Tokai’s original honeycomb structure ensures both natural appearance and comfortable wear while effectively controlling Myopia progression 1,330 HONEYCOMB FORMATION DESIGN PER LENS
HOW AHPRA HANDLES COMPLAINTS
Damage to mental health and livelihoods while under investigation in the spotlight
Her perseverance has paid off with two greenfield clinics in Melbourne and a life she loves
The ophthalmic sector is backing a push to improve the way the health industry watchdog handles patient complaints, after a recent forum heard how drawn-out cases adversely impact the mental health and livelihoods of practitioners.
It comes as the National Health Practitioner Ombudsman (NHPO), Ms Richelle McCausland, investigates the way the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and National Boards are using “immediate actions” –when the regulator can swiftly suspend a practitioner or impose conditions on their registration before the matter is resolved.
Although intended to protect the public from serious risk, the regulator has been criticised for using this “extreme power” too easily by the Australian Medical Association
(AMA) , which points to cases of practitioners “languishing for years” while waiting for an outcome.
In the 2023-24 period, immediate action was taken against 1,215 practitioners in Australia. There was one case in New South Wales involving an optometrist (suspended), and 557 against medical practitioners (although this is not broken down by specialty).
Dr Danielle McMullen, AMA president, was at the April 2025 ‘Ahpra: Shaping better regulatory experiences forum’ in Melbourne with leaders and representatives of all regulated health professions, including Optometry Australia (OA).
She said the meeting’s purpose was to outline the learnings and changes Ahpra had implemented out of a 2023 research paper, which found at least 16 practitioners had died by suicide
A registered practitioner has a 38% chance of receiving a notification over a 30-year career. Image: fizkes/Shutterstock.com.
while subject to a notification, or patient complaint.
“I was appalled at the findings, but sadly not surprised. For years, the AMA has highlighted the impact notifications have on the lives of medical practitioners, despite the vast majority resulting in no actions,” she said.
She said the forum heard deeply personal and confronting stories about vexatious complaints,
A pioneering Australian study into the plight of orthoptic students has revealed almost all surveyed experienced at least one negative act during their clinical placement.
The La Trobe University study, published in the British and Irish Orthoptic Journal, also demonstrated the negative consequences of bullying, with most orthoptic students surveyed reporting feelings of humiliation, self-doubt, and loss of confidence from the incidents, while some reported sleep disturbances, depression, and affected personal relationships.
The study – albeit limited in nature –is thought to be the first to investigate bullying of orthoptic students during clinical placements.
“The most striking result was
that 95% of students reported experiencing at least one negative act during placement. These were not always labelled as ‘bullying’, but included behaviours that made students feel overlooked, dismissed, or uncomfortable,” said study lead Associate Professor Konstandina Koklanis.
“It was surprising to see just how common these experiences were, especially given how committed educators and clinicians are in supporting students. The fact that many of these acts went unreported also suggests there may be uncertainty about what constitutes inappropriate behaviour, or how to raise concerns safely.”
A/Prof Koklanis, discipline lead of orthoptics at La Trobe’s School
of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, along with Associate Professor Meri Vukicevic (La Trobe), Dr Bojana Šarkić (La Trobe) and Dr Andrea Simpson (Charles Darwin University), found half of the respondents experienced bullying. Clinical staff emerged as the most common perpetrators, followed by the clinic manager. Incidents were most frequently during the patient consultation.
The study was motivated “by the recognition that clinical placements are critical learning opportunities, but they can also be complex environments”, A/Prof Koklanis said.
“While much of the existing literature focuses on medicine
colleagues who died by suicide while under investigation, and the challenges of managing a notification alongside underlying mental health issues.
Also discussed were recent, tangible changes Ahpra had made to support practitioners under investigation.
According to Dr McMullen, these included restructuring how notifications are handled so a peer (i.e. doctor) reviews health-related notifications early on, improvements to ensuring there is a clear point of contact at Ahpra, and resolving low-level notifications prior to informing practitioners.
But more work was needed, Dr McMullen said, especially around immediate actions.
continued page 8
'I am an orthoptist'
The 2025 Orthoptics Awareness Week (2-6 June) campaign is aiming to raise the profile of orthoptists – like Dr Sandra Staffieri AO and Ms Madeleine Scavone – and their essential role in the Australian eye health ecosystem. Not only are they saving vision, but lives too.
page 64
Please join us live online for our second ANZ User Group event with guest speakers (in alphabetical order) Dr Madeleine Adams, Prof James Armitage, Damon Hannay, Dr Hema Karthik, A/Prof Mitchell Lawlor and Dr Mitchell Lee.
When? Wednesday 18 th June 2025
Where? Online Webinar 6pm - 8pm AEST
A/Prof Mitchell Lawlor
• Consultant Glaucoma and Cataract Ophthalmologist at Sydney Eye Surgeons
Dr Mitchell Lee
• Vitreoretinal Surgeon and Director of Eagle Eye Surgeons
Dr Madeleine Adams
• Cataract Surgeon and Comprehensive Ophthalmologist; Director at Insight Eye Surgery Damon Hannay
https://forms.office.com/e/ShScY5AEAi
• Principal Optometrist at Specsavers Launceston
Dr Hema Karthik
• Comprehensive Ophthalmologist at South Eastern Eye Surgery & Eastern Eye Specialists
Prof James Armitage
• Professor of Optometry in the Deakin University School of Medicine
15
Supply vs. demand Findings from a new workforce projections study paint a fascinating future for optometry in Australia.
61 Knowing your scope
Inside the world of Brisbane clinical optometrist Cassy Versteeg who works in a private ophthalmology practice.
ODMAFair's rebirth
A last-minute guide to the nation's largest optical event and how to extract the most from the experience.
A new IOL hits the market to much fanfare, but Amanda Cardwell Carones calls for a different response.
As I write this on a work-from-home day, there’s a wardrobe with two pairs of specs gathering dust.
Part of me thinks I might wear them again someday, but I’m kidding myself. My script has noticeably changed, and I couldn’t live with the quality of the lenses in them now.
Another reason I’m hoarding them is because, other than Lions Recycle for Sight Australia that only accepts single vision specs, there have been few places to easily dispose of the frames and lenses, without sending them to landfill.
Thankfully Australia’s optical industry is cottoning on to the fact that old eyewear is a massive problem and is innovating to ensure they get a new lease of life – regardless of their script or material.
One of those firms is Opticycle, which has increasingly become a go-to source for discarded optical waste.
Readers will find on page 46 the company recently forged a relationship with HOYA to process its swarf, the material left over after lenses are ground down to fit into frames.
Plus, after a long search, Specsavers chose to work with Opticycle to recycle more than 50 tonnes of expected glasses and contact lens waste each year.
Once broken down, the materials are used to create pavers, benchtops (some installed in optical practice refits), and commercial products like recycled plastic panels.
Elsewhere, well-known optical industry figure Mr Chris Savage has a different take. Earlier in 2025, he founded Circular Eyewear with two environmentally-friendly components. The first is Spexcycle o ffering a free way for practices to collect old specs from their patients. These are then processed and transformed into premium eyewear under the Objekt Eyewear brand.
Already-busy optical practices want to act sustainably, but the last thing they want is more administrative overhead. It's encouraging to see such programs hitting the mark in terms of simplicity. Plus they’re building in traceability, an important antidote to accusations of greenwashing. As more end-consumers seek out sustainable products and services, optical businesses can signal they’re thinking beyond the practice walls. For practice owners, it's a much easier lift now, with huge upside.
MYLES HUME Editor
Just as Insight went to print, the LABOR PARTY was re-elected for another term in Federal Government.
That is potentially consequential for the ophthalmic industry in a number of areas, and particularly in optometry practices, after the Labor government promised to remove non-compete clauses for employees earning under $175,000. The reform, set to come into effect in 2027, was a headline item from the recent Federal Budget. Treasurer Mr Jim Chalmers said the change would make it easier for workers to switch to
Think your child may be suffering from anemia? No worries, just take a quick pic with your smartphone. A study from researchers at Purdue University, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, and the University of Rwanda, reported in Biophotonics Discovery, suggests using simple grayscale photos of the eye’s conjunctiva – the inner surface of the eyelid and the white part of the eye – to predict anemia.
A new study by Brown University suggests that gold nanoparticles – bits of gold thousands of times thinner than a human hair – might one day be used to restore vision in people with macular degeneration and other retinal disorders. Researchers showed that injection of the nanoparticles into the retina can successfully stimulate the visual system and restore vision in mice.
WACKY
A team of scientists at the University of California is claiming to have discovered a new colour no human has ever seen before. And they’ve even given it a name. They say that after using a laser to stimulate specific cells in the retinas of a number of participants, those people experienced a blue-green colour that has been named “olo”.
a better job while lifting the wages of affected workers by up to 4%, or about $2,500 per year for a worker on median wages. IN OTHER NEWS, a new $82 million La Trobe University Health Clinic will become the largest interdisciplinary university clinic in Victoria, helping train an additional 400 allied health professionals each year from 2026. It will offer a broad range of allied health services to the public, including orthoptics, speech pathology, podiatry, psychology, dietetics and nutrition, physiotherapy, audiology and occupational therapy. La Trobe’s orthoptics students are already seeing public patients, partnering with The
An Australian study published in 2020 indicates a keratoconus prevalence rate of one in 84 20-year-olds. Page 59
27-29 June
The event is returning as ODMA’s flagship optical trading event, taking place at ICC Sydney alongside a new-look education program. odmafair.com.au
Royal Children’s Hospital to help reduce wait times. One of only two Australian universities offering orthoptist training, the clinic will expand its services when the new building opens. FINALLY, rare disease treatment Ultomiris (ravulizumab rch) has become the first targeted treatment option to be reimbursed for people living with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), which can attack optic nerves and result in vision loss. It was listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) on 1 April 2025 for those who have experienced a recent relapse event, despite prior treatment with rituximab or who cannot tolerate rituximab. NEXT MONTH AUSCRS 2025 16-19 July
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This is a chance to reconnect with colleagues and international experts on the key challenges and innovations in cataract and refractive surgery. auscrs.org.au/2025-conference
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continued from page 3
The AMA’s submission to McCausland’s NHPO investigation made clear Ahpra’s immediate action powers “must be used judiciously and balance protection of the public with the rights and wellbeing of practitioners”.
The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) echoed the AMA's concerns. ASO president Dr Peter Sumich said Ahpra needed "to respond appropriately to protect doctors and patients, realising that the final truth is not knowable until the determination".
Dr McMullen said there were examples of the power being used when it was unclear what the risk to the public was. Plus, practitioners had been left waiting for years with minimal communication from Ahpra.
"Clearly, Ahpra needs greater accountability when it takes immediate action,” she said.
Immediate action was one of “the strongest sanctions available to Ahpra”, Dr McMullen said, leading to suspension or conditions when “allegations have been made, but before any wrongdoing is proven”.
“Such an action implies guilt before innocence can be proven, and can inflict irreparable damage to a practitioner’s reputation, derailing their career and their relationships with patients, colleagues, and employers," she said.
Dr McMullen said the AMA’s submission outlined Ahpra and the Medical Board of
Australia (MBA) had little accountability to the practitioner once immediate action was used. The body recommended changes to the Health Practitioner National Law to mandate that Ahpra had a “duty of care to the registrant” and, in particular, a duty to minimise the mental health impacts and financial effects on the practitioner.
It also argued the MBA should be required to present to the NHPO within one week of taking immediate action to justify the action, and to outline a reasonable timeframe for resolution of the investigation.
OA reviewed the NHPO consultation and supports the ombudsman's work, but because none of its own members had been involved in the immediate action process for close to a decade, it wasn’t able to provide topical feedback on practitioner concerns related to the process.
However, OA chief clinical officer Mr Luke Arundel said his colleague, OA director of professional services Ms Sophie Koh, also recently attended Ahpra’s 'Shaping better regulatory experiences forum’ in Melbourne. This was so “optometry's voice was heard on the need to ensure that due process and faster resolutions are being prioritised with all notifications to minimise adverse mental health outcomes for practitioners under investigation”.
“Sophie was invited to be a panellist and continues to be on Ahpra's working group on
• Purpose: to investigating delay and procedural safeguards for health practitioners subject to immediate action, after practitioners had increasingly raised issues with the NHPO office.
• A common theme among practitioners was frustration with the time to receive an outcome for matters that led to immediate action, and a lack of communication about progress.
• A tension the investigation will examine stems from the responsibility Ahpra and the National Boards have to protect the public, while also ensuring fair treatment of practitioners.
• Because an immediate action is based on limited information, it’s possible with further information that it might not have been necessary.
• These circumstances give rise to risks of unfairness to practitioners, particularly given the concerns regarding psychological distress and financial and career implications.
• The National Law outlines procedural safeguards around immediate action. A ‘show cause’ requirement outlines the National Board must give a practitioner notice of, and invite submissions in response to, its proposal to take immediate action, and consider it.
• Decisions to restrict a practitioner’s practice are appellable to the relevant tribunal.
• The investigation will consider whether procedural safeguards are sufficient to protect practitioners subject to immediate action.
• Consultation is now closed, with a final report due soon.
Source: National Health Practitioner Ombudsman.
the practitioner distress matter,” Arundel said. “As a registered practitioner has a 38% chance of receiving a notification over a 30-year career, ensuring Ahpra balances patient safety with the welfare of optometrists remains a priority for Optometry Australia.”
In 2023-24, there were 34 notifications, closed against optometrists, with 44% of those leading to no further regulatory action, including where the practitioner had taken steps to address the issue.
continued from page 3
and nursing, there is limited insight into orthoptic students’ real-world placement experiences. Given the importance of clinical education, we felt it was important to explore whether students encounter behaviours that might undermine their confidence or learning. Understanding both the nature and impact of these negative behaviours is vital to supporting student development and resilience,” she said.
“Placement experiences play a formative role in shaping how students view the profession, how they engage with patients, and their confidence as future orthoptists.”
A/Prof Koklanis said creating positive placement environments began with fostering open, respectful communication and encouraging reflective supervision.
It was equally important to raise awareness – not only of bullying, but of the more subtle behaviours that can negatively impact student wellbeing and learning, she said.
“Building a shared understanding of what constitutes inappropriate behaviour, and promoting clear, consistent communication around expectations and feedback are key steps toward cultivating safe, supportive clinical learning experiences.”
At least half surveyed experienced bullying. Image: buritora/ Shutterstock.com.
The study authors stressed there were various limitations, notably a small sample size and self-selection bias. With only 20 participants, the broader usefulness of the findings is also limited.
But they said the findings suggested universities must better prepare students for their clinical placement experience, including familiarising them with the bullying
and harassment policies and procedures.
“Healthcare facilities and the orthoptic community must also be cognisant of the experiences of students on placement and its impact on their wellbeing,” they concluded.
“Addressing the issue of bullying in orthoptics will likely require a multifaceted approach where initiatives include not only enhancing awareness of the issue, but also include developing comprehensive anti-bullying education programs with an aim to proactively prevent instances of bullying and to create a more supportive and inclusive environment within healthcare facilities.”
A/Prof Koklanis and her team are now looking towards in-depth qualitative interviews to explore the nuanced experiences of orthoptic students.
The Centre for Eye Health (CFEH) is phasing out its clinical service for patients after its main backer, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, made a “difficult decision” to move funding away from early detection services.
The decision was announced 29 April 2025. As a result CFEH will be moving all existing patients “to appropriate alternative pathways”. Effective 1 May 2025, the body will no longer be accepting new referrals.
“Where possible, all patients will be seen for a final review appointment before their records and ongoing care are transferred to a clinically appropriate alternate care provider,” a statement said.
CFEH was established in 2009 as a joint initiative between Guide Dogs NSW/ACT and UNSW.
In 2022, Insight reported that Guide Dogs NSW/ACT invested around $3 million annually in CFEH to help reduce eye disease prevalence through early detection services.
With an extensive database, CFEH also performed research and offered education opportunities for optometrists.
That same year, the CFEH announced a revamp of its operating model, with inaugural
director Professor Michael Kalloniatis departing and Ms Sarah Holland appointed as general manager.
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT says this latest decision allows it to focus resources on supporting people with permanent changes to their vision earlier in their journey, ensuring improved outcomes and access to critical services.
The organisation wanted to increase its service offerings for low-vision patients and put more emphasis on social change in alignment with its priorities for 2030 and beyond, a note on the CFEH website said.
Since CFEH’s inception 15 years ago, the optometric industry had undergone significant advancement, the statement said.
“Optometrists in the community have greater access to imaging instruments and technology, and vastly improved diagnostic skills, meaning they are well-equipped to provide care for many of the centre’s existing patients,” the statement said.
For patients requiring ophthalmology care, CFEH is working with industry stakeholders to identify and develop safe and sustainable tertiary care options.
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT will be providing additional support “to aid the safe transfer of existing patients”. This will happen in the form of transition funding and clinical equipment donations to support ongoing public ophthalmology and/or collaborative care models.
