We’re only a third of the way into the year and yet already we’ve seen some significant ‘people movement’ in the eye care sector.
Finola Carey has exited optics having made a “significant contribution to the strength and differentiation of independent optometry” during her time with the Optical Distributors and Manufacturing Association.
Peter Larsen has set up the first Optometrist Warehouse practice, with a low-cost model for clinical eye care that aims “to make eye care more accessible to every Australian”.
And Dr Margaret Lam has moved from George and Matilda Eyecare to 1001 Optical, where she plans to increase the clinical focus with “enhanced patient care” and by “taking advantage of advances in research and technology”.
However, just as access to primary eye care continues to expand, our hospitals face increasing pressure on resources and budgets, limiting their ability to keep up with demand for services.
With the Australian health system described as “crumbling beyond repair”, it is expected that by mid-year we’ll have around 500,000 people “stuck waiting for elective surgery, many of them unable to even get in to see a specialist to get on to an official waiting list”. And of course, in the case of those waiting for surgeries such as cataract, their condition will potentially worsen, leading to diminished outcomes that will increase the burden on the individual and country as a whole. It’s a sad and vicious cycle, and one that must be addressed by re-directing resources in a sustainable way.
In this issue of mivision we offer a broad range of articles with a strong focus on the non-clinical side of eye care. From the delivery of low vision services, to strategies for bringing customers back into practice, and the development and management of graduate optometrists; it’s all here. We’ve also provided some excellent CPD opportunities with articles on presbyopia correction, contact lens optics, dry eye disease, and cover tests.
Enjoy!
