In this issue we look into two of the leading causes of irreversible blindness – Glaucoma and Diabetic Eye Disease.
World Glaucoma Week runs from 9 – 15 March. It’s staggering to think that every second person with glaucoma in Australia goes undiagnosed. This year Glaucoma Australia is encouraging people to participate in the World’s B.I.G. Breakfast which aims to raise awareness of the disease. The hope is that more members of the public will visit their optometrist for a simple optic nerve check, particularly those with family members who have glaucoma – as their risk of developing the disease is ten times higher than the general population. It stands to reason that getting behind this campaign will benefit both patients and eye health practitioners alike.
In recognition of World Glaucoma Week, we invited Sydney glaucoma specialist Dr. Andrew White to be the guest editor of our Ophthalmology Insights section. In his column Dr. White provides some fascinating insights into the current thinking around glaucoma, diagnosis, therapies and management strategies. He highlights research by Australian scientists who offer hope for future generations at risk of glaucoma.
This month we have two CPD articles, both with a focus on new technologies driving eye care management today. Dr. Andrew Chang writes on ultra-widefield imaging which is fast becoming more clinically accessible to optometrists and ophthalmologists.
Dr. Simon Chen writes on smartphones and tablets – those ubiquitous tools of the modern business and social world – which are increasingly being considered as valuable to medicine. That’s because of their potential to combine multiple clinical assessment, educational and reference tools into a single, portable device.
After more than 100 years the Optometrists Association Australia is at a cross-road with a decline in membership reflecting the changing face of optometry. We spoke to OAA CEO Genevieve Quilty about the challenges the Association faces and its role in modern optometry.
Also in your ophthalmic journal we look at the future of Facebook and the role of social media in business, we interview the outstanding French eyewear designer; Caroline Abram; review Opti-2014 in Munich; and include a feature on finding perfect frames to fit the Asian face shape. And, of course, the latest eyewear fashions from around the world.
Enjoy!
Mark Cushway
Editor
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