Reflecting on the lasting impact of CFEH, Holland said its clinical, education and research activities, developed over the past 15 years, could not be overstated.
“We have collaborated on new clinical pathways with ophthalmology, played a part in shaping the future of optometry in Australia though our education activities, and contributed significantly to the evidence base around ocular disease,” she said.
“As a team we are incredibly proud of everything we have achieved, and we will continue to support our community optometry colleagues as we transition our patients.
"The next 12 months will also see us continuing to work with our external stakeholders with an aim of developing sustainable, collaborative pathways for those requiring public ophthalmological care”.
Tokai's original honeycomb structure ensures both natural appearance and comfortable wear while effectively controlling myopia progression
EssilorLuxottica has unveiled new six-year clinical data at the 2025 China Optometry & Ophthalmology Conference (COOC), reinforcing the long-term efficacy of Essilor Stellest lenses in managing myopia progression and axial elongation in children and young adults. The results showed Stellest lenses slowed myopia progression by 1.95 D (57%) and slowed axial elongation by 0.81 mm (52%), compared with an extrapolated single-vision lens control group model based on data from the first two years of the clinical trial. The findings demonstrate the continued efficacy of Essilor Stellest lenses, with effects sustained up to 19 years of age, the company stated. “The strong response at COOC 2025 highlights the widespread adoption of Essilor Stellest lenses as a trusted, proven tool for ECPs in China and worldwide, supporting long-term myopia management while addressing the global myopia epidemic,” said Ms Olga Prenat, head of medical and professional affairs at EssilorLuxottica.
Asia-Pacific was the strongest performing region for Safilo in terms of sales growth in the first three months of 2025, with the Carrera eyewear brand’s presence in Australia a highlight in the region’s €14.4 million (AU$25.2 m) quarter. Globally, the group reported a “return to sales growth and solid financial performance in an uncertain environment” in Q1 2025. Net sales reached €285.8 million (AU$501.7 m), a 2.2% increase at constant exchange rates. The Asia-Pacific Q1 2025 result was up 18.5% at constant exchange rates and 21.2% at current exchange rates. “The performance of the area benefited from Carrera’s good progression in Australia, thanks to effective co-branding initiatives and the rollout of the women’s collection,” the company stated.
The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) has issued an urgent call to governments across Australia to engage in negotiations to resolve the pressing issues facing the NSW Health surgical workforce. People in NSW are now waiting almost twice as long on average for elective surgery, including cataract operations, than they were 20 years ago. Workforce pressures and chronic understaffing have contributed to a decline in performance across the country, putting immense strain on both clinicians and patients.
The latest data from NSW shows cataract surgery is the worst-performing procedure in terms of being performed on time, returning to near-pandemic levels. Only 56.6% of cataract extractions were performed on time in the October to December 2024 quarter, which was 27% down on the corresponding 2023 quarter.
Three ophthalmologists from Australia and New Zealand have been ranked among the top in their field as part of a new-look 2025 Power List.
Melbourne’s Professor Keith Martin, Sydney’s Professor Jonathan Crowston, and Auckland’s Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer featured in the annual list of the world’s top 50 ophthalmologists, compiled by The Ophthalmologist magazine.
The list recognises the most inspirational and influential leaders in ophthalmology. Nominations were pared down by an international judging panel and this year divided into five categories – cataract and refractive, glaucoma, retina, research, and innovation.
The ANZ trio who made the 2025 Power List all featured in the glaucoma category.
Prof Martin, head of ophthalmology at the University of Melbourne and managing director at the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA), said glaucoma care was moving beyond lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) as the only treatment and into an era of targeting the disease at a cellular level based on a detailed understanding of individual genetics.
He would tell his younger self “to be bold,
stay curious, and never accept that vision loss in glaucoma is irreversible”.
Prof Crowston, Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Sydney, advised the sector to watch carefully to what is happening in the broader fields of neuroscience and ageing research, and to engage more deeply.
Prof Danesh-Meyer, the Sir William and Lady Stevenson Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Auckland, said that by 2040, glaucoma management would be transformed with precision medicine, AI-guided monitoring, and breakthrough therapies turning glaucoma into a preventable and highly manageable condition.
Innovators in the national ophthalmic sector are being encouraged to get involved in the 2025 Endeavour Awards, which recognise achievement in Australian manufacturing. he awards, presented by Manufacturers’ Monthly, will be announced 13 November 2025. They are the premier accolade in Australian manufacturing and, for the first time, the healthcare sector is involved.
It is among a number of new categories in the growing event. Others include the Outstanding Start-up, Innovation in Aerospace, Innovation in Food and Beverage Manufacturing, and Technology Application awards.
Organisers have introduced the Innovation in Healthcare Technology Award, which recognises “technologies that improve healthcare and medical manufacturing”.
“This category is for companies developing innovative health solutions, including medical devices, digital health platforms,
biotechnologies, and pharmaceuticals,”
Prime Creative Media Events general manager Ms Siobhan Rocks said. All products and technologies must be manufactured and/or commercially available in Australia.
“Eligible technologies must have undergone advancements within the two years prior to the nominations closing date." At last year’s awards, meat industry innovator MEQ was named overall Australian Manufacturer of the Year.
Nominations are now open for the 2025 event. Submitting a nomination is free and must be completed using the online form on the website by Thursday 2 October 2025 at 11:59pm.
Manufacturers’ Monthly is published by Prime Creative Media, a trade media and events company that also publishes Insight For more information, visit: https:// endeavourawards.com.au/nominations/.
is the ONLY retinal imaging solution that seamlessly combines 200º single-shot opto map ® imaging with an advanced spectral-domain OCT, enabling clinicians to discover 29.4% more macular pathology compared to direct observation alone.1
The Fred Hollows Foundation has received $10 million in donations from Specsavers since their partnership began 16 years ago.
The foundation says the long-standing partnership has played a “vital role in restoring sight, developing sustainable models of care and improving eye health outcomes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Pacific Islander communities”.
It says the multi-million-dollar contribution has also helped fund crucial programs, cataract surgeries, diabetic retinopathy treatments, and the training and employment of local eye health professionals.
These initiatives have provided access to eyecare and sight-saving interventions for more than 375,000 people who might otherwise have lost their sight to preventable or treatable conditions.
In the Pacific, Specsavers’ support has helped fund a mobile eye clinic in Fiji as well as training for local healthcare workers who, after graduating, help give thousands of people access to essential eyecare.
“Access to eyecare is a basic human right, not a privilege. But due to distance, language
and cultural barriers, many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Pacific Islander communities don’t have access to culturally safe and high-quality eyecare, leading to vision loss and blindness that can be avoided,” Fred Hollows Foundation founding director Ms Gabi Hollows said.
“To everyone at Specsavers, you have all played an essential role in enabling us to deliver the gift of sight. On behalf of the Fred Hollows Foundation and on behalf of every person whose life has been changed due to this partnership, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Specsavers head of sustainability Ms Cathy Rennie Matos said the partnership was born from a philosophy that everyone should have the right to access high-quality and affordable eyecare and eyewear.
“From our Community Program, which sees a small amount donated from every pair of glasses sold, to our limited edition glasses to fundraising events like Fred’s Big Run and matching team member donations, every cent has added up and means that
Unleash your full potential with OPSM. With our unwavering support and experience, you have the freedom to pursue an area of expertise and practice full-scope optometry. Choose the field you love and thrive with OPSM.
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Despite an oversupply, geographic maldistribution persists, the report found.
A new workforce projections study commissioned by Optometry Australia has been released, as the industry works to calculate the optimal supply of registered optometrists in Australia.
The much-anticipated 'Optometry Workforce Projection Study', commissioned by Optometry Australia (OA), has confirmed that workforce supply is currently outpacing demand — but it’s not an issue that can be taken at face value.
Undertaken by the Centre for the Business and Economics of Health (CBEH) at The University of Queensland (UQ), the study’s main objective was to forecast the optimal supply of optometrists in the Australian workforce in five-year increments from 2025 to 2040, taking into account exit rates.
Right now, the 7 April 2025 report says optometry is in oversupply nationally when compared to the number of people actually accessing optometry services.
But a stark gap exists between the number of optometrists currently practising and what’s required if everyone who needed eyecare accessed it.
The authors noted Australia's optometry workforce has grown substantially, increasing from 4,586 in 2012 to 7,405 in 2024. Despite this, they say significant geographic maldistribution persists, with most optometrists concentrated in metropolitan and large regional centres.
CBEH’s key findings reveal:
- Based on service utilisation, there is currently an oversupply of optometrists and, if trends continue, a high surplus of optometrists will exist (between 2,831 and 3,348 and 6,514 optometrists in 2040 with 2% and 5.1% exit rates, respectively).
- If the rate at which optometrists are leaving the profession increases to just 10%, the gap between supply and current demand narrows to almost reach equilibrium by 2040. (Note: The report cautions this approach underestimates the future demand for optometry services and subsequently overestimates a surplus within the workforce).
- Critically, if everyone who needed eyecare accessed the services they required, the current workforce would be unable to meet the populations’ full demand (a baseline of 9,010 optometrists to meet population need is identified for 2025, increasing to 11,479 optometrists in 2040).
- Further, if the average rate of optometrists leaving the profession is maintained, or increases to 10% by 2040, the shortfall of optometrists compared to population need is projected to be in the thousands (at a 2% exit rate, a shortfall is predicted in 2025, 2030 and 2035, but reaches an equilibrium by 2040; with a 5.1% exit rate, a shortfall of optometrists is forecasted at all time points; at 10% there will be a shortfall of 6,124 practitioners).
The authors noted the population-needs model should be considered as the preferred approach “to match the healthcare workforce to the needs of the population now and into the future”.
OA CEO Ms Skye Cappuccio said the data highlighted a significant disparity. “Optometry Australia has a responsibility to the profession and to the community to work swiftly and strategically to ensure closer alignment between demand for services and population eyecare needs,” she said.
Alongside OA’s work to enhance scope-of-practice and expand the settings across which optometrists are practising, she said there needed to be a detailed understanding of demographics for whom the disparity between population need and service access are greatest.
“We also need targeted approaches to increase service access for each of these. Optometry Australia is convening a group of experts to spearhead this effort,” she said.
A separate OA-backed Flinders University study into workplace conditions, released earlier in 2025, found 7% of respondents were considering leaving the profession within the next year. Plus, a recent Ahpra study found 5% intended to leave optometry and 6% were unsure of their future (11% altogether).
OA said CBEH’s workforce report highlighted the potential major impact of optometrists leaving the workforce. If the sector doesn’t improve workplace conditions for employee optometrists, then it risks undermining its ability to meet population eyecare needs over the next 15 years, OA stated.
“We’re calling on the sector to implement the recommendations of our position statement, and to ensure workplace practices that protect the integrity of clinical decision-making, promote optometrists’ well-being and facilitate fulfilling professional experiences,” Cappuccio said.
She said that while focusing on increasing service access to match population need is important, seeking to increase workforce supply before an increase in actual service utilisation would be detrimental to the profession and community.
Cappuccio said OA would continue to oppose approaches that would increase workforce supply in the short term – including new optometry programs – and at the same time recognised that future planning must begin “early and strategically”.
Despite workforce oversupply, significant geographic maldistribution persists at the expense of regional, rural and remote communities, OA stated.
“This demands multi-pronged responses that overcome barriers to, and incentivise, working rurally and with populations that have reduced access to care,” Cappuccio said.
“We have initiated a program of work to better understand what combination of approaches is likely to be most impactful. We are committed to facilitating informed conversation on this issue across the profession and more broadly and chasing change to support better workforce distribution.”
DR MALVIKA GUPTA would be forgiven for throwing her hands up and declaring it’s all too hard throughout her career. But her perseverance has paid off in the form of two clinics she set up in Melbourne and a life she loves in Australia.
If there’s an anecdote summing up the ‘all-in’ approach Dr Malvika Gupta applies to her work, it’s the one about convincing RANZCO she was worthy of staying in Australia to work as an ophthalmologist. It was 2015 and her final year of a vitreoretinal fellowship in Sydney. She was working, ticking off bucket list items and preparing to head back to her native India with a young family in tow. Given the plight of others in her position – whose training wasn’t considered comparable to the Australian system – it seemed a foregone conclusion.
But she found a mentor, a senior paediatric ophthalmologist, who urged her to investigate how she could prove she matched the criteria for an Australian-trained ophthalmologist.
Whether she measured up or not, the cost was $6,000 – a significant bet given her relatively meagre fellowship salary. But the gamble paid off, sparking a fulfilling career that’s led her to Melbourne’s eastern suburbs where, against the odds, she operates two greenfield Eastern Eye Specialists clinics today.
“I thought OK, it’s only a $6,000 gamble. I took three to four months to prepare the application for RANZCO, with folders sorted into every curriculum standard showcasing how my training was equivalent,” she says.
“It included patient letters, referrals from mentors, thank you cards, logbooks – everything one could dream of. It was in a suitcase that I had to deliver personally, as it was too big to post. I was given feedback the
college has never received an application like that.
“But that was pure me – I didn't want to leave the college the option to say ‘you aren’t good enough’. When I take up something, I have to put my heart and soul into it and leave no stone unturned.”
‘IT
For every ounce of grit, Dr Gupta has a pound of ambition. This is despite being brought up and educated in a patriarchal system never designed for someone like her to flourish.
As the daughter of a paediatric surgeon (father) and obstetriciangynaecologist (mother), a medical career seemed destined as she g rew up in New Delhi, acing her exams and topping her classes.
“I know how to study and I know how to score, and in India that allows you to choose your career path," she says.
“My parents put everything they had into work. But I felt a little differently. I wanted time for myself, my family, to do something else. I wanted a life where my career was an important part, but was not my whole life.”
But she also didn’t want to pursue core specialities like medicine, surgery, obstetrics or paediatrics.
“Which pretty much rules out most important specialties in medicine,” she says. “And then, by default, I looked into eyes. I was so naive thinking it was going to be a simple subject, with the slimmest books, and you could be surgical or non-surgical, so there were options – and my exam score allowed me to pick this.”
The more she delved into it, the complexity of eyes became apparent, but so did her passion.
“I've been almost 20 years in ophthalmology now and the passion only increases every year. I'm still learning, and it's a beautiful kind of learning, not the kind where you sit exams and cram. It's those ‘wow’ moments that really capture you with ophthalmology.”
What also became clear was a gender bias in the Indian health system.
The expectation for specialists in India is to work 9am-1pm, break for the afternoon, and return 5pm-9pm. It would have prevented her from a life she desired – a career, family, time in nature and a few moments for herself.
“It meant I would never measure up, I would always have to make compromises.”
The caste system also meant jobs weren’t being offered on merit. It began to increasingly feel like a no-win situation for Dr Gupta.
“I like to work well, but also respect myself and feel respected in the workplace, which seems like such a such a natural thing to expect, but isn’t always the case for a women working in that environment.”
She started looking beyond India’s borders, and Australia seemed like the kind of place that would satisfy her personally and professionally.
She needed a foothold, which led to a one-year vitreoretinal fellowship at Westmead Hospital, NSW. That was extended another year, and she began cramming in trips to places like the Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand and Uluru before an expected return to India.
But then she threw the expensive roll of the dice to practise in Australia. Surprisingly, it paid off initially, but it wasn’t the answer to all her problems.
Indeed, RANZCO considered her application worthy – meaning further training wasn’t required – and she only had to sit the final RACE exam. he high wire act continued.
“At that time, there were only one or two international medical graduates who had passed the exam. Most others didn’t make it
because the examination system was quite different to the Indian pattern and also there was no leverage with respect to second attempts," she says.
“It’s challenging because the Indian exam system is very knowledge-based, while in Australia they give you scenarios and ask you how you’d approach it. Plus, the nomenclature and protocols vary.”
Finally, she passed, but the uncertainty didn’t.
“The moment you pass an exam and finish [the fellowship], you have no job. If you don't have a job, then you don't have a visa, even though I had the license to practise. It was like being back to square one.”
Thankfully Eastern Health and Northen Health in Melbourne took her on as a consultant in the public system before a colleague invited her to join their private practice.
“Being shy and the way I was back then, that surprised me, and I was very grateful. But that’s the culture here,” she recalls.
“Soon my priorities became clearer, and that's when I realised that if I’ve got to do this, I have to do it my way.
“I’ve always known how to work hard; when there’s a course, I can follow it. But when there isn’t a strict process to follow, that’s when I get lost, which was the case setting up a practice.”
By this time, Dr Gupta had been in Australia five years. A glaring hole in Victoria’s eye health system appeared while she was performing public work for Eastern Health.
In the Yarra Valley, east of Melbourne, patients were driving long distances for intravitreal injections (IVIs) for their macular disease.
“I was thrown by that. How could that ever happen in a first world country like Australia?”
