too. I also love working alongside such supportive colleagues and partners. Whether it’s clinical collaboration or simply sharing a laugh, the positive team environment makes Specsavers one of the best workplaces in Australia.

ALL SPECSAVERS STORES NOW WITH OCT

Optometrist Joint Venture Partnership Opportunity –New Stores in Parkes & Mudgee, NSW!

Specsavers is inviting expressions of interest from passionate Optometrists keen to become Joint Venture Partners at two brand-new stores opening in Parkes and Mudgee, NSW. Set in vibrant regional towns, these opportunities offer not only career growth but also a meaningful lifestyle change. As a Joint Venture Partner, you’ll enjoy a guaranteed salary, a share in dividends, and the chance to build and lead your own team. Both stores will feature modern fit-outs with OCT, digital displays, and the latest equipment. With accessible financial support through Specsavers’ loan program, and full back-office support including payroll, accounts, and BAS, you’ll be set up for success from day one.

Specsavers Tamworth – Optometrist Opportunity

Join a supportive team at Specsavers Tamworth, offering a competitive salary up to $130k + super + relocation allowance. Enjoy a flexible 4-5 day roster with no Sundays and half-day Saturdays. The store features 5 test rooms, 3 optometrists, and cutting-edge equipment including a Humphrey Field

Analyser III, topographer, auto-phoropter, and more. You’ll be involved in both general dispensing and clinical care, with specialties in myopia control, paediatrics, RGPs, ortho-k, and dry eye management. Serve a diverse patient base—children to seniors—offering varied clinical experiences in a wellsupported and professionally rewarding environment.

Optometrist opportunity – Specsavers Queenstown, NZ

Join Specsavers Queenstown on a 12-month fixed term contract starting February 2026! Work alongside a fantastic, supportive team while living in one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking locations. With endless adventure, diverse patients, and career growth opportunities, this is your chance to balance lifestyle and work in a dream destination!

Graduate Opportunities

Are you a final year student still looking for your first graduate role in 2026? Specsavers are the largest employer of Graduate Optometrists across Australia and New Zealand and we have continued to develop our comprehensive twoyear Graduate Program to focus on your development. If you’re a final year student and you would like to find out more, please contact your Graduate Recruitment Consultant.

People on the move

VITREORETINAL SURGEON JOINS MELBOURNE PRACTICE

Inner East Eye Surgeons in Melbourne continues to build its team, welcoming Dr Shivesh Varma to the practice. A vitreoretinal surgeon, specialising in repair of retinal detachment, macular hole, epiretinal membrane and retinovascular disorders, and complex cataract surgery, Dr Varma joins Dr Jonathan Kam, Dr Nicholas Cheng and Dr Lingwei William Tao at the practice.

SAFILO APPOINTS EXPERIENCED SALES MANAGER

Simon Koutoukidis has joined Safilo as territory sales manager for Victoria East. Koutoukidis brings strong experience across the optical industry, with a background spanning sales, operations and leadership. His understanding of both the commercial and clinical aspects of the eyecare sector ensure that he can provide meaningful support to Safilo customers and help drive sustainable business growth. In his new role, Koutoukidis will represent the Carrera, Boss, Polaroid, Carolina Herrera, Smith Rx and Under Armour brands across the Victorian East territory.

OPTOS APPOINTS GERRY WANG AS NSW ACCOUNT MANAGER

Optos has welcomed Gerry Wang as account manager for New South Wales. Drawing on his background as an optometrist, Wang brings unique insight into the everyday needs of practitioners. He is passionate about the difference Optos makes in practice and is committed to helping eyecare professionals adopt ultra-widefield imaging that improves workflow, supports clinical confidence, and enhances patient care.

OPTOMETRIST JOINS BOARDROOM OF NOT-FOR-PROFIT

Nicholas Tran has been appointed to People Who Care, a not-for-profit organisation providing in-home care services, as a board advisor, as part of the clinical care and governance committee, where he brings his expertise to the home care and NDIS sectors. An optometrist with more than five years of experience across regional and metro Australia, Tran’s diverse background includes independent, corporate, community and public hospital settings. In addition to this, he has experience with professional body, sporting organisations, and university affiliated committees.

OPTIPRO ANNOUNCES NEW CEO AND CHAIR

Joanne Scott-Dostine has been appointed CEO of Optipro, a move announced in late September 2025. She has already been instrumental in shaping Optipro from supporting members and suppliers, creating new programs to strengthening industry connections. With over 35 years of optical expertise and proven leadership, she brings a clear vision for helping independent practices thrive. At the same time, Michael Nasser steps into the role of co-founder and chair. He will continue to guide Optipro’s strategic direction, keeping the organisation grounded in its mission to champion independent optometry across Australia.

NEW CEO JOINS OPHTHALMIC CLINICAL TRIALS CENTRE

Cerulea Clinical Trials, a not-for-profit subsidiary of the Centre for Eye Research Australia, has appointed senior pharmaceutical and biotechnology executive Dr Michelle Bradney as its new CEO. Dr Bradney brings more than two decades of experience in medical affairs and clinical development across global pharmaceutical companies and ASX-listed biotechnology firms. She joins Cerulea from OccuRx, where she served as chief operating officer. She has extensive ophthalmic clinical trials experience through senior roles at Allergan, where she led clinical monitoring operations.

IMPROVES SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

IN AS LITTLE AS 2 WEEKS 1

The results are clear. NovaTears® demonstrates statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in the signs and symptoms of Dry Eye Disease associated with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.

weeks 2

RELIEVES

NovaTears® is a unique preservative-free non-emulsion eye lubricant utilising patented EyeSol® Technology:

Lubricates the surface of the eye, spreading quickly without blurring vision

Preservative, phosphate, water and surfactant free.

PROTECTS

NovaTears® acts as a lipid layer stabiliser & evaporative barrier for improved tear film stability & quality:

Stabilises & thickens outer tear film

Allows replenishment of underlying water layer with natural tears.

shelf life after opening

STREAMLINED AUTHORITY CODE 6172

PBS Information: Authority Required (STREAMLINED): Severe dry eye syndrome in patients who are sensitive to preservatives in multi-dose eye drops.

Reference 1. Tauber J, Berdy GJ, Wirta DL, Krösser S, Vittitow JL, on behalf of the GOBI Study Group, NOVO3 for Dry Eye Disease Associated with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Results of the Randomized Phase 3 GOBI Study, Ophthalmology (2023), dol: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2022.12.021. NovaTears ® Eye Drops (Perfluorohexyloctane 100% v/v, 3mL) are for the lubrication and relief of dry and irritated eyes. Do not use NovaTears ® with contact lenses. If using any other eye medication, allow at least 15 minutes between using the other product and applying NovaTears ®. NovaTears ® should not be used in children under 18 years. NovaTears ® should not be used while pregnant or breastfeeding.