You would think that with a female Prime Minister and a female Governor General that gender equality in the workplace would be a non-issue in 2011. Guess again. Much of the commentary on Prime Minister Julia Gillard has been surprisingly personal. It makes you wonder whether that’s due, at least in part, to her gender, and not just her politics and performance.
Combine this observation with statistics that show women are still under-represented on company boards and in senior management, and reports that some female executives (yes, even in the optical industry) are still being verbally and emotionally abused for their decisions… and it seems that some from the very old guard still believe that might is right.
So how are we doing in the optical professions and associated industries? We have a wealth of female talent, so we spoke to these leaders in our industry about their experiences and share some of their valuable advice, for both women and men, about having a successful career.
Our CPD articles have been hugely successful with more than 1,000 optoms logging onto the mivision website to earn CPD points. This month’s CPD accredited article discusses Asthenopia. Because of our increasing reliance on technology, you’re likely to see more patients presenting with eyestrain and other symptoms of Asthenopia as a result of an increase in the number of near vision tasks. This is really a ‘must read’ article.
There’s plenty of breaking news in this issue. October, of course, means World Sight Day (13 Oct), so be sure to take the Challenge and get behind this important cause. Take a look at our analysis of the recently released Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) survey of ‘Optometry and Optical Dispensing Services’. It’s the first snapshot of our profession taken in more than a decade. When you look at this against the first and only other ABS study of our industry in 1997-98, it makes for an interesting examination and discussion.
We also report on a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) crackdown on a global online contact lens retailer, operating from a warehouse in Sydney. The sale of contact lenses that don’t fully comply with Australian regulations has huge implications. You’ll hear a lot more about this issue in the weeks and months to come.
Our business section is packed with information on strategies to improve your practice’s bottom line. One article I’d like to bring to your attention is our story on how to manage emotional patients. Written by a talented team of final year optometry students from the University of New South Wales, it is very well researched and shows the future of our profession is in good hands.
Finally, I have got to mention the stunning photograph of children in Papua New Guinea learning about eye health. Presented in our centre pages, the picture was taken by the outrageously talented Dean Saffron. It is one of the most captivating eye care images to land on my desktop in some time.
Enjoy.
Mark Cushway- Editor
Contents:
 |
minews: All the latest news from October 2011 |
 |
mistory: It’s 2011. Gender equality shouldn’t really be an issue. After all, we have a female Prime Minister and Governor-General, right?! We speak with leading women in optics to find out more… Read more |
 |
miworld: Celebrities such as Bono and Madonna grab headlines when they take on a cause to help raise awareness and funds for international aid and implementing sustainable public health solutions…Read More |
 |
mifeature: For those in need of a corneal transplant, this gift of sight provides a new chance to live a fulfilled life…Read More |
 |
miresearch: Australian researchers, working on two different projects on opposite sides of the globe, are working to turn science fiction into reality, with the development of ‘smart specs’…Read More |
 |
mifeature: Colour contact lenses are one of the fastest growing segments in the global contact lens market. For many consumers who buy their lenses online or from unlicensed vendors there can be many dangers…Read More |
 |
mioptometry: Comment from Australia and New Zealand. Read More |
 |
miview: Geoff Lawson causes to stop and consider the importance of language and communication in building relationships… and reading maps…Read More |
 |
mieyecare: Our CPD article this month is on Asthopia. As technology advances, eye strain and other symptoms of Asthenopia are on the rise…Read More |
 |
mifashion: Robert William Morris is the man, behind the name, behind the creative spirit behind the strikingly stylish UK eyewear label William Morris…Read More |
 |
mifashion: How do you grow the exciting sports eyewear market niche. We look at the technology |
 |
mifashionnews: All the latest fashion news from October 2011…Read More |
 |
mibusiness: In today’s global economy your customer base can be as big as you like… it’s simply a matter of supporting your practice presence with an integrated online approach… Read More |
 |
mibusiness: As an optometrist, you will encounter patients now and again who are stressed, emotional or who even appear unstable. Here are some tips to take control…Read More |
|
|
mibusiness: Following the financial crises the investment world is a different place. With cash becoming more active in the push for returns, it is now considered ‘King…Read More |
 |
miequipment: it’s in your best interests to ensure that each customer has a great experience and to make this possible…Read More |
 |
miproducts: All the latest products from October 2011…READ MORE |
 |
mievent: Delegates to the 6th National Eyecare Plus Conference were told recently that the future for independent optometrists lies in a return to their “true clinical roots”… Read More |
 |
milastword:What is success? Is it achieving your masters? A record profit for your business? Opening a second practice? There has got to be more Read More |
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column]