Sensing the opportunity, she took the leap, leasing a room in Lilydale. She acquired an OCT, and became the only clinic in a 100km radius between Alexandra and Ringwood to offer IVIs (another has since opened in Croydon).
“I was given a six-month rent-free period, and thought, that's great,
all I have to do is do some injections.”
T his was 2020, and she began introducing herself to every GP and optometrist in town. She was making it up on her own, and quickly realised she had a loving community around her, even as COVID lockdowns came into effect a few months later.
“Despite that, I have never had a day where I felt off and wondered, ‘will this work?’”
Today, Eastern Eye Specialists is located in Lilydale Medical Centre. She has since branched out with a second location in Bayswater within the Knox Health Hub.
The second site came through a chance meeting with the Australian College of Optometry (ACO) who had just moved in and had half the building free.
As demand ramped up, the service was broadened to encompass cataract, glaucoma, pterygium, blepharoplasty and now refractive laser eye surgery. Three other ophthalmologists now consult with her.
Dr Gupta charges a private fee, but her referrers know that she will not "let down her community" if finances become an issue.
“When you are new to a community where nobody else bulk bills, people always take you as less, like it’s the only way she can get business. I wanted to put value on myself and time,” she says.
“But I want to respect the people who cannot access care and, for instance, won’t follow up with their appointments at The Eye and Ear because they're old and cannot drive and see. There has been no patient lost to me because they couldn't pay.
“There's so many needy patients who cannot afford a private service, and they then end up waiting a year for something like a retinal laser procedure in the public system. But in that time, it could bleed and they could go blind,” she says.
“I operate by the mantra that there’s no point being a Christmas tree with false, empty gifts wrapped underneath it. You want to earn enough to support the business, support your family and mortgage, but at the same time, you don't want to be a health provider that nobody can reach and benefit from.”
With reports cost-of-living pressures are influencing health decisions, patients are demanding more from their eyecare professional. Insight investigates how optometrists can optimise their business while still offering a stand-out service.
There’s a shift in patient behaviour that can signal to optometry business owners they’re in the grips of an economic slowdown. If the patient hasn’t already pushed out their appointment or missed it altogether, there’s more requests to re-lens an existing frame.
It may not seem like a big deal in isolation, but extrapolated out, the missed profit margin on frame sales can be concerning – even to the most clinical, patient-focused practice.
Sanctuary Lakes Eyecare, a thriving independent in Melbourne’s west that recently expanded its store footprint, hasn’t been immune.
“People are still wanting to be health conscious so they'll still gladly have scans done as part of their eye test and so forth,” principal optometrist and founder Mr Jenkin Yau says. “But we’re noticing they might put off getting new glasses if there’s no clinical need or ask us to re-glaze an existing pair if the script needs updating.”
And although it causes some short-term pain, he’s happy to oblige knowing that a long-game approach – with loyalty in mind – is a winning formula for independents.
After starting the practice from scratch 20 years ago with university mate and optometrist Mr Jason Chen, Sanctuary Lakes Eyecare has ridden the economic ups and downs and is living proof of the resilience built into optometry businesses.
But with high interest rates, which are beginning to come down, higher occupancy costs, and cost-of-living pressures on consumers, no one in the industry is denying it’s a tougher trading period during the past 18 months.
Perhaps the recently-released 'Health Insights Special Report (Part 1)', commissioned by NAB bank, paints the picture best. It shows a modest 2% decrease in the number of Australians visiting an optometrist in the past 12 months. But 39% of consumers didn’t visit the optometrist because they couldn’t afford it, and a further 28% have put it off due to a lack of time.
At the same time, patients are perceiving optometrists cost more compared to the previous year (49%, up from 40%). This was particularly prevalent in rural towns, where 58% said prices were more expensive. Despite those concerns, people still felt optometry provided great value for money.
For Sanctuary Lakes Eyecare, making tough decisions and optimising the business functions have ensured its viability.
Take, for example, when Yau and Chen agonised over closing a second location they operated from 2008-2019.
The practice in question was also in a shopping centre and up for a major refit and lease renewal. The investment couldn’t be justified, so with the support of ProVision – which it is a member of – they consolidated into the original flagship practice in 2019 at Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Centre and haven’t looked back.
“The challenges of running two practices with two sets of staff to cover and two sets of shopping centre hours was quite onerous,” Yau says. “In hindsight, the timing could not have been more fortunate, with COVID impacting only a few months later.”
In fact, they’ve only looked up, knocking out a wall to expand the flagship into part of the shop next door. They’ve grown the footprint by 50% and created two more consulting rooms to enable further optometry capacity.
Ten years ago, comprehensive myopia management and dry eye services were added to their repertoire. This diversification has helped carry the practice during the downturn.
But they’re equally focused on the details. Patients are greeted by name. There’s always a familiar face – staffing tenures range from three (the lowest) to 17 years. Eyewear data exposes the hot and cold sellers. Plus, every second Tuesday between 10-11am, front-of-house staff send patient recalls.
“One of the big things we’ve implemented is putting staff in positions to take responsibility of much of the administrative tasks and responsibilities, like recalls, marketing and recruitment,” Yau says.
“For a long time, we as owners tried doing too much of it ourselves, but there’s only so much time you can devote without it eating into your clinical time.
“For the last few years, we've also ensured we have a healthy working capital, so we can weather economic downturns. We’ve also managed to accumulate and replace equipment without taking on too much debt, whilst continuing to showcase to patients ongoing evolution and progression.”
Protecting the business’ interests has been vital. Shopping centre landlord
negotiations can be tense. The recent expansion almost didn’t happen because of “a gulf in agreeable terms” and it took more than six months to reach an agreement. Recently the electricity was switched to an embedded network and they needed to haggle for the lowest initial terms.
“The shopping centre environment can be a difficult one, because they've often got visibility of your sales, making it challenging to negotiate lease renewals. Often there's fit-out clauses to consider too,” he says.
“But the flipside is you've got a larger number of people walking past your door, so there's less marketing dollars you need to devote.”
At the end of the day the practice’s success is quite simple.
“Continuously looking to do the right thing over a long period – for our patients and our staff – has been our driving force for growth,” Yau says. “But also getting to know, or establishing your target market, and not trying to be all things to all people has been the most sage advice I have come across.”
A large part of Mr Mark Corduff’s work involves market appraisals when practices are preparing to sell. He’s seen first-hand how small alterations now can dramatically change a business’ trajectory.
“The most common focus areas that require attention are the wage percentage, gross profit on product, and occupancy cost,” he says.
“These are big ticket items that can make a significant difference to a practice’s bottom line. By improving these, not only will practices have more cash in their pocket each financial year, but with the increased profitability they are also improving their practice value, so it’s a win-win.”
Corduff is the business services manager at the ProVision independent optometry network. After seeing a spectrum of business operations across the 440-practice network, he has some simple tips so owners aren’t caught out.
He says ProVision practices have reported consistent above-market growth year-on-year when comparing like-for-like practices.
“In general, we are seeing practices faring well within the ProVision membership. While costs are rising across the board, we are working closely with practices ensuring that where possible, costs are saved as well as ensuring the focus remains on growth,” he says.
“Range reviews are a fantastic exercise to ensure the seasonal ranges are both compelling for patients, but where wholesale costs have risen that these are carefully considered as part of the practice’s pricing strategy.”
Corduff says there are several areas practices can save money. Each requires some focus and administrative work, but can pay dividends.
Here’s his hot take on each:
Wage costs – when reviewing salaries, ensure “offers are competitive but not exorbitant”. Rostering needs to efficiently tackle patient demand so the business isn’t paying for unnecessary hours. Twenty percent of the practice’s income is a “great” benchmark, but some go as high as 40% due to the nature of their business.
Shipping and delivery – this big item has grown in practice P&Ls over the years. “There are compelling offers from couriers and Australia Post, you
“Not only will practices have more cash in their pocket each financial year, but with the increased profitability they are also improving their practice value, so it’s a win-win.”
Mark Corduff ProVision Image: ProVision.
just need to reach out to ensure you’re set up with the most cost-effective package for your practice.”
Debt and financing – optometry practices should seek to pay off smaller loans with higher interest rates as a priority, and for the bigger loans it could be time to refinance. “You can discuss your loans with your current provider or outsource to a reputable mortgage broker who will scour the market to get the best deal for you and take away the administration and negotiation.”
Marketing – he says there are plenty of cost-effective strategies driven from a practice level “that don’t cost the earth”. Corduff encourages practices to “think local” and create content and social media posts tailored to the local market, and don’t forget to leverage the existing database, which can often be untapped. “Often a cheap and cheerful grassroots approach can deliver excellent results."
Mr Philip Rose has a slightly different take on things.
While acknowledging practices can make cost-saving adjustments – like SMS recalls rather than by post – he says practices need to be “thinking about the topline”.
In essence, securing more frequency of purchase from new and existing patients.
Revenue across the Eyecare Plus independent network grew above 7% on average in the past year, a “healthy result” given the economic environment, according to Rose.
Those practices who fared best had made consistent community engagement a focus.
“In general, practices aren’t overstaffed, so it’s hard to save on human resources costs. Do you change your product mix? Do you buy cheap product and sell it at a higher price? What's that going to do for your company long term?” he says.
“Ultimately, if you're not attracting new and existing business to purchase more frequently, then you're not helping your top line. The top line needs to grow in order for your bottom line to grow. Like a hotel, what's the occupancy rate in the consulting room, and that of your staff front-of-house? Do they have 20% downtime per day? Well, work out how to fill that.”
Eyecare Plus’ own frame usage rate has remained steady, but Rose notes some patients are putting off care and wearing their specs for longer. But interestingly, the network grew its average second pair sales, indicating patients who do purchase are spending more.
Cross-pollination is one way practices can deepen their community engagement, whether it be the local golf club, gym or non-competing retailers.
“Could that window display in the shoe shop be augmented by some glasses? Can yours be augmented by some shoes from a nearby shop? It’s this kind of thing that engages with your local community, gets your name on more Facebook feeds, and ensures you’re never forgotten,” Rose says.
Sponsoring local clubs and creating social media content – even if it feels a bit cringeworthy – are all cost-effective marketing tools.
“The key word is ‘consistent’, that’s consistent communication and engagement throughout the year, not just for ‘use it or lose it’.
“Even though someone’s purchased six months ago, you don't know if they're going to come in and want another purchase.”
Dealing with landlords can be fraught if the business owner hasn’t done their homework. Fortunately, this is in Corduff’s wheelhouse and having him in their corner for negotiations has resulted in serious savings and stress relief for ProVision optometrists. In the last 12 months, he has saved more than $2 million for practices.
For example, shopping centres are coming down harder on practices to refit their premises as per their contract. Sometimes this might be changing the lights or refreshing the signage, but other times it’s a full $300,000 refit with a shutdown period.
It’s the kind of surprise that could cripple an unsuspecting business. His top tip with leasing agreements is to allow plenty of lead time. There’s usually a three-month window – six to nine months out from expiration – when commercial tenants can exercise an option to extend their lease.
“But if you miss that window, then they can either move you on, or you'd be up for a new lease altogether, so it should be taken seriously," Corduff says.
“You should commence negotiations on renewals between 12 and 18 months out from expiry. The later you leave it, the less chance you have to secure a deal that works for you – not your landlord. That’s why ProVision has a lease database for their members to proactively approach landlords at the right time to ensure the best outcome.”
His second tip is getting clarity on what the lease needs to look like to support the business.
“Whether you’re looking to upgrade your fit-out then it’s time to discuss landlord contributions. If your rent has been climbing at 5% per annum, then it’s time to bring your base rent down and reduce your annual increases. If you’re looking to sell your business, buyers want security of tenure so look to attach options in your future term to protect you and have your lease attractive for potential buyers,” he says.
His third pointer is knowing what’s negotiable within the lease. Often Corduff gets a call from a prospective greenfield owner seeking advice on a lease they’re about to sign but a thorough negotiation realistically takes a couple of months.
Some key terms to be familiar with include the ‘base rate’, which involves understanding the specific market rate and optimal occupancy cost.
‘Annual increases’ are also vital – CPI was relied on while inflation was under control but 3% is safe in the current market, but not always achievable, he says.
‘Incentives’ are another thing to push for, such as landlord contributions and rent-free periods for fit-outs, as well as flexibility in the ‘lease term’ – “last thing you want is to be trapped in a long-term lease in the event something in your business changes”.
The more complicated areas to keep an eye on include ‘percentage rent’.
Corduff says this should be removed where possible because there’s “no point being penalised by your landlord for running a great business”.
“Also, other items like outgoings, exclusivity, marketing contribution and the hours you are required to trade are other things you should be looking at closely because they’ll cost you long term.”
Coming armed with knowledge about the local leasing market with references to fall back on is key when negotiating with landlords.
“The key to remember is that the relationship between you and your landlord should ideally be a business partners. Treat negotiations with respect, don’t get emotional and keep in mind that it should be a win-win for both parties," he says.
“With all of the above, your landlord will know you mean business."
On fit-outs, Corduff says practices need to keep in mind that the cost of both materials and labour have increased in recent years.
“Ensure that at least three quotes to complete any works are obtained – this will provide peace of mind and the best return on investment,” he adds.
As a business coach with 30 years of industry experience, there’s no such thing as an average day for Mr Brad White, who coaches more than 30 ProVision members.
“Essentially my job is to fact find and understand areas of strengths and opportunities and then lead the practice owner to find those solutions and own that space,” he says.
One of his big crusades has been getting practices to unlock the potential of their practice management systems (PMS).
“It's designed to hold patient records and history, but it can be so much more than that," he says.
Patient recalls, business performance statistics, and key patient details can
“Ultimately, if you're not attracting new and existing business to purchase more frequently, then you're not helping your top line. The top line needs to grow in order for your bottom line to grow.”
all be used to help the practice fill its appointment book, highlight strengths and weaknesses and create that personal touch.
“KPI” is a term that might cause independents to recoil – but those who embrace them are setting themselves up for success, White says.
“They’re a super measure for understanding your strengths, and uncovering areas of opportunity to build upon," he explains.
“For example, they can provide insights into what the patient journey looks like. If offering holistic eyecare is one of your values or mission statement, and then your second pair percentage is at 9%, are you really offering this? To me, the answer is unlikely. Are patients asked about whether they need sun protection or what happens when their glasses break?”
Practices can pull many metrics, but there are a few that can be compared year-on-year to understand the practice’s financial health.
For White, they are: top line sales, consultation fees, conversion rates, average selling price of frames and lenses, discount percentage, own frame usage (re-lensing), and multiple pair sales.
“New patient percentage, for me, is a huge measure, because without new patients, it shows you're not engaging effectively with your market, which can impact the business’ sustainability," he says.
“Discount percentage is another key one. Sometimes money can be given away unnecessarily, or sometimes the owner is not aware what’s occurring in the dispensing space. At the end of 12 months, they might see a sales line of $800,000, an amazing number, but then dig deeper and there’s a discount line of $80,000. Then you realise you've given away 10% of your sales.”
Keeping a detailed record of the patient in the PMS is some of the lowest hanging fruit, according to White.
Knowing when they came in last, the type of lens and frame they left with and their occupation. Acknowledging the patient by name (before they state who they are) and asking how their specs have been going for the past 12
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months are all simple interactions that culminate in a memorable experience.
“My dad always used to say ‘treat people how you'd like to be treated’. That's what the practice management system allows you to do: stay engaged and show a level of care and empathy that patients may not have received elsewhere," White says.
“We want to shift that patient journey from being transactional to being highly personalised.”
The PMS should also be used to drive patient recalls. SMS reminders can be scheduled every three, six, 12 and 24 months, but White says the key is to vary the language.
He’s a firm believer in sending a check-in message four weeks after collection of specs, and to remind them of complimentary cleaning and adjustments at any time.
“But I'm also a believer that 12 months after you've collected your specs, you should get an anniversary text message," he says.
“Some patients might only come in every two to three years and in between that time they might see an ad for another provider. If the independent can create multiple touch points over that three-year journey and stay front of mind, it can go a long way towards patient retention.”
So what’s the common thread in those practices doing well, despite the market conditions?
“They have built a vision, mission and values statement, which they stand for, and is the baseline conversation when new staff enter the practice," White says.
“Generally, they would have built a patient journey around that too, one that’s very clear in the practice’s mind, which extends to their service and product offering. The communication to the patient is so clear, the follow-up messaging and recalls around that patient is very structured, controlled and personalised. And they continue to develop and train knowledgeable staff –that’s how a well-run practice looks.”
For any independent practice owners undecided about attending ODMAFair25 in Sydney this month, read on to discover all the things you might miss out on to improve your business.
The very best independent practices have cracked an important code: These days it’s almost impossible to have contemporary clinical excellence without a commercially sound enterprise, one that can invest in new technology.
Instead of retail and clinical treated as mutually exclusive spheres, successful optical businesses view them as part of a virtuous circle – the back- and front-of-house feeding one another for the benefit of the business.
