Optometrists Association Australia has teamed up with a range of industry experts to bring you the “Maximise Your Contact Lens Sales Potential” webinar series in 2012. The program has been designed to educate, guide and motivate both practitioners and practice owners towards taking greater advantage of the untapped contact lens market. Click here for more information and to register.
The webinar series will form part of the Contact Lens Business Builder Toolkit – a comprehensive suite of FREE business and marketing tools to help you inform your patients about the benefits of contact lenses and the need for specialist advice. Click here to place your order.
The program is being delivered in partnership with Johnson & Johnson Vision Care as part of the next phase of the Contact Lens Campaign.
The Paul Beaumont Research Fellowship for 2013 opens
This two year fellowship, of AU$50,000 per annum, will support research into nutritional and/or lifestyle aspects of Macular Degeneration. For further details and application documents. The closing date for applications is 22 June 2012.
New CPD logo released by the Optometry Board of Australia
The Optometry Board of Australia (the National Board) has released a new logo for accredited continuing professional development (CPD) activities for optometrists.
Optometrists are encouraged to be aware of the new logo, which will be used by CPD providers to advertise accredited activities and will include the number and type of CPD points they accrue.
The new logo replaces the CPD logo currently used by Optometrists Association Australia (OAA). While the OAA CPD logo may still appear in some advertising materials, it is being phased out in coming months. Further details about the logo can be found here.
Announcing “Assessing Fitness to Drive 2012”
The National Transport Commission and Austroads have released Assessing Fitness to Drive, the 2012 revised national medical standards for driver licensing. Assessing Fitness to Drive has been extensively revised, drawing on recent research and expert opinion on the impact of various chronic medical conditions on driving.
The key changes to specific chapters are described in a comprehensive report available on the Austroads website www.austroads.com.au. Notable changes relevant for optometrists are:
-
A flow chart which supports understanding and application of the visual acuity standard. More specific guidance is provided regarding the factors to be taken into account when considering a conditional licence as well as the limits of acuity at which a conditional icence will not be considered. For private drivers a conditional licence will not be issued when visual acuity in the better eye is worse than 6/24.
-
Modification has been made to the visual field requirements for private vehicle drivers – this has been reduced from 120 degrees to 110 degrees.
-
Monocular commercial vehicle drivers do not meet the criteria for an unconditional licence. They need to be assessed on an individual basis by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Where a conditional licence is granted the health of the remaining eye must be assessed on an annual basis.
The publication is being distributed by Austroads to all GP’s and relevant health professionals, including optometrists throughout March. Additional copies can be purchased online via the Austroads website www.austroads.com.au, which also has an electronic version of the book that can be downloaded here.
National Health & Research Council (NHMRC) clinical practice guidelines
NHMRC has a legislated role in providing high quality evidence based health advice to government, health professionals and the community. One way it does this is through the development of high quality clinical practice and public health guidelines. Optometrists Association Australia recommends all members are familiar with Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Detection, Diagnosis, Risk management and Prevention of Glaucoma and Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Diabetic Retinopathy. The guidelines are available here.
Members Guide to Generating Media Publicity
Optometrists Association has launched the Members Guide to Generating Media Publicity to help its members promote their business name, products and services. The short guide is designed to assist members to communicate effectively with their local newspapers, radio and television. It offers quick tips and examples of ways to attract media attention and successfully generate publicity, which is critical for the survival and ongoing success of business. To download click here.
Members can now order the new 2011 UV protection campaign materials including promotional give-away drink bottles and a wide range of online resources. The campaign launched to the public on 7 November with outdoor advertising nationally, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Transitions Optical. Promote the campaign to patients and your local community during the summer months. Click here to order.
World Sight Day Challenge
Optometry Giving Sight’s World Sight Day Challenge took place on Thursday 13 October. Thanks to all members who got involved to support this important initiative that provides a minimum of 85 per cent of funds raised to eye-care projects in Australia and overseas, helping those most in need. For information, click here.
New drugs listed on PBS
The Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Nicola Roxon MP, has approved the listing of the ophthalmic drugs that were not previously listed on the Optometric PBS Schedule, effective from 1 September 2011. The listings are a major achievement for the profession and is the culmination of many years of lobbying by Optometrists Association.
Many therapeutically optometrists already prescribe these drugs privately and PBS access to these drugs will benefit patients who require these drugs by providing a cheaper, comprehensive and co-ordinated service when visiting the optometrist. For more details about the newly listed drugs click here.
Better Start Initiative
Commencing July 1, 2011, the Australian Government’s Better Start for Children with a Disability (Better Start) initiative will provide early intervention and individual assistance packages for children with a disability. Optometrists will have a key role to play as one of seven allied health professionals eligible to provide Medicare services under this initiative. Read more.
Download and personalise the ‘Hit the Road Healthy’ materials to help encourage patients to have regular eye examinations for safety on the roads. Email your patients a brochure!
The Association has partnered with Member Assist to provide free initial workplace relations and human resources advice to members via a dedicated toll free number. Members receive discounts on all services and can access information on the latest issues affecting the optometry profession. The service is staffed by professional industrial relations and human resources practitioners with specific knowledge of the optometry profession. OAA Member Assist is available to both employer and employee members.
Note: We will no longer refer members to Guild Lawyers for this kind of enquiry, however they remain the Association’s preferred legal advisor.
Continue to make the most of the Workplace Eye Safety campaign to help improve eye safety in your community. Use the Guide to Occupational Optometry to help you conduct vision screenings with local businesses and increase your patient base. Order here.