For independents, there’s few opportunities to consider ways to elevate their game in three critical areas of practice – retail, equipment, and business/clinical knowledge – in a single sitting, except if they attend ODMAFair25 that is.
The Australian optical industry’s flagship event is returning bigger than ever 27-29 June 2025, this time at Sydney’s International Convention & Exhibition Centre (ICC Sydney).
There, attendees can scratch their itch for the latest frames, lenses and other technology on the trade floor, plus they can learn from a high-calibre education program regardless of their role within the practice.
Pre-booking registrations are looking strong; at the time of writing there were just as many interstate visitors as those visiting from New South Wales, confirming the truly national nature of the event.
For those sitting on the fence a few weeks out from the show, Ms Amanda Trotman, CEO of Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association (ODMA) and the event’s organiser, has a simple message.
“These events come around rarely and you cannot possibly know what you will see or who you will meet that will help take your business forward,” she says.
“We appreciate your time is valuable, however so is working on your business. Make a shortlist of who to see at the trade fair, arrange to meet up with some peers at a networking event and review the program and pick a few key topics that you need to focus on for your business.”
She says ODMA and ODMAFair25 exhibitors are all about helping independents differentiate and grow to compete in an ultracompetitive landscape.
“ So we are all on the same page and will benefit from supporting each other. I am sure you will experience the ‘fear of missing out’ (FOMO) if you don’t plan to attend,” Trotman adds.
ODMAFair25 will be marked with many firsts.
It will be the first time that ODMA will run one of its events with Optometry NSW/ACT’s Super Sunday clinical conference offering CPD for optometrists, as well as the Australasian College of Behavioural Optometrists (ACBO) annual
meeting, at the same time and location.
Plus, the event will feature the inaugural Women in Optics Breakfast –something that ODMA hopes will become a regular fixture.
And that doesn’t even account for many first glimpses of new product to the Australian market on the trade floor.
After the event, Trotman hopes attendees will come away enriched and emboldened.
“My hope is that practice owners are exposed to products and services they might not otherwise get to see before they choose what to stock,” she says.
“I hope they have a plan for equipment purchase, new ideas and a renewed enthusiasm, that they can see new ways to grow or secure revenue and profit, that they have made connections, and compiled an action list – anyone or a combination of these would be my aim.”
Trotman says a buzz and a desire to connect and do business are hallmarks of ODMA’s live events.
The ODMAFair brand is well-known in the industry and has been respected for years, hence it’s return to its spiritual home in Sydney after last running in 2017 (ODMA has run and co-run OSHOW and O=MEGA in the intervening years).
“We have had a number of exhibitors and attendees mention they want to see the event at ICC, so we are keen to deliver that and see how the venue delivers for us,” Trotman says.
One thing attendees will immediately notice is that ODMAFair will look much different to ODMA’s previous Sydney event, OSHOW, that was more boutique in nature and worked well at the Hordern Pavilion. That event's now heading to Melbourne in 2026.
With extra space at ICC for ODMAFair25, it has created opportunities to broaden the program and offer more flexibility for exhibitors.
“It will be a bright, purpose-built exhibition space and ICC allows us a larger floorplan, so this has allowed exhibitors the option for custom-made booths where they wish to partake in this,” Trotman says.
“We are well over 80% sold and still working with a number of interested parties and our website shows the huge number of exhibitors already committed to be there, representing all the segments of our industry.
“There will be equipment demos as normal and all the latest in eyewear and sunglasses. We have some new eyewear exhibitors and lots of mainstream as well as boutique offerings.”
• Independent Practice of the Year
• Supplier of the Year
• Sales Representative of the Year
• Instrument of the Year
• Versatile Frame of the Year
• Window Dressing Voting closed 31 May 2025.
FRI 27 JUNE
8:30am - 10:30am – Opening Breakfast - How the technical revolution is changing business forever – Adam Spencer (business stream)
11am - 11:45am – Digital transformation & integration – he patient journey and the utilisation of technology in dispensing – Adam Spencer (business stream)
2:30pm - 3:30pm – How to become a practice owner – Mark Corduff, ProVision, and Philip Rose, Eyecare Plus (business stream)
3:30pm - 4:30pm – Risky business – guarding your optometry career –Luke Arundel, Optometry Australia (practice management stream)
SAT 28 JUNE
7:30am - 9am – ODMA & ProVision Women in Optics Breakfast – sustaining wellbeing –Carli Phillips, Corporate Wellbeing Hub (business stream)
9:30am - 10:30am – Engaging your team: From probation to peak performance – Leanne Jackson, ProVision (business stream)
10am - 1:00pm – ODA frames repairs workshop - Chris Savage, Chedy Kalach & Paul Clarke (also running Fri 27 June 2-5pm – dispensing stream)
11am - 12pm – How to compete with the corporates and remain independent – panel discussion, chaired by Emma Gillies, Purple Key Consulting (practice management stream)
SUN 29 JUNE
9:30am - 10:30am – Improve Medicare & private health insurance billing efficiencies in your practice – Simon Hanna, iCare Consulting (business stream)
10am - 11am – Industry panel workshop on practice pain points solutions, chaired by Paul Vessey
11am - 11:30am – Research-driven myopia management: Translating evidence into practice – Ulli Hentschel, HOYA (dispensing stream)
1:00pm - 2:15pm – Inspirational career journeys - panel discussion, chaired by Myles Hume, Insight magazine editor (business stream)
The trade floor will also feature a Business Pavilion with suppliers that can help practices with services such as shop fit-outs, legal and marketing, while the Industry Pavilion will have optical-related organisations.
“It truly is the whole industry under one roof,” Trotman says.
“ICC is a very high-quality and centrally located venue with lots of transport options and thus we see no barriers to visit. Being able to offer sessions and breakfasts and breakout meeting rooms is a nice addition. Of course, ICC is surrounded by great places to eat too so people can make a nice day of it.”
For attendees, there’s plenty to be excited about, Trotman says, the Women in Optics Breakfast being one.
“To be able to allow people to make wider connections is a key driver for me personally and for ODMA, as all we want is a strong, forward-facing industry that has a good amount of independent practices within it,” Trotman says.
“Us continuing to reach out to new and early career optometrists is also exciting as these are practice owners of the future. I am also very excited to have Adam Spencer kicking off the event with a new Opening Breakfast session – he has amazing insights and energy.”
A comprehensive educational program is also taking shape, offering plenty of practical tips and focusing on the vital front-of-house aspect of optical business. This is where ODMA feels it can help independents strengthen revenue for the overall growth of their practices.
“There’s a deliberate focus on business and practice management, and dispensing – something for every practice no matter their stage in business, location or size,” Trotman says.
“If I had to pick out some highlights from the program, I would say Friday has great technology and trends information, as well as consumer research and tips on being a practice owner as well as team dynamics. Saturday has a great session on how independent practice can stay competitive and Sunday has sessions on career journeys via a panel, as well as sales and marketing.”
With more than 600 visitors pre-booked, Trotman is happy with this strong, early registration rate, with many choosing to book closer to the day. To date, 20 people are coming from New Zealand, another strong showing.
“However, we will say that rooms have a limited capacity for sessions so it’s always best to pre-register for them and, of course, pre-registration for the trade fair means you get all the information you need sent in advance, plus have a quicker check-in at the event,” she says.
There are already examples of people planning a road trip from regional or interstate locations, bringing their whole team for a team-building experience and the chance to get all practice members involved in the growth of the business.
“My message is we would love you to book early and it helps you plan ahead, however all last-minute registrants are welcome as are locals who make a last-minute decision to attend and who need to register onsite.
“We can’t wait to unveil ODMAFair to the industry once again, and deliver an event the entire independent market can benefit from and be proud of.”
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Join Eyes Right Optical to celebrate Face à Face's 30th birthday, marking three decades of creativity, passion, and artistic exploration in eyewear. Known for pushing boundaries and sculpting colour in bold, innovative ways, the brand is transforming this celebration into “3.0”– a symbol of a new chapter and a leap into the future of design.
“Embracing its artistic roots while looking ahead, Face à Face introduces a remarkable limited-edition sunglass model: the FACES,” the brand's Australian su pplier Eyes Right Optical says.
“These striking frames embody the brand’s signature elements – vivid colour fusions, geometric experimentation, monumentality, and expressive design. In this creation, colour takes on new life as three-dimensional volume, turning eyewear into wearable art.”
The two ‘Fs’ that face one another in the design aim to represent both the brand’s foundations and its forward-thinking vision. It’s said to be a celebration not just of the past, but of continuous reinvention and self-discovery through design.
“ Happy 30th birthday to Face à Face – a brand where creativity always leads the way,” Eyes Right Optical adds.
Booth: 153
ProVision will play a major role in this year's event, leading a series of exciting workshops.
Highlights include ‘How to become a practice owner’ with business services manager Mr Mark Corduff, guiding aspiring owners through buying and selling, finance, and self-employment.
Plus, the ‘Optimising inventory’ session, with business coach Ms Laura Davies Flannagan, will offer practical strategies to boost sales and cash flow; and in ‘From probation to peak performance’ with people and culture manager Ms Leanne Jackson, she will focus on building high-performing teams within legal frameworks.
ProVision is also sponsoring the Women in Optics Breakfast, featuring wellbeing expert Ms Carli Phillips, which promotes strategies for mental and physical health in optometry.
Throughout the event, ProVision will also showcase its latest innovations including ProIntel for real-time business insights, ProSocial for effortless social media management, and updates to ProAccounts for streamlined stock
For practices owners serious about specialty contact lenses, Medmont is encouraging them to come experience the Australian designed and made Medmont Meridia corneal topographer.
Attendees can visit APAC sales manager Mr Jason Anderson for a live demonstration (book at jason@medmont.com), and put the Pro model through its paces.
“ It’s engineered to support first-fit success and simplify dry eye subtyping and management,” the company says.
“See for yourself why Professor Richard Vojlay – renowned clinician and contact lens practitioner – credits the Medmont Meridia with bringing his practice into the 21st century.”
Prof Vojlay himself says it has “simplified the ergonomics of the image capture and has mires to die for – clear and precise and effortlessly takes excellent topography maps”.
Booth: 165
Tokai Optical is hoping to turn heads at ODMA Fair 2025 with the launch of MYOGEN.
With myopia rates on the rise globally, Tokai has entered the myopia management market with a new lens specifically designed to suppress the progression of myopia in children.
According to the company, MYOGEN has a unique honeycomb structure to control the direction of light entering the eye, focusing light in front of the retina in order to help control elongation of the eye axis. It is currently available in two indices (1.60 and 1.70) with specific coatings and a clear tint.
“Visit Tokai Optical’s stand and learn more about what MYOGEN can do for your myopic patients,” the company says.
Booth: 172
BOC Instruments will be displaying an extensive range of equipment to suit any practice’s requirements and budget.
Its new Reticam 3100 Plus ultra-wide field fundus camera is fully automated and is designed to easily deliver a 176-degree single shot and greater than 260-degree field-of-view with 4K high-definition resolution. This fundus camera is compact with a built-in PC, also ideal where space is restricted.
The MMD VF2000 Neo visual field tester aims to improve every aspect of patient testing from patient experience and clinical results to practice efficiency, without compromising the accuracy of results.
BOC says it is equipped with the latest internal optics, able to quickly run visual field p rotocols with real time eye tracking and a variety of added self-guided vision tests in rich, full-colour 4K-resolution. It is compact and portable to allow testing anywhere without the need for a dedicated room.
“Our latest products also include the newly released Optovue Auto Fusion Fully Automated Combi OCT – Fundus Camera, Nidek ALScan-M Optical Biometer for myopia management, range of SBM dry eye equipment including the OS1000 Corneal Topographer with complete dry eye assessment including 3D meibography,” the company says. “Also see our new SLI-200 4K digital imaging dlit lamp boasting crystal-clear imagery with unmatched detail.”
Booth: 106
Modstyle will be showcasing an impressive lineup of new releases from its premium eyewear portfolio, including AVANTI (pictured), Eclipse, Nifties, Inface, and Kaleyedoscope. Attendees can expect to experience the bold new styles from AVANTI, stylish new titanium’s from Eclipse, Scandinavian minimalism from Nifties, the sleek sophistication of Inface, and the vibrant creativity of Kaleyedoscope.
“From bold statement frames to refined minimalist silhouettes, Modstyle’s latest collections embrace the diversity of contemporary eyewear fashion. Each brand offers something unique for practices looking to stay ahead of global eyewear trends while offering comfort, quality, and standout design,” the company says.
Modstyle will have a major prize draw exclusive for practices that place an order at ODMAFair25.
“An exciting opportunity not to be missed. Join us at ODMAFair25 to connect
Visit the CR Labs booth to experience the future of independent eyewear solutions.
“We’re proud to showcase our Full Circle partnership with Safilo (pictured), offering a seamless frame and lens journey for practices,” the company says.
“Be among the first to discover exciting new brands joining the program, expanding opportunities for your business.”
The Melbourne lens manufacturer is also launching the ECO7 lens – its sustainable, environmentally conscious solution – now available in a 1.74 high-index material. The company’s also introducing Silque, a new photochromatic lens designed for exceptional clarity and smooth transition performance.
“Plus, don't miss the vibrant new fashion colours from our Tint Department,
With ultra-widefield imaging becoming a must-have in full-scope primary eyecare, Optos will be showcasing its most popular device in the optometry setting, Daytona.
Plus, attendees will get a glimpse into the newest technology from the company, MonacoPro. ODMAFair25 will be the first Australian showing of the device, described as the only system delivering optomap red/green colour (rg), sensory retina, choroidal, green af and high resolution SD-OCT– all five-modalities captured bilaterally in just 90 seconds.
Daytona and MonacoPro deliver Optos’ renowned optomap images of approximately 82% or 200-degrees of the retina, something the company says no other device is capable of in a single capture.
With Daytona, the technology has continued to evolve resulting in “unrivaled image clarity, from central pole to the periphery, in less than 0.5 seconds”, Optos says. The California system will also be on display. It produces images in multiple modalities including: colour rg, red/green/blue colour (rgb), red-free, choroidal, autofluorescence (AF), fluorescein angiography (FAF) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA).
“[The system] is available in various device configurations and image modality options for the flexibility to meet the needs and budget of every eyecare practice,” the company says.
“ Visit Optos during ODMAFair25 for a product demonstration.”
Booth: 75
Lumibird Medical, with operations in South Australia, will showcase C.Suite – a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment platform for dry eye disease (DED). Described as the complete dry eye solutions package for any practice or clinic set-up, it comprises two key instruments.
The first is C.DIAG (pictured right), a new-generation dry eye diagnostic aid platform incorporating artificial intelligence with reliable algorithms, based on more than a million images and clinically validated by experts.
C.STIM (pictured left) is a clinically proven, ergonomically designed IPL system with what the company describes as intuitive software, and unique Stim-ULI technology.
“Unlike other devices, C.STIM uses a flash-lamp water-cooling system to guarantee homogenous energy throughout the treatment process to maximise patient comfort,” Lumibird Medical says.
Booth: 69
The Safilo stand at ODMAFair25 will be home to its market-leading customer programs and iconic Spring/Summer 2025 brand collections.
The collections include: Carrera and the newly expanded Carrera Pat Cummins Selection, Carrera Authentic Lenses, The Full Circle complete pair program, and Eyewear by David Beckham.
Attendees can also see the latest collections from other key Safilo brands, including Kate Spade New York, Carolina Herrera, Etro, Boss, and Polaroid, plus more.
The company will be launching two new and exciting brand collections in Stuart Weitzman – a luxury fashion eyewear brand from the US – and Carrera Sport, the iconic bold design for those “fashionable in sport”.
“Our sales and marketing team will be welcoming visitors to the Safilo stand where we look forward to discussing our new launches, Spring/Summer 2025 collections for our range of iconic eyewear brands as well as our market-leading customer support programs,” the company says.
“So drop by and say hello to the Safilo team to see what’s new and popular in the world of eyewear.”
ParagonCare | Designs for Vision works to connect eyecare professionals with advanced diagnostic technologies that support clarity, confidence, and efficiency in practice.
It's encouraging attendees to take a look at the Nidek RS-1 Glauvas at ODMAFair25
– a high-speed OCT featuring 250,000 A-scans per second, deep learning segmentation, plus the all new CODAA 2 algorithm for sharp, high-contrast OCT-Angiography. With 16.5 mm macula scans and 4.2 mm depth, the company says it delivers fast, detailed imaging for confident glaucoma and retinal assessments – even in myopic eyes. Combining precision imaging with intelligent automation, the RS-1 is designed to streamline diagnostics and support sharper clinical insights.
"We will also showcase technologies from iCare, Tomey, Volk, and Keeler – globally recognised brands known for performance and reliability," the company says. "Visit our stand to take a closer look and chat with our expert team."
Booth: 93
On the Sunglass Collective stand, attendees can expect the latest releases from its premium sunglass brands: KALEOS (pictured), Bollé, and Serengeti.
It’s “a must-visit destination” for practices looking to stay at the cutting edge of sunwear innovation, design, and performance.
“Explore the bold and fashion-forward styles of KALEOS, known for pushing the boundaries of luxury eyewear design,” the company says.
“Experience the latest in sport and lifestyle technology with Bollé, offering high-performance lenses and frames engineered for outdoor adventure. And don’t miss the timeless sophistication and optical innovation of Serengeti, where classic design meets unmatched visual clarity.”
By placing an order at the show, practices can go into the draw for a major
Visit the EssilorLuxottica booth to enter a new realm of innovation and discover Ray-Ban I Meta, Varilux Physio extensee, Transitions GEN S, the Optopol Revo OCT and Nuance Audio.
As a preview for the Australian market, the group will present:
• Varilux Physio Extensee: Varilux Physio Extensee includes Pupilizer technology which is derived from Essilor's AI Twinning technology and dynamic pupil modelling. The result is that wearers report +18% improvement of contrast and sharpness compared to Varilux Physio 3.0 in all light conditions, even low light.1 A Eurosyn wearer study confirmed participants experienced visual sharpness and contrast in any light. 2
• Nuance Audio: described as the groundbreaking open-ear hearing software seamlessly integrated into stylish eyewear, will be showcased ahead of its launch in ANZ. A reflection of EssilorLuxottica’s vision to revolutionise the underserved hearing solutions market, Nuance Audio removes barriers that have long stood in the way of traditional hearing aid adoption.
• E ssilorLuxottica will also showcase its full range of Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasse glasses (pictured) and their innovative features, ranging from built-in
The ZEISS booth will provide a comprehensive look at the patient journey through key ZEISS technology solutions and products, including the ZEISS VISUCORE 500, a combined subjective and objective refractive unit. Delegates can also experience the ZEISS VISUFIT 1000 featuring cutting-edge digital centration and virtual try-on capabilities that streamline the lens selection and ordering process through ZEISS VISUSTORE.
A dedicated kids' corner will highlight the importance of addressing the needs of younger patients in practice and the newly launched ZEISS DuraVision Gold UV coating (pictured) will be showcased.
Elsewhere on the booth, ZEISS will present the CIRRUS OCT, ATLAS 500 and CLARUS 700 diagnostic devices. Attendees can explore the CIRRUS OCT's precision in retinal imaging and the CLARUS 700's ultra-widefield capabilities.
Booth: 152
HOYA is the Diamond Sponsor for ODMAFair25, and over the three-day event the lens manufacturer will feature the newly released VisuPro lens (pictured), described as advanced focused lenses for the early presbyope category.
Plus, it will unveil a new product under the Sensity photochromic lens brand. The company expects updates on the MiYOSMART myopia control lens too and a new sustainability-focused relationship formed with Opticycle. Attendees can also see demonstrations on the HOYA Order Centre (HOC), as well as its digital dispensing tools like HOYA Digital Fitting, and HOYA Consultation Centre 360 – all connected by the HOYA Hub.
Finally, Mr Ulli Hentschel, the company’s training and development manager, will be presenting Sunday 29 June in a session entitled: ‘Research-driven myopia management: Translating evidence into practice’.
Booth: 151
Eyecare Plus provides business support and marketing services to more than 120 clinically-focused, independent, full scope optometry practices throughout Australia.
B y joining, all member practices retain their identity within each of the three flexible membership options: branded, co-branded and unbranded.
“When you make our brand a part of your practice signage, you will enjoy territory protection which ensures you are never talking to a competitor at our conferences and workshops,” general manager Mr Philip Rose says.
“Discuss how you can enjoy zero cost membership, territory protection and succession planning with us at ODMAFair25."
Booth: 7
1 Fantaguzzi, F., Servillo, A., Sacconi, R. et al. Comparison of peripheral extension, acquisition
and image chromaticity of Optos, Clarus, and EIDON systems. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 261, 1289–1297 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-022-05923-z
Capture detail-rich retinal images through 2.5 mm pupils – no dilation, no disruption.
+ TrueColor Confocal Technology with white LED
+ Fully automated imaging – align, focus, capture
+ Mosaic function creates panoramic views up to 80°
+ Remote Exam enables distance testing where needed
Painless, accurate IOP measurement made easy – wherever and however you practice.
iCare ST500 Integrates with common slit lamps, easy probe installation
iCare IC100
Quick and easy IOP readings without anaesthesia or air
iCare Measures IOP with 200° of freedom: standing, sitting, or supine
All iCare tonometers are battery-operated, intuitive to use, and support high patient flow with minimal training – using patented rebound technology for reliable glaucoma screening.
A well-known eyewear sales expert has joined the Eyes Right Optical ranks in a new position that’s helping independents understand how they can restructure their eyewear mix for better business results.
Mr Marc Sanchez has cultivated a 20-year reputation across the New South Wales/ACT independent optical scene as a methodical, respected frames sales rep – but even now he’s never had a better time securing appointments to chat with busy practice owners.
The reason: he’s just taken on a newly created business development manager (BDM) role at Eyes Right Optical, one of the nation’s top frames suppliers who independents readily welcome into their stores, as he’s quickly discovered.
Often when Sanchez calls a practice, they tell him to stop introducing himself; they instantly recognise his French accent. It’s a familiarity and trust built over many years with companies like Rodenstock, Mimo (14 years) and Marchon. Seeking new opportunities in early 2025, he received a call from Mr Mark Wymond, owner of Eyes Right Optical, who saw a chance to align Sanchez’s experience with a new service for independent customers.
Within five weeks of starting, Sanchez has visited 120 practices in 53 Sydney suburbs, providing consultations that help practice owners better understand the brands available through the four Wymond-operated eyewear supply businesses, including Eyes Right Optical, and how it might fit with their practice objectives.
This new BDM role differs from that of a traditional sales rep who carry many bags of frames and are keen to talk business. Instead, Sanchez carries a couple of trays and helps practices swiftly get to the bottom of untapped potential in their frames range. A more comprehensive sales rep appointment follows soon after.
He looks more holistically at their frames range, offering tailored advice in a no-pressure environment.
“Reps are often go, go go, but I like to call myself a rep without bags,” he says.
“I’ve been very honest with Mark [Wymond] and since joining, everybody has been so welcoming and keen to meet, and that’s not because of me, that’s because of the Eyes Right Optical reputation.
“We must be doing something right. Yes, there is great product, but it’s the customer service behind it – people often remark that it’s just so easy to work with Eyes Right. Plus, customers can feel and see it’s a family-owned business, with a great range of frames, flagship brands, a well-structured portfolio – they know where they are going.”
and yes, that it will likely arrive tomorrow in the colour and quantity requested. When you’re on the frontline with the end-consumer in front of you, you don’t want there to be any ifs, buts or maybes,” he says.
Bringing Sanchez into the fold is just another way Wymond is seeking to elevate the customer experience. It’s a winning combination, blending a respected sales rep across NSW/ACT with an eyewear supplier that has a clear objective to help its c ustomers grow.
“It's been great to see Marc’s passion and enthusiasm for the industry,” Wymond says. “He's been selling eyewear for 20 years and he’s very methodical and process-driven, which is what you need for this role. He’s a real industry expert; it’s only been a short time but he’s really making it his own.”
“We invest a lot in staffing and training and don’t run the operation down to the bone, staffing levels are high to provide a high level of customer service, because if you don't, then it just ricochets down.”
Sanchez has been meeting with practices of all shapes, sizes and vintages.
Often, it might be businesses stocking a few brands from Eyes Right Optical, or maybe it’s more established customers seeking new ways to optimise their eyewear mix.
One of the key messages he is delivering is the opportunity for
“There’s some big successful practices, but they’ve spread themselves thin across so many suppliers, meaning they can’t access that level of goodwill, or they haven’t got a true brand strategy in place.”
Mark Wymond
practices to streamline their frame supplier arrangements.
Is it necessary to be dealing with multiple frames suppliers – as many as 30 in extreme cases, as Wymond has discovered – when they can go
Wymond, and his four eyewear supply businesses, are ideally placed
In addition to Eyes Right Optical, and along with sister Ms Lisa Wymond, he operates Modstyle, supplying quality Australian-designed eyewear for more price-conscious consumers after the latest look; Sunglass Collective, a pure sunglass company with exclusive rights to the Bollé and Serengeti ranges in Australia and New Zealand; and Morel Australasia, the local subsidiary of leading brand in French independent
It means he has 20-plus brands that can cater to any practice demographic, whether it’s a child (Kensie, Kaleyedoscope), a young professional after a sophisticated look (Charles Stone, ProDesign), or a cycling enthusiast requiring prescription sunglasses (Bolle).
Perhaps it’s an environmentally-conscious patient seeking sustainable eyewear (Project Green), a fashion-oriented person seeking to make a statement (WOOW, Face à Face), or someone looking for design and quality at an affordable price (Avanti, Eclipse).
By investing more in fewer supplier relationships, Wymond says practices will know who they’re talking to on the end of the phone, may enjoy more flexible terms and be given the benefit of the doubt with things like warranties.
“In the market, there’s some big successful practices, but they’ve spread themselves thin across so many suppliers, meaning they can’t
access that level of goodwill, or they haven’t got a true brand strategy in place,” he says.
“But it’s also the time spent processing invoices, rep visits and calls. To use that extreme example of 30 suppliers, that’s 30 people you’ll be dealing with every few months, whereas if you cut that down to 10 or fewer, you’ve just saved 20 hours.”
Although it goes against Wymond’s nature to talk up his work, the four companies under his stewardship have enough stock and variety to be the foundational eyewear supplier of any independent practice. Of course, it’s good for his business, but the big motivation is to help his customers succeed in an increasingly competitive landscape.
A big part of Sanchez’s role is communicating this to practices that might not be aware of the portfolio’s breadth and depth.
“The best way to describe Marc’s role is that he’s coming in almost like a lens rep,” Wymond adds.
“He’s going in to talk about our brands with the owners, the frame story out front and how we can streamline your business operations because we've got a brand that might quite easily substitute in. He goes in to talk more holistically about the business, the brand profile, how we can help, how we can work even more with them.”
By providing a snapshot overview of the portfolio during his visits, Sanchez aims to distil it to a few recommendations, ultimately leaving the ball in the practice owner’s court.
“I was recently at a practice with four brands from Eyes Right Optical, he’s very happy, and we got on to the topic of school holidays, and it was an opportunity to show that we have a kid’s range, and the response was ‘yes, why not?’,” he says.
“Other times it’s about advising practices that are very well established with us about how they can go to the next level, reactivating doors or even opening new ones for us.
“If I can help them improve their business, that’s extremely rewarding for me, and the big reason I have stayed in the industry for 20 years, which I hope to extend much further with Mark and the team at Eyes Right Optical.”
Two substantial suppliers of frames and lenses have joined forces to offer something a little different to Australian independent practices. They tell Insight why the initiative has become so successful and what it might mean for the industry.
Sometimes, an idea comes along that is so brilliant in its simplicity, so obvious in its delivery and outcomes, that you wonder why it has taken so long to come to light.
Consider this: a customer heads into an independent optometry practice. It’s relatively high-end, filled with many quality frames from the top fashion houses. They have their tests, find the frames they love.
Those frames – along with the lens request – are then sent to the lens lab, sometimes at great cost in time, money and carbon-emitting miles, where they are put together and then sent back to the practice and patient, many days and sometimes more than a week later.
In the meantime, the practice has had to replace that frame, which is itself shipped across those many miles.
About two years ago, eyewear company Safilo Australia and Aussie lens manufacturer CR Labs decided there had to be a better way.
They put their heads together and came up with the Full Circle Program, which has significantly simplified that optical odyssey, to the benefit of practice, patient, even the industry.
In fact, both Ms Shiva Taghvaei, senior commercial manager at Safilo Australia, and Mr Adam Fletcher, CEO of CR Labs, believe it’s the future of independent optometry in Australia, and possibly beyond.
But more on that later.
Under the Full Circle Program, CR Labs has invested in storage areas within its Melbourne lens manufacturing facility, in which are housed thousands of frames from seven of Safilo’s premier brands, including Carrera, Kate Spade, Boss and Carolina Herrera.
For those independent practices participating in the program, rather than sending frames chosen by patients to a lens supplier for fitting – a back-and-forth trip that can take a week and more and add costs to the transaction – they simply order the frames and lenses online and CR Labs
takes care of the rest. The complete pair of glasses – a Safilo-supplied frame with CR Labs-made lenses – is back with the customer in three days.
But the benefits go way beyond just a speedier delivery, say Fletcher and Taghvaei.
This is a “win, win” for everyone.
The considerable saving in logistics and processing is better for the practice as well as the planet.
“The cost of freight is going up so a normal parcel can be anywhere between $8 to $12 for a practice, but when you multiply that out by a year, it's thousands,” says Fletcher.
Under the Full Circle Program, participating practices pay nothing for freight on their frames.
“This reduces costs in freight and energy, so we’re saving tons of carbon and it's better for the environment.
“And it all comes under one invoice.”
That includes the warranties and the replacements; everything is handled by CR Labs on behalf of Safilo Australia – a “one-stop shop” with benefits and savings for patients and practices.
And there is plenty of interest from those practices, say Fletcher and Taghvaei.
“We were actually quite surprised in its growth, because it continues to grow month on month,” he says, “but from a patient and practice buying perspective, it's really a no-brainer.”
Taghvaei says hundreds of practices have joined the program since it started in mid-2023.
“CR Labs and us, we're in the process of opening a lot more accounts in the coming weeks, so it's going to grow a lot more. This is just the start.”
As simple as the idea sounds, the program is the result of a lot of planning by both companies, including creating an exclusive online ordering process, new marketing material and training for participating practices.
“We did a lot of research,” she says.
“We wanted to make sure this is something that will be a winner for our customers.
“The Full Circle Program was born because we were looking to find how we could help clear some of the obstacles for independents to be more competitive in the market.”
And to experience some of the advantages enjoyed by the corporates.
“Independents can get some really good discounts through this, some good commercial offers,” says Taghvaei.
“We have a streamlined process where we keep all the frames within this program at CR Labs.
"The Safilo team will assist and recommend that customers essentially choose what their patients want and what suits the store from the store’s perspective, allowing them to keep these items on their shelves.”
To help the practice get the best from the program, Safilo Australia supports training in the stores, and offers targeted marketing for Full Circle Program
brands that highlights the benefits for practice and patient.
“The partners that we have within this program get the benefit of having a dedicated area, completely transformed to a certain brand, which brings the consumers or the patients to that area,” she says.
There are benefits in practice and stock management too.
“As part of this, they also get the advantage of one-to-one rotation where, when we leave the stock on the shelf for a little while, we can go back in there and manage the inventory for them.
“While we carefully tailor the opening range based on each practice’s needs, some models may not perform as expected. During regular visits, our sales team reviews the sales data with store managers, and if certain styles aren’t moving, we’ll recommend alternatives and arrange a rotation to keep the selection fresh and relevant.”
As more and more practices learn of these benefits and flock to the program, both Fletcher and Taghvaei are looking forward to what it might mean for their own businesses and the independent optometry sector.
Fletcher is looking beyond Australia’s shores.
“This is not just limited to the local market; we've got some big plans for expanding it outside the Australian market,” he says.
“CR Labs is the only lab in the world that can actually produce Carrera authentic lenses, and we've been endorsed and licensed by Safilo to do so.
"So when we look at other markets, like Asia, brands like Carrera are very big.”
Both believe this kind of arrangement could be the future of independent optometry in Australia.
“I've actually got labs ringing me from all over the world asking me, how does this relationship work . . . because they're fascinated and interested, they see the same benefits,” says Fletcher.
“I think all frame suppliers should really look to align themselves with a lab, because potentially, that'll be the future.”
in knowing your best sellers are always on display, and being able to confidently tell a patient that they’ll receive a brand-new pair, not the one from the shelf.
Patients love that experience.
“It also streamlines things for staff. They no longer need to reorder the same frame, wonder whether a top seller is in stock, or process and retag replacements – it saves a massive amount of time.
“For the practice owner, it brings efficiency across the board, with the added bonus of better margins and improved profitability.
“These were the ideas we set out to explore and put into practice – helping independents compete more effectively and stay ahead in a competitive market.”
Martin Gregory, Chairman of Eycare Plus Optometrists
Tik Tok, Tik Tok, technology is coming. But one independent practice believes the support of national independent network ProVision is helping it to remain relevant and thrive with access to innovative business tools.
Don’t worry. You won’t be seeing Mr Michael Jones on Tik Tok any time soon.
He’s quite relieved about that.
It’s not that the co-owner of RJK Optometry in Coffs Harbour, NSW, doesn’t do social media. He knows the value of it in the modern business landscape. It’s more that, after 25 years in the area, he knows his community well and has developed a great communications strategy to stay connected with it.