Optometrists Association Australia has teamed up with a range of industry experts to bring you the “Maximise Your Contact Lens Sales Potential” webinar series in 2012. The program has been designed to educate, guide and motivate both practitioners and practice owners towards taking greater advantage of the untapped contact lens market. Click here for more information and to register.
The webinar series will form part of the Contact Lens Business Builder Toolkit – a comprehensive suite of FREE business and marketing tools to help you inform your patients about the benefits of contact lenses and the need for specialist advice. Click here to place your order.
The program is being delivered in partnership with Johnson & Johnson Vision Care as part of the next phase of the Contact Lens Campaign.
The Paul Beaumont Research Fellowship for 2013 opens
This two year fellowship, of AU$50,000 per annum, will support research into nutritional and/or lifestyle aspects of Macular Degeneration. For further details and application documents. The closing date for applications is 22 June 2012.
New CPD logo released by the Optometry Board of Australia
The Optometry Board of Australia (the National Board) has released a new logo for accredited continuing professional development (CPD) activities for optometrists.
Optometrists are encouraged to be aware of the new logo, which will be used by CPD providers to advertise accredited activities and will include the number and type of CPD points they accrue.
The new logo replaces the CPD logo currently used by Optometrists Association Australia (OAA). While the OAA CPD logo may still appear in some advertising materials, it is being phased out in coming months. Further details about the logo can be found here.
Announcing “Assessing Fitness to Drive 2012”
The National Transport Commission and Austroads have released Assessing Fitness to Drive, the 2012 revised national medical standards for driver licensing. Assessing Fitness to Drive has been extensively revised, drawing on recent research and expert opinion on the impact of various chronic medical conditions on driving.
The key changes to specific chapters are described in a comprehensive report available on the Austroads website www.austroads.com.au. Notable changes relevant for optometrists are:
-
A flow chart which supports understanding and application of the visual acuity standard. More specific guidance is provided regarding the factors to be taken into account when considering a conditional licence as well as the limits of acuity at which a conditional icence will not be considered. For private drivers a conditional licence will not be issued when visual acuity in the better eye is worse than 6/24.
-
Modification has been made to the visual field requirements for private vehicle drivers – this has been reduced from 120 degrees to 110 degrees.
-
Monocular commercial vehicle drivers do not meet the criteria for an unconditional licence. They need to be assessed on an individual basis by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Where a conditional licence is granted the health of the remaining eye must be assessed on an annual basis.
The publication is being distributed by Austroads to all GP’s and relevant health professionals, including optometrists throughout March. Additional copies can be purchased online via the Austroads website www.austroads.com.au, which also has an electronic version of the book that can be downloaded here.
National Health & Research Council (NHMRC) clinical practice guidelines
NHMRC has a legislated role in providing high quality evidence based health advice to government, health professionals and the community. One way it does this is through the development of high quality clinical practice and public health guidelines. Optometrists Association Australia recommends all members are familiar with Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Detection, Diagnosis, Risk management and Prevention of Glaucoma and Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Diabetic Retinopathy. The guidelines are available here.
Members Guide to Generating Media Publicity
Optometrists Association has launched the Members Guide to Generating Media Publicity to help its members promote their business name, products and services. The short guide is designed to assist members to communicate effectively with their local newspapers, radio and television. It offers quick tips and examples of ways to attract media attention and successfully generate publicity, which is critical for the survival and ongoing success of business. To download click here.
Members can now order the new 2011 UV protection campaign materials including promotional give-away drink bottles and a wide range of online resources. The campaign launched to the public on 7 November with outdoor advertising nationally, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Transitions Optical. Promote the campaign to patients and your local community during the summer months. Click here to order.
World Sight Day Challenge
Optometry Giving Sight’s World Sight Day Challenge took place on Thursday 13 October. Thanks to all members who got involved to support this important initiative that provides a minimum of 85 per cent of funds raised to eye-care projects in Australia and overseas, helping those most in need. For information, click here.
New drugs listed on PBS
The Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Nicola Roxon MP, has approved the listing of the ophthalmic drugs that were not previously listed on the Optometric PBS Schedule, effective from 1 September 2011. The listings are a major achievement for the profession and is the culmination of many years of lobbying by Optometrists Association.
Many therapeutically optometrists already prescribe these drugs privately and PBS access to these drugs will benefit patients who require these drugs by providing a cheaper, comprehensive and co-ordinated service when visiting the optometrist. For more details about the newly listed drugs click here.
Better Start Initiative
Commencing July 1, 2011, the Australian Government’s Better Start for Children with a Disability (Better Start) initiative will provide early intervention and individual assistance packages for children with a disability. Optometrists will have a key role to play as one of seven allied health professionals eligible to provide Medicare services under this initiative. Read more.
Download and personalise the ‘Hit the Road Healthy’ materials to help encourage patients to have regular eye examinations for safety on the roads. Email your patients a brochure!
The Association has partnered with Member Assist to provide free initial workplace relations and human resources advice to members via a dedicated toll free number. Members receive discounts on all services and can access information on the latest issues affecting the optometry profession. The service is staffed by professional industrial relations and human resources practitioners with specific knowledge of the optometry profession. OAA Member Assist is available to both employer and employee members.
Note: We will no longer refer members to Guild Lawyers for this kind of enquiry, however they remain the Association’s preferred legal advisor.
Continue to make the most of the Workplace Eye Safety campaign to help improve eye safety in your community. Use the Guide to Occupational Optometry to help you conduct vision screenings with local businesses and increase your patient base. Order here.