A communication and engagement strategy backed up by new data and analysis tools from national independent optometry network ProVision.
A communication strategy that doesn’t include Tik Tok. At least not for this particular practice.
Jones, who is one of three optometrists/partners in the large regional independent practice and who recently advanced to the ProVision board, knows that in the past he might have blundered into the platform as part of some misguided strategy.
He might have relied on his gut, he might have made certain assumptions.
But ProVision has the tools, the data, the analysis and the experts to ensure he not only targets the right people, but he also puts the right content in front of them.
That expertise goes beyond social media to all parts of the business, from the purchasing power of a large network to marketing, recruitment, practice and stock management, even helping independents harness the power of new technology and innovation.
It’s about keeping those practices at the “cutting edge” of a competitive industry with large players.
As Jones points out, his relationship with ProVision has been a “game-changer” for his business.
“My practice wouldn't have grown to what it is today without ProVision,” he says. “Business expertise is something you don't have as an optometrist to begin with. I would have been floundering . I'm fairly confident in my business abilities now, but there's no way I would have got there without ProVision.”
That confidence has grown over the 25 years he has been at the practice, and in partnership with the network.
Coffs Harbour, he says, has a large community of reasonably well-off retired people, so his patients tend to be older, with all of the vision issues that come with that.
That means Jones is kept pretty busy managing dry eye, an area he specialises in, along with specialty contact lenses.
“I get a lot of referrals from GPs, ophthalmologists and other practitioners in the area, and people will travel 100 kilometres to come and see me.”
One thing he is not busy worrying about is the practice’s social media.
Previously that was assigned to a younger team member, who would spend four to five hours a week creating and collating content for the business’s digital community.
Thanks to ProSocial, a social media support platform introduced by ProVision in November 2024, that’s now down to just an hour.
“The brilliance of ProSocial is that it's giving you so much branded material,” says Jones.
Users can browse and search an extensive collection of social media images and videos, customisable Canva and Mailchimp email templates.
There are comprehensive social media guides and tutorials specifically designed for optometry practices, as well as thousands of assets uploaded by ProVision’s supplier partners.
“So we can actually schedule posts – bang, bang, bang. It's cut down the amount of time the team member has had to devote to it because of the shortcuts and everything that ProSocial has enabled us to use.”
But it’s not just about the content and delivery; ProVision has played a key role in devising strategy as well.
“We're very well known in the community and everything would be completely different if we were a greenfield practice; ProVision get that and understand what we're trying to achieve.”
Which is why the strategy for a largely older audience is more about Facebook, rather than Tik Tok and Instagram.
Jones doesn’t believe it brings new patients to his practice; that’s mainly driven by word-of-mouth.
“But that ProVision-backed social media strategy, in terms of Facebook, is like the cream on the top, in terms of just keeping you in people's minds,” he says. “I think it's more a touch point in terms of keeping in contact with patients about our reputation, our quality eyecare and eyewear.”
“Innovation is at the heart of ProVision's identity. What's always set us apart is that our members' needs and feedback directly shape our innovation process.”
He is even more enthusiastic about another ProVision innovation, its practice management support tool, ProIntel.
He refers to it as a “game-changer” more than once during his conversation with Insight
ProIntel allows Jones and his partners to drill down into practically every aspect of the business and analyse its performance.
“The analysis in the data that you can go in to is incredible,” he says. “Plus the ability to benchmark anonymously against other practices of a similar size to us. So we can see how we're going. We've never had the ability to do that before.”
Previously they were relying on their gut and decades of experience to handle stock rotation and practice management.
ProIntel sometimes backs those initial thoughts; sometimes it shows their gut instincts can be wrong.
“We would talk about how we don't sell many of these frames and then we went in and, oh, actually, they're our third biggest seller.”
Now the partners have plenty of quantifiable data and analysis to discuss when they meet once a month to review business performance.
“We will drill down into it and go, OK I think we need to improve this – this one's going really well, this one's dropped down a little bit. How about we try and boost this particular KPI or this particular lens,” he says.
“And then you can actually measure how much you've gone up again. You can manage it and check the profitability.”
Jones and his colleagues were early adopters. Now they see the tool as essential for any independent practice trying to keep its nose in front of those bigger operators.
“It has given us access to so much stuff that we didn't have before and that
He appreciates that ProVision is always working behind the scenes to find more innovation to support independents. Creating systems like ProIntel that plug into the varying configurations of independent practices is a significant undertaking.
CEO Mr Tony Jones says “innovation is at the heart of ProVision's identity”.
“We've consistently demonstrated our commitment to being at the forefront of systems development, most recently with our successful launches of ProIntel and ProSocial,” he says.
“What's always set us apart is that our members' needs and feedback directly shape our innovation process.
“As we look towards 2025 and the increasing role of automation and AI in business, this member-centric approach will remain our guiding principle.”
Part of that member-centric approach involves keeping practices up-to-date with what is emerging before them.
Michael Jones was particularly impressed during ProVision’s national Edge24 conference in Perth last year, during which technology expert Ms Inbal Rodnay delivered a keynote presentation on applications for AI at the optometry practice level.
She has also contributed to other webinars for ProVision members.
“There was a good discussion about AI and other things, and she was really inspiring,” he says.
That continuing discussion about the impact of technology, and ProVision’s ongoing innovation in practice tools such as ProSocial, ProIntel, among many others, are not only helping practices overcome the fear of the ‘new’, says Jones.
They are helping independents to harness that innovation and thrive in their competitive markets.
“We've always got to be on the edge, on the cutting edge of anything,
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Two independent optometry practice owners explain how being part of a large national network can actually enhance the individuality and community engagement of their businesses.
Mr Glenn Vessey is a man with many hats.
Luckily, he also has a partner in the Eyecare Plus network to ensure they all fit well and look sharp.
And when he needs it, he has a network of other people he can lean on for good advice and great ideas.
Vessey is the owner and principal optometrist at Eyecare Plus Optometrists Mulgrave, an independent practice in south-east Melbourne.
It’s a well-established suburb of baby-boomers and Vessey has been in the community as long, and often longer, than many of the patients he sees. He started working in the practice 35 years ago and has owned it for more than 30 of those years.
“You know you are getting a bit older when a patient you saw as a young kid is coming in with their kids,” he says. “But it's very satisfying that people have seen you all their lives and they're trusting you with their kids.”
Vessey might know the community like the back of his hand; he might know many of its people as well as members of his own family. But he concedes that as experienced as he is in the optometry practice, he needs support when it
comes to some aspects of running the business.
That’s part of the reason he joined the Eyecare Plus network 15 years ago.
“I'm primarily an optometrist, but also I've got to be a business owner and manager and have a few different hats,” he says.
“I had friends who were with Eyecare Plus and they spoke highly of it, so I gave them a try, and it's been a great fit for me.”
That’s important, because not everything is a comfortable fit for an optical professional who may know their stuff in the consulting room but struggles with marketing, customer engagement and other important business functions.
“Marketing? I wouldn't be able to do that by myself,” says Vessey.
“I couldn't afford to do it, wouldn't have the resources to set it up, and probably wouldn't know how to do it.”
That’s taken care of with Eyecare Plus, which employs experts in its head office to develop in-practice and out-of-practice programs that members like Vessey can opt into to help drive community engagement and, ultimately, appointments.
“There’s advertising on television, where practices like mine can leverage the wider Eyecare Plus brand; one set of filming for an ad can then go out to our respective areas.”
There’s also strategic advice, banners and other material to support his own community engagement in and around Mulgrave, including sponsorships of local footy, bowling and golf clubs.
“We're known to all the local primary schools, we run ads in their newsletters and in other communities . . . you get to know people and form friendships through those. It's a good way of getting involved in the community.”
Vessey might have spent the past 35 years getting to know his community and building trust with his patients, but it’s his relationship with Eyecare Plus that has amplified it and taken that connection to another level.
“Our banner on the fence at the bowling club has a really good graphic on it, with a QR code that goes to our appointment page.
“It looks professional. It reflects what we are trying to do, rather than having me trying to do it, which would look fairly ordinary.”
That professionalism and amplification of his customer engagement is further supported in his practice.
Vessey and his team – one other optometrist and four support staff – like to spend time with their patients.
“We allocate enough time to do a thorough eye examination and then follow that up with giving them detailed explanations.”
That explanation is supported by another Eyecare Plus innovation – its Check-up Plus list, a report given to the patient at the end of the consultation.
“We go through and explain all of our findings for the patient and then all of our recommendations.
“They've got something tangible, so it's a nice way of having something
“We're known to all the local primary schools, we run ads in their newsletters and in other communities . . . you get to know people and form friendships through those. It's a good way of getting involved in the community.”
written out for them, and gives them something to go home with and explain what's going on to their family members.”
He says the Eyecare Plus-developed form emphasises the professionalism of his practice and builds the trust of his patients.
“It probably adds 5% to my workload but adds 20% to the benefit.”
The benefits of an Eyecare Plus affiliation are many, including extra bargaining power for frames, lenses and other products from a preferred supplier network. He can also lean on the collective knowledge and ideas of its members.
As with Vessey, the latter is one of the favourite features for another Eyecare Plus member, Ms Lara Foster.
The network has frequent sessions, including its new Entrepreneurs’ Club, in which its members can share IP and business projects, and find solutions for common problems.
And because Eyecare Plus doesn’t allow network members to set up in another’s territory, people can speak freely about their wins and losses without worrying the are leaking secrets to a competitor down the road.
“It's very free flowing and a free sharing of ideas,” says Foster, principal optometrist at Eyecare Plus Optometrists Moss Vale, in NSW.
“So, people genuinely do help to support each other, and you can chat about challenges you've got, and there'll be someone else in the group that's had a similar challenge, and they can say, oh, have you tried this?”
So impressed has she been in her 15 years as part of the network that, for the past three years, she has been on its board, helping to “raise the voice of independent optometry”.
In her own practice, Eyecare Plus has helped raise her voice and awareness in the community she serves.
When she bought the practice, it was already part of the Eyecare Plus family.
She considered other options but stayed with the network to help her transition to business owner in the country town, and because it was “great value for money”.
Foster says it offers the best of both worlds: the buying, marketing and management power of a corporate while allowing practices to customise and get closer to their communities.
“We genuinely live our brand, we are genuinely locals caring for locals,” she says.
“Even though we're under an umbrella brand, we are all individual practices.
“Our patients also appreciate working with people who live in their community, who they see regularly either at the practice, at the soccer field or at P&C [parents and citizens gatherings].”
So there is that level of autonomy, and we can customise particularly to
“Our patients also appreciate working with people who live in their community, who they see regularly either at the practice, at the soccer field or at P&C [parents and citizens gatherings].”
Foster’s own community engagement is supported by network resources.
When she paired with a local beautician for a recent evening with customers focused on and around the eyes, those visiting were also exposed to the branding and marketing material Eyecare Plus created for her practice, reinforcing her professionalism.
Like Vessey, Foster has found the Check-up Plus list to be a great resource.
“I think that really does help to promote patient loyalty,” she says.
“It promotes trust and reliability and helps them understand the quality of care that they're receiving.
“I often have people bring back their folders and say, now last time you said this, and this time, what do I need to do to check that?”
Both believe this and other examples show why being part of the Eyecare Plus network can actually elevate an individual practice and its engagement with its community and patients.
It also allows them to have their “head in the practice”, focusing on their patients and day-to-day issues, rather than areas where others will have stronger skills and more experience.
That’s key in a competitive, increasingly corporate industry, they say. Stronger. Together.
Something you can hang your hat on.
Essilor has made upgrades to its largest lens lab in ANZ to create the fastest and most reliable service it’s ever launched for independents in the region.
Owners of independent optical practices are always seeking that ‘differentiation factor’. The one clinical skill or product that can give them an edge in a sector teeming with entrepreneurial spirit.
In more recent times, speed has emerged as one way to stand out – and in a big way. How efficiently can a practice work through an unforgettable patient journey, and how quickly can it get a complete pair of spectacles in the end-consumer’s hand?
Speed is the impetus of a new service Essilor is providing to its independent practice customer-base.
In Australia, Mr Cyril Conquet has overseen the rollout of Essilor Express. It’s described as the lens manufacturer’s enhanced lens delivery service that commenced on 5 May 2025, promising to ship lenses the next day when ordered before 12pm AEST.^
He says patients now expect fast service across all aspects of their lives, including healthcare and eyewear.
“For independents, being able to offer premium lenses, fast is a huge competitive advantage,” he says. “It builds loyalty, enhances the patient experience, and reduces the risk of cancellations or patients seeking alternatives elsewhere. Fast turnaround can directly contribute to practice growth.”
Conquet says Essilor Express was created in response to what practices have been telling Essilor for years: “We need lenses faster, without compromising on quality.”
In his words, the new program is a premium, high-speed service offering prescription lenses dispatched within 26 hours from Essilor’s Sydney lab.
“It’s the fastest and most reliable solution we’ve ever launched in this region,” he adds.
Bringing Essilor Express to life has been a significant undertaking, building on an already well-oiled machine that deals with more than 2,000 jobs a day (surfacing and edging).
While the company operates labs in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, and Auckland, Essilor Express is currently being run from its Sydney manufacturing hub.
Located in Silverwater in Western Sydney, it’s Essilor’s largest facility in ANZ and delivers all aspects of prescription lens manufacturing –surfacing, coating, and edging.
Following a recent merger with the former OSA (Optical Supply
ABOVE, L TO R: Essilor’s Sydney lab, applying hard coatings here, deals with more than 2,000 jobs a day; The lab has advanced digital surfacing machinery from Satisloh, along with state-of-the-art edging capabilities.
of Australia) lab in the Sydney suburb Chipping Norton, Essilor has consolidated its expertise into one high-performing site, streamlining operations, boosting automation, and delivering greater speed and consistency for customers.
Alongside 146 skilled professionals on-site – including lab technicians, engineers, warehouse and logistics specialists, quality assurance experts, and customer service staff – the lab is equipped with advanced digital surfacing and coating machinery from Satisloh, along with state-of-the-art edging capabilities.
This includes a fully-automated MEI edging line and a manual edging cell using Essilor Instruments, giving Essilor the flexibility and precision to handle a wide range of orders.
“By surfacing, coating, and edging lenses all under one roof, we maximise efficiency and significantly reduce turnaround times — which is key to the success of services like Essilor Express,” Conquet says.
“Our surfacing department processes around 800 jobs per day, almost exclusively serving independent optical practices. Supporting independents is at the heart of what we do. Our edging and mounting department handles approximately 1,200 jobs daily, further underscoring the scale and capability of the Silverwater site.”
But in the spirit of continuous improvement – and better serving its independent customers – Essilor realised all this technology and expertise could be put to greater use.
Previously, the standard lead time from order to dispatch was around four days, depending on product and location.
“We aimed to create consistency between our local and offshore labs, but we knew we could do more,” Conquet says.
“Most importantly, we fostered a cultural shift – our teams know that speed is essential, and they've embraced new ways of working to deliver on that promise.”
Cyril Conquet
Essilor
“With Essilor Express, we’re now dispatching lenses in less than half the time. We’ve shifted from a reactive model to a proactive one — anticipating demand, reducing bottlenecks, and enabling faster decision-making at every stage of production.”
Significant changes have been made to the Sydney lab to accommodate Essilor Express, with the OSA lab merger helping pave the way.
For instance, Essilor has upgraded its machinery in surfacing and coating, introduced more automation in edging, and reorganised its workflows.
“We also expanded shift coverage to ensure continuous throughput during peak periods,” Conquet says. “Most importantly, we fostered a cultural shift – our teams know that speed is essential, and they've embraced new ways of working to deliver on that promise.”
From a logistical perspective – shipping finished lenses to practices –Essilor’s Sydney metro customers have already been benefitting from twice-daily deliveries from the lab. A similar setup exists in other metro areas where it operates: Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Auckland.
To support Essilor Express, Essilor has maintained its inter-lab logistics network. Sydney handles initial production, while final assembly, particularly frame fitting, is completed at the customer’s local lab, if necessary.
“Customers continue to enjoy same-day shipping on a wide range of stock lenses from their local lab.
By preserving a familiar ordering experience with their usual customer service team, practices can benefit from significantly faster turnaround without additional complexity,” he says.
However, many independents choose to send us the patient’s frame. In those cases, it usually adds just one extra day for us to cut and fit the lenses, returning a complete, ready-to-wear pair.
“This added convenience is especially valuable for practices that don’t have in-house edging capabilities, allowing them to offer a premium service without added complexity.”
Now a month in operation, Essilor is encouraging independents to get on board quickly so they can benefit from a special offer.
The service is free for the first three months (May, June and July 2025) for selected lenses, meaning practices can enjoy faster delivery at no additional charge.
Lens designs eligible under the program cover the core premium ranges, including Varilux and Eyezen lenses, paired with popular Crizal coatings. Transitions GEN S (grey and brown) in selected indexes are also available.
“These combinations represent the majority of what independent practices order day-to-day, ensuring that Essilor Express delivers real impact where it matters most.”
Embedding Essilor Express is another way Essilor ANZ labs are helping independents find a new level of service.
“For practices, it means they can confidently promise faster service to their patients,” Conquet adds. “For us, it’s a reflection of how far we’ve evolved operationally and technologically, with reengineered processes making it all possible."
NOTE: Contact an Essilor account manager or customer service for more information via (02) 9714 4555 or nsw.cs@essilor.com.au. ^Terms and
HOYA has made a significant step in achieving its environmental goals. Its leaders say it was a relatively easy foot forward and they believe others in the industry should follow them on that path.
Mr Craig Chick, managing director of HOYA Vision Care Australia & New Zealand, is issuing a challenge to his industry colleagues and competitors.
Since February 2025, his company has been sending its swarf – the material left over after lenses are cut and ground down to fit into frames – to Opticycle’s Sydney recycling facility, as part of its plan to meet its sustainability and environmental goals.
HOYA is the first specialised lens supplier in ANZ to send its offcuts and swarf directly from the manufacturing process, as part of the program.
At the time of writing, that material made up 500kg of the 48 tons of total optic waste collected by recycling company Opticycle over the past 12 months diverted from landfill and turned into new products.
And both HOYA and Opticycle are keen to see even more kept out of landfill.
Which is why Chick has thrown down the gauntlet to others.
“I would challenge my competitors to replicate what we are doing, because I think it's something that we can all benefit from,” he says.
“The more we can all do as an industry, the better.”
Chick is pretty proud that his company is the first lens supplier to take that step.
He believes it is one of a number of HOYA affiliates to participate in such a program globally.
“HOYA, at a global level, are very interested in what we are doing,” he says.
“They are very supportive of this project, and I think if we can continue to work with Opticycle, they would be looking at other opportunities to
implement similar programs in other markets.”
One thing he appreciates is how easy it has been to take this more sustainable route.
In the past, offcuts and swarf from HOYA’s Sydney lab were put into plastic bags and carted off to the landfill.
Under the arrangement with Opticyle, the material is now put into HOYA’s own recyclable packaging and simply takes another turn, across town to a recycling facility where it is reproduced into material for pavers and bench tops.
“The reality is that it's got to be easy in the process and the business doesn’t incur large costs,” says Chick.
“From that perspective, it was easy, we didn't need to change a large amount of our processes.
“The cost was very sustainable. It was an easy, practical outcome.”
But an important one for the planet too, and in helping the company to meet its own environmental goals, in Australia and around the world.
“There's a lot of waste that goes into the production of lenses. Even though we don't produce lenses or grind them locally, we do a lot of fitting and mounting in the final part of the production process, particularly here in our Sydney laboratory,” Chick says.
“So cutting that lens down from a 70-millimetre blank to the size of the frame, there's a large amount of waste that results from that process.”
Beyond meeting his own and his company’s sustainability KPIs, Chick believes initiatives like this are vital to helping the industry stay ahead of the curve of regulation, mandated change and shifts in customer expectations.
“There is an expectation from not only our customers, but from the end user, that the lenses and their eyewear are produced in a sustainable way.
For HOYA, at a global level, this is something they take very seriously,” says Chick, who is also the chair of the Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association (ODMA).
“And we have to be very careful, as a profession and as an industry, because we're probably one of the few industries that, particularly with lenses, deals only in plastic.
“So there's an expectation, even at a government level, that what are we doing as an industry needs to be sustainable and we are being responsible with our waste.
“We want to be in a situation where we are effectively making this change on our own, based on our own decision-making, rather than being forced into something which may come at some stage,” he says.
“If we can be ahead of the curve, we can be sustainable, then we can manage that outcome.”
HOYA has plans to grow that outcome, in the next stage of its partnership with Opticycle.
“Phase one is working with the waste that we produce during the manufacturing process of the lenses,” says Chick.
“Phase two we are exploring with ways to encourage our retail partners having collection depots
“So for example, someone's just bought new eyewear. What do they do with the old ones? Opticycle take that, they take the frames, they take the metal, and they separate the metal and the plastic from that.”
That will be music to the ears of Opticycle co-founder Mr Michael
Klapsogiannis, whose company has its own goals for expanding its reach and collection points around Australia.
Like Chick and his colleagues at HOYA, Klapsogiannis is keen to grow awareness of Opticycle and how it can support the optical industry to be more sustainable.
He says the company has a network of about 600 collection depots around Australia.
“That's where people can drop off glasses and contact lenses,” he says.
“We really want to get that to about 1,000 depots, and once we hit that we think that will be good coverage and we can switch our focus back onto the back-end process.”
Klapsogiannis believes Opticycle has that reasonably sorted.
In the case of HOYA’s swarf and lens offcuts, the recycler has developed a process that creates a material used in pavers and bench tops.
have been used in the fit-outs of ophthalmic businesses.
Recycled optical material makes up close to a third of Opticycle’s pavers.
“We've developed a product where that recycled material is mixed with our plastics, and it basically replaces sand, because we would normally use sand to create that rough, non-slip surface on the paver, because this material also doesn't melt.”
As well as new collection depots, the company is working to develop new products.
“We are looking for other solutions for the material,” says Klapsogiannis.
“There's a couple of other companies we're speaking to regarding the swarf material.”
Some of those pavers are sold through another company associated with Opticycle, with the rest of the material provided to other firms who use it to produce larger, commercial pavers and also bench tops, some of which
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He believes Opticycle could comfortably double the amount of recycled optical material it currently receives.
Which is why HOYA’s relationship as the first lens supplier is so significant.
And also Chick’s challenge to the sector.
For the industry and the environment.
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Moving beyond platitudes and putting green processes into practice often requires thoughtful investment and innovation, particularly in manufacturing. But as one Australian ophthalmic supplier has found, the effort is worth it, and not just for the environment.
Mr Adam Fletcher, CEO at CR Labs, happily credits his daughter. He credits her for part of the motivation behind the Australian lens manufacturer’s move into more sustainable practices at its Melbourne factory and, latterly, its Green Looks Good on You campaign.
“About seven years ago I was helping my daughter do a school project about recycling,” he says.
“It was about water in particular, and water in the United States and how, as a commodity, water has become more expensive.”
That made him think of his own manufacturing plant, which was using more than a million litres of water a year.
“So we invested nearly a million dollars in a water recycling plant to recycle all our water, and we are now saving half a million litres of water every year, rather than pumping it out or putting it into waste.”
That’s a win for a planet increasingly dealing with water scarcity and an improvement in operation efficiency.
But Fletcher and his colleagues at CR Labs realised they could go further.
Now it’s not just the water that is reused – all of the company’s packaging is recycled.
That involved a bit of research and working with a number of companies to find the right solutions, including biodegradable plastics for product sent around the country; product needing to arrive in “good order”.
But still they weren’t satisfied.
The next step was to ensure that the very product being shipped was itself sustainable and better for the planet.
This year’s ODMAFair25, to be held in Sydney in June, will see the unveiling of the company’s Eco7 lens, the latest development in its range of eco-friendly lenses made of plant-based material.
Conventional lenses are made of plastic involving some element of petro-chemicals.
CR Labs crafts lenses using an eco-conscious biomass material certified by leading environmental standards, which supports its mission to deliver sustainable, Australia-made lenses.
Fletcher acknowledges the purchase of the raw material is more costly internally, against conventional product used to form ophthalmic lenses.
But as his company discovered after installing the water-recycling plant, there can be plenty of commercial advantages in going green.
Which was why CR Labs was prepared to subsidise any additional costs as
part of improving its processes and reducing its carbon footprint..
Beyond the feel-good factor of doing something good for the planet, Fletcher says the plant-based material has many advantages compared with conventional lenses.
Tinting is one of those, he says.
“Sometimes it can be difficult to tint conventional lenses, depending on the lens material, thickness and quality of dye.”
Tinting the plant-based lenses takes just 10 minutes. The dye adheres uniformly to the lens material and holds for the life of the prescription with a smaller number of retints.
While the raw materials come at a higher cost, the result is a premium lens that delivers long-term value – both in performance and sustainability.
There are other savings in the manufacturing process.
“Its softer composition is not only better for the environment but also gentler on our manufacturing equipment, extending the life of our machinery and reducing maintenance demands across production,” says Fletcher.
Despite a higher cost of production, CR Labs has maintained its pricing, ensuring practices and patients continue to access premium lenses without compromise.
“With its combination of high performance and environmental benefits, Eco6 is now the go-to lens across most of our portfolio," he says.
“It is delivered as standard, with only select exceptions like polarised products.”
Fletcher is particularly excited about the unveiling of the Eco7 lens at ODMAFair25.
Up to now, the Eco6 has been sold as a 1.6 index lens. In June it will be unveiling a 1.74 index biomass version.
This will be a thinner lens for people with higher prescriptions, and one “designed with innovative tinting qualities expected to set a new benchmark in the market”.
And all with a visual clarity that matches lenses made of traditional materials.
Fletcher says CR Labs can back that up with its own testing and plenty of evidence.
Which is where Ms Fiona Om gets involved.
The qualified optometrist and professional services manager at CR Labs
leads a team that, among other things, provides the research to support the products the company sells.
Om’s team in Professional Services supports internal stakeholders and the many practices that CR Labs works with in providing this valuable information.
The research has helped the company better understand its own carbon footprint and how the biomass lenses and other initiatives are helping to reduce emissions.
They have also developed technical information to support the performance of the lens for practices and their patients.
“The visual clarity is very similar to other 1.6 lenses made of conventional material,” says Om. “Sometimes people can't really even tell the difference between them.”
Her team also supports the Green Looks Good on You campaign with plenty of information for participating practices.
Fletcher says the campaign has been well supported by those businesses.
“We are seeing a positive return in terms of people getting on board and we have a lot of practices that actually have the Green Looks Good on You window and point-of-sale material.”
He believes the campaign and products like the biomass lenses offer independent practices a key point-of-difference in a competitive market while also encouraging them to think about sustainability.
“CR Labs has the exclusive right for the biomass product in the Australian market, and we only supply to the independents.
“You cannot buy it from a corporate, you can only buy it from independents who support CR Labs.”
He hopes businesses will support the company and the eco-friendly campaign, which encourages the ophthalmic community to consider sustainability and other greener practices.
Fletcher is also hopeful that his company’s success in greening its manufacturing process and the introduction of eco-friendly products will inspire other Aussie manufacturers.
“When we look at manufacturing in Australia, there’s less of it,” he says.
“We’re shifting the narrative that lens manufacturing must be wasteful or environmentally harmful.
"By embedding sustainability into every stage of our process, we’re proving that manufacturing can be both responsible and commercially viable, and we’re setting a new standard for what the industry should expect moving forward.”
Connected surgical planning starts with the ARGOS® Biometer. Experience faster,†1-4 easier‡2 and better§1-2,5-6 optical biometry, even for dense cataracts. Combine with one touch planning and VERION™ image guidance for integrated workflow from the clinic to the operating suite.7,8
† Based on acquisition rates compared to IOLMaster 700 (n=622; p<0.0001),1,4 IOLMaster 500 (n=107-188; p-value not reported),2,3 LENSTAR LS900 (n=107; p-value not reported).2
‡ Based on a higher success rate of acquiring the axial length (AL) measurement in eyes with dense cataract (96% of cases for ARGOS® compared with 77% for the IOLMaster 500 and 79% with LENSTAR LS900; p-value not reported).2
§ ARGOS® Biometer has shown better acquisition rates in dense cataract compared to IOLMaster 700 (n=622; p<0.0001),1 IOLMaster 500 (n=107; p-value not reported)2 and LENSTAR LS900 (n=107; p-value not reported).2 ARGOS® Biometer has shown better predictive accuracy in medium-long eyes (n=23; p<0.001)5 and precise measurement (n=318; p-value not reported)6 than IOLMaster* 500. *Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
References: 1. Tamaoki A etal.OphthalRes 2019;19:1–13. 2. Shammas HJ etal.JCataractRefractSurg 2016;42:50–61. 3. Hussaindeen JR et al. PLoS ONE 2018;13(12):e0209356. 4. ZEISS IOLMaster 700 510k Submission 2015. 5. Whang W etal.SciRep 2018;8(1):13732. 6. Shammas HJ. Accuracy of IOL power formulas with true axial length versus simulated axial length measurement in 318 eyes using an OCT biometer. 2019 ASCRS ASOA Annual Meeting. May 2019. 7. VERION™ Reference Unit User Manual 2019. 8. ARGOS® Biometer User Manual 2019.
With its commitment to the quality of light, lenses and life, plus its different approach to lens supply, Japanese optical company Tokai is helping to change the way people view premium eyewear, says JUSTIN CHIANG.
In a market traditionally shaped by long-established players, Tokai Optical is quietly reshaping the definition of premium eyewear.
Despite its relatively recent expansion into the global market – only forming its international division in 2000 – Tokai has rapidly gained recognition as a manufacturer dedicated to precision, innovation, and enhancing quality of life through optical excellence, says Mr Justin Chiang, Tokai Optical Australia's general manager.
Since establishing its Australian subsidiary in 2019, Tokai has taken a refreshing approach that stands apart from conventional supply models, he says. Rather than offering only quick and simplified solutions, Tokai’s philosophy is centred on addressing complex visual needs through an extensive range of lenses, coatings, tints, and designs.
The goal is clear: to fulfil the individual needs of wearers, supported by a passionate and knowledgeable team. At the core of this is a commitment to enhance “quality of life”, “quality of light”, and “quality of lenses”.
This threefold philosophy drives every aspect of their innovation, from advanced optical designs to lens coatings and material science.
Tokai’s high-quality lenses, all produced in Japan, are known for their exceptional clarity, aesthetics, and craftsmanship. Among its most iconic innovations is the 1.76 refractive index lens, currently the thinnest plastic lens in the world, and the preferred choice for many patients with high prescriptions seeking lightweight comfort and superior appearance. Notably, the 1.76 index is fully compatible with tinting, available in all lens design categories (including single vision and multifocal options), and offered in photochromic grey and brown variants.
The versatility and performance of this lens have made it a staple for optometrists looking to deliver truly premium solutions, says Chiang.
The growing demand for 1.76 lenses has led to limited availability due to the surge in international orders. Far from being a challenge, this strong demand highlights the market's increasing preference for advanced, ultra-thin lenses, a testament to Tokai’s growing influence in high-index lens technology.
Tokai’s innovative thinking extends beyond lens material and into the very science of vision. The NEURO SELECT range of progressive lenses is
“Tokai’s
approach in Australia reflects a brand that is premium not by price, but by value and individual attention, a clear departure from traditional lens suppliers . . ."
Justin
Chiang Tokai
Tokai says its ophthalmic coatings deliver superior scratch resistance, clarity, and durability.
designed in close collaboration with neuroscience technology.
While vision begins with light entering the eye and passing through the lens and retina, it is ultimately the brain that interprets visual sensations. Recognising this, Tokai's progressive designs aim to support the brain's natural adaptation process, ensuring wearers experience the most natural and comfortable visual experience possible.
These lenses are tailored to suit different lifestyles, says Chiang, whether a person is frequently using digital devices, always on the move, or navigating varying light environments. The goal is a seamless, stress-free transition across visual zones, achieved through advanced optics rooted in neuroscience and wearer behaviour.
Another standout innovation is LUTINA, a lens material designed to block over 94% of harmful high-energy violet light (HEVL) in the 400-420 nm range. Long-term exposure may contribute to age-related eye issues.
What sets LUTINA apart is that the protective properties are embedded into the lens material itself – not just applied as a surface coating – ensuring durability and consistent protection. LUTINA also plays a role in preserving lutein, a naturally occurring pigment found in the macula of the eye. Lutein filters high-energy light and helps maintain sharp, healthy vision.
As the body does not produce lutein on its own, it must be obtained through diet or protected through external measures, making LUTINA lenses a practical choice for long-term eye health.
In the realm of coatings, Tokai’s advantage stems from its in-house Optical Product Division.
This division has deep expertise in industrial thin-film technology and supports high-precision industries such as medical devices and aerospace, where coating performance is critical.
Leveraging this advanced resource, Tokai delivers ophthalmic coatings with superior scratch resistance, clarity, and durability, capable of withstanding Australia’s diverse environmental conditions, says Chiang.
Tokai’s approach in Australia reflects a brand that is premium not by price, but by value and individual attention, a clear departure from traditional lens suppliers who typically streamline options for mass convenience.
Instead, Tokai focuses on offering a wide and deep selection of lenses and coatings to address nuanced visual needs, from high-index cosmetic improvements to neuroscience-backed progressive designs and medical-grade light protection.
Rather than overwhelming practitioners, Tokai’s Australian team provides dedicated support, education, and assistance in product selection to ensure the right solution is always available for each patient, an approach praised by independents for its blend of innovation, reliability, and flexibility.
A Californian-made virtual-reality visual field device has been on the wish list of many Australian optometry practice owners thanks to its compact design and impressive battery of tests. A big departure from conventional designs, how does it stack up?
Mr Michael Young is an optometrist who takes space saving to the extreme. That’s because his service model differs significantly from that of your run-of-the mill practice.
In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find his shopfront because it doesn’t exist. Instead, the mobile optometrist bases himself in public hospital rooms and community facilities, travelling around 70,000km per year to service regional towns in-land from Bundaberg, Queensland.
Places like Charleville and Monto, known as citrus and cattle towns, that he visits monthly. Towns that don’t have a population big enough to support a permanent optometrist.
Providing a full-scope optometry service, seeing around 20 patients each visit, means a full suite of equipment is hauled across the state in his SUV.
Until recently, this included squeezing in a bulky perimeter to perform visual field tests on glaucoma patients and suspects. But practising optometry this way often requires thinking outside the box, and even sourcing equipment that challenges the status quo.
He believes he has found that with the VF2000 NEO. It’s a device available through BOC Instruments incorporating complete visual field analysis and progression in a virtual realty headset, plus a host of other tests and features.
For Young, this compact, portable device is a step above conventional visual field testers in terms of space and set-up time. Importantly, it can quickly run visual field protocols and performs just as well as gold standard equipment.
Plus, it is unaffected by lighting in the room, a big advantage for someone working out of impermanent facilities shared with other visiting health professionals.
“When I saw the VF2000 Neo, I thought this is the device that ticks all the boxes,” he says.
“Its portability is the big advantage for me, plus it performs all the tests you’d expect from a normal perimeter. I mostly use it for the 24-2 protocol, the standard test used for glaucoma, but importantly when I get a result from this device, it talks the same language as the ophthalmologists I refer to. There's no question about the validity of the results.”
Equipped with the latest internal optics, the VF2000 Neo can quickly run visual field protocols and a variety of added self-guided vision tests in rich, full-colour 4K-resolution.
But perimetry isn’t its only function, also offering visual acuity testing, contrast sensitivity, colour testing (Ishihara), D15 and advanced colour tests, stereopsis testing, eye mobility and strabismus, and with more in development.
After launching in Australia in 2023, the device has been popular among independent optometrists seeking to upgrade their technology, save space and improve the patient experience. It also took out the Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association (ODMA) 2023 Awards of Excellence in the Optical Equipment category at O=MEGA23.
When Young performs the test – taking around two and half minutes per eye – the data is sent to a tablet PC using Bluetooth, removing the
need for a WiFi connection. Test results are stored and accessed from the tablet and automatically uploaded to the cloud, meaning they can be retrieved on any PC through the Micromedinc portal.
Battery-powered, the device can also operate independently from wiring.
Young keeps it plugged into the battery charger all day. He hasn’t run it flat and doesn’t want to risk being caught short, but another optometrist previously told Insight one charge can last several days after continuous use.
Young marvels at how far perimetry has come with the VF2000 Neo, but also at the skills of optometrists who are much more critical of the optic disc and other tell-tale glaucoma signs.
“We've got better tools for analysing, we now have better knowledge and understanding, and we're looking harder and smarter and finding things earlier,” he says.
“I completed my therapeutics endorsement a couple of years ago, and the more you study, the more you realise how much glaucoma is out there. I’m finding about one new case a day, and that's scary because I wonder what have I’ve missed in the past? What have we all missed in the past?”
“It’s providing a new level of convenience. It’s not bulky, in fact it’s very high tech, patients feel very happy and are glad to do the test.”
Lawrence Kao Precision Specs
a severe disability who sat in an electric wheelchair operated by a hand controller.
“She couldn’t move her head, but I could stick this device on her and perform a full visual field test as she sat in a chair. It would have been very difficult to get her onto the chinrest of a conventional perimeter,” he says.
“It’s also been great to use in home visits and nursing homes, places that you just can’t set up a normal perimeter in.”
New South Wales optometrist Mr Lawrence Kao has also been impressed with the way the manufacturers of the VF2000 NEO, California's Micro Medical Devices, has achieved visual field testing quality that’s just as good than his previous system, without the ergonomic hassle.
While it has been shown to perform a reliable standard of visual field analysis, the system is also ‘Gold Standard’ Visual Field compliant with identical report format, a big plus for eyecare professionals seeking consistent test results in a progressive disease like glaucoma.
Its battery of visual field tests include full and fast threshold VF, frequency doubling technology (FDT), neuro, kinetic, ptosis and Esterman tests. And a non-fixating eye can be tested without issues because there is an option to select bilateral fixation.
Eye Tracking is also an important feature. The test pauses when patient fixation drifts and alerts both patient and operator. It then resumes once the patient re-fixates correctly, ensuring accurate test results.
Plus, AI virtual assistance can guide the patient and enables communication in multiple languages.
“Putting all these benefits together, that’s why I was happy to move into the VF2000 Neo when my old visual field system broke down, and it’s really not let me down; it does exactly as BOC promised me,” Kao says.
“It’s providing a new level of convenience. It’s not bulky, in fact it’s
very high tech, patients feel very happy and are glad to do the test.
“For us as optometrists, we also don’t need to monitor if the patient isn’t complying with the test – falling asleep for example – because the machine itself reminds the patient of the need to stay alert or keep focusing by looking at the fixation target. I'm very impressed.”
His previous system didn’t have a chin rest, making it difficult to keep the patient aligned for an accurate test.
“But with the VF2000 Neo, I can see the computer is doing most of the work,” Kao says.
Beyond visual field testing, Kao has also used the Esterman test to confirm if patients can still drive, and has confirmed colour deficiencies with the VF2000 Neo.
By reinventing the way perimetry is done, it’s clear the engineers at Micro Medical Devices have captured an increasingly captive audience of Australian eyecare professionals, beyond Young and Kao.
They’re finding that it is improving every aspect of testing, from the patient experience and clinical results, to practice efficiency without compromising the accuracy of results.
For Young, it’s appealing to see a manufacturer thinking differently, with perimetry devices largely maintaining the same design since he graduated from optometry school in the 1980s.
“I've been in practice by myself since 1996, and I joke that I’m able to do a good job today because I've made just about every mistake possible – and I've had to pay for them,” he says.
“You learn and develop things as you go, and you make it happen, and that comes down to the equipment you carry. Visual field testing is one of them – it’s one of those things you take for granted in a fixed practice, but it makes you think hard with an optometry business like mine, and it’s great to have access now to something like the VF2000 NEO.
“The price tag isn’t insignificant, but it does a very consistent job – and I’m very pleased with what I’ve got.”
You are invited……
AUSCRS at the Top End ill be a great opport nit to disconnect from the dail grind and get a a from the distrac ons of dail life.
As al a s, it ill offer the chance to reconnect ith friends, colleag es and interna onal e perts on the ke challenges and ne inno a ons in cataract and refrac e s rger . At the same me o can lose o rself in the splendo r and grande r of the O tback.
See o in Dar in in J l .
i and Gerard
We ha e another ama ing line p of in ited o erseas speakers confirmed ( ith s ll more to come) and e are looking for ard to o r s al high q alit presenta ons and AUSCRS banter d ring o r e tensi e program.
Optos’ latest system is so new that Insight took its search global to find an ophthalmologist who has installed the technology in their clinic. What upgrades has the company made to its popular Monaco system?
It’s been a while since a device has come along and created that ‘wow moment’ for Dr William Blase. But after only a day consulting with the latest ultra-widefield system from Optos, it’s got him prophesying about the way it’ll deepen his clinical work and even questioning the need for his standalone OCT.
The medical director of California Eye Professionals is among the first globally to have the MonacoPro installed across his three clinics since its commercial launch. The technology has just become available in Australia with Sydney’s ODMAFair25 to be its first major unveiling in June 2025.
For his Australian counterparts, Dr Blase – a proponent of Optos ultra-widefield imaging for several years – has some real-world insights into how Optos has taken its retinal imaging capability to a whole new level.
“MonacoPro is giving us a much deeper dive into the ocular tissues, it’s like going from a superficial snapshot, with the previous technology we had, to putting on 3D glasses. This instrument is geared up to get so much more granular in its analysis of the back of the eye,” he says.
“And then there’s the software to guide you through what you're seeing – it’s a day and night difference. I honestly didn't expect it to be this good when I agreed to get the upgrade, but now I'm so convinced of its value.”
MonacoPro comes with the features Optos is famous for, mainly its 200-degree, or 82%, optomap image of the retina in a single capture. Hardware-wise, the big addition is spectral domain-OCT (SD-OCT), allowing the user to scrutinise the retinal layers in greater detail anywhere they choose to across the scan.
This makes it the only device delivering optomap colour red/green, sensory retina, choroidal, green autofluorescence, and high-resolution SD-OCT. All up, eyecare providers can perform a five-modality bilateral capture in 90 seconds.
Optos says that, by bringing these features together, MonacoPro
increases the identification of macular pathology when compared with fundus imaging alone by 29.4%.
That’s reassuring for Dr Blase, who believes the hardware upgrades are just as impressive as those to the software, which he’ll touch on later.
His first encounter with Optos ultra-widefield imaging was in 2020 when Optos Monaco devices were installed across his sites, recognising it could accelerate the patient journey.
But the biggest benefit was knowing his clinics were sending patients home with a confident diagnosis.
“Our doctors became very dependent on it,” he says.
“Some would put a contact lens on the eye and perform limited retinal examinations of only the posterior pole. They could continue to do that if they needed to with our Optos system, but they were gaining greater confidence in the overall health of the retina by having this picture on file that showed the peripheral retina as well.”
With MonacoPro, that sense of certainty is elevated thanks to its ability to capture what he now describes as “much more than just a medical photo of the retina”.
Four of these devices will be installed across his practices, each networked to one another so ophthalmologists can pull up patient data regardless of their location.
“We’re obtaining incredibly good, granular detail now. The images presented of the optic nerve of the posterior pole are just so much better than what we’ve had before,” Dr Blase says.
“The software now allows us to look at the optic nerve and provides a definitive cup-to-disc ratio of the nerve head, which is important in the evaluation of glaucoma, and up to this point, it would essentially be up to the clinician to make a guesstimate based on his or her experience.”
Other features of the MonacoPro software include OptosAdvance Image Management that streamlines image review and consultations. It’s also equipped with AreaAssist, a tool designed to improve the
efficiency of retinal imaging workflows by enabling users to automatically measure continuous areas of matching colour and adjust the sensitivity of the selected area.
Plus, distance (mm) and area (mm²) measurements provide objective assessment of change over time.
For Dr Blase, it’s MonacoPro’s ability to automatically segment, measure, and display key parameters that’s making the biggest difference, with more quantifiable and objective data removing any guesswork.
“When we turn our attention to the area adjacent to the optic nerve, we can now use what's called red-free light and red light to examine the different layers within the retina. So as we analyse the optomap, we can discover subtleties like early dropout of the retinal nerve fibre layer
(RNFL), which would be indicative of some optic glaucoma or optic nerve pathology on the surface of the retina,” he says.
“But we can look more deeply at the choroid, the area underneath the retina, too and determine whether areas of different pigmentation represent an absence of pigment epithelial cells or a choroidal melanoma.”
When reviewing images, he can look at both eyes side-by-side and even keep a longitudinal history by superimposing previous optomap images onto the new one.
This is key for macular disease and managing patients with diabetes.
“I believe, with this red-free light allowing us to see the superficial layer of the retina, we're going to be able to detect diabetic microaneurysms much earlier than before,” Dr Blase says.
“So in patients we suspect are in the pre-diabetic phase, or those we consider glaucoma suspects, we’ll be able to get hard data much earlier that allows us to refine that diagnosis and take their condition much more seriously.”
By integrating SD-OCT, MonacoPro is offering various OCT scan types, so eyecare professionals can diagnose with more precision.
These include optic nerve head topography, retinal topography, a widefield line scan, widefield raster scan, and a RNFL circle scan.
With so much functionality, it has Dr Blase reconsidering his workflow and even the role of his current OCT.
“We have a separate, and not inexpensive, instrument in all three offices that allows us to do OCT measurements of the optic nerve and the macula, and now, because of the enhanced image quality here with MonacoPro, those instruments, in my mind, are effectively redundant,” he says.
“Early on, with that preliminary examination of the patient, you can get so much data without having to move them to another room, get another test, or perhaps in a busy clinic, reschedule them to come back. It's way more productive.”
He anticipates this newfound efficiency will have an impact across all subspecialties in the practice, even cataract refractive surgeons.
“When implanting multifocal IOLs, they really like to take a detailed look of the macula before suggesting these lens designs to the patient, something that would have involved an additional test on an OCT. Now we do it in one fell swoop,” Dr Blase says.
While he’s excited about these efficiencies, he says the device will require a new way of thinking – from technician through to the optometrist and ophthalmologist.
In busy clinics, he has seen a tendency for ophthalmic technicians, or similar, to take the functionality of equipment for granted, thinking it’s as simple as pushing a button.
While a hallmark of Optos technology is its ease-of-use, he encourages practices adopting MonacoPro to freshen up their training, ensuring the patient is positioned just right and their eye lids are adequately lifted to allow adequate retinal exposure.
“There needs to be a mindset shift, acknowledging this is a key step in the patient journey. It has to be done with a bit more scrupulous detail, so that it sets up the doctor with excellent data,” Dr Blase says.
And once the optomap image reaches the practitioner, it will offer more information to work through and present to their patients on the spot.
“But it should have an incredible effect, because the patient is going to see this is not some superficial image. This is actually a deep dive, microscopic if you will, analysis of the tissue of their retina,” he says.
“It should, in my mind, enhance the doctor-patient experience significantly and promote the return and follow-up of those patients, because they know there's important data being gathered by a practitioner who’s well-equipped.”
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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.
DR ATHENA ROUFAS on the subtleties optometrists can look out for in keratoconus, what makes for a strong referral and important communication techniques with patients.
Keratoconus remains an underdiagnosed and undertreated condition, despite increasing awareness and technological advancements in corneal imaging. Many patients still present with moderate to advanced disease before a diagnosis is made – often after years of visual symptoms that were either misattributed or overlooked. This delay can have significant consequences, including unnecessary vision loss, corneal scarring, and the need for corneal transplantation.
So why is keratoconus still being missed?
Several factors contribute to delayed diagnosis. In early stages, keratoconus can mimic common refractive changes like myopic shifts or increasing astigmatism. Young patients, in particular, may attribute visual distortion to needing to update their glasses. Standard autorefraction may not pick up subtle irregular astigmatism, especially without corroborating topography. In some practices, access to advanced imaging such as corneal tomography is limited, and clinical suspicion may not always be high, especially in the absence of classic signs like Vogt’s striae or Fleischer rings (which tend to occur in more advanced disease).
But perhaps the biggest challenge is that keratoconus can be insidious. Patients don’t always report dramatic changes. Instead, they may simply “feel like their vision is never quite right”.
Optometrists are on the frontline of primary eyecare and play a critical role in identifying keratoconus early – often before symptoms become visually debilitating. Earlier detection allows for timely intervention, particularly with corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL), which can halt disease progression. CXL is most effective when performed before significant thinning and scarring occur. The earlier it’s done, the better the visual and structural outcomes for the patient.
- Watch for changes in refractive error, especially increasing astigmatism or asymmetric changes over time.
- Subjective complaints like ghosting, halos, or monocular diplopia may precede clinical signs.
- Refraction instability between visits in adolescents or young adults should raise suspicion.
- Family history of keratoconus or related disorders (e.g., atopy, eye rubbing, Down syndrome) increases risk.
- Use corneal topography or tomography whenever available. Even a basic topography can reveal asymmetric bowtie patterns or inferior steepening.
- High astigmatism (>1.5 D) in teenagers or young adults should prompt further evaluation.
From an ophthalmologist’s perspective, a high-quality referral for suspected keratoconus includes the following:
- Detailed refractive history, including recent changes and best-corrected visual acuity.
- Topography or tomography images if available, along with keratometry readings.
- Family history and clinical symptoms (e.g., eye rubbing, allergy, contact lens intolerance).
- Any prior lens intolerance or difficulty achieving clear vision with spectacles. We, as ophthalmologists, often confirm the diagnosis using corneal tomography (e.g., Pentacam), epithelial thickness mapping (via anterior segment OCT), and sometimes corneal biomechanics or Belin/Ambrósio Enhanced Ectasia Display. These tools help us detect even subclinical cases or forme fruste keratoconus.
When a patient begins asking, “What can I do about this?”, it’s important to be honest, reassuring, and informative – without overwhelming them.
You might say something like: "Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea becomes thinner and changes shape over time. The good news is that if we catch it early, we can often stop it from getting worse. One of the main treatments is called crosslinking. It’s a short procedure that helps strengthen the cornea and prevent further change."
Be sensitive to the emotional impact of the diagnosis. Many patients are young and hearing they have a degenerative eye disease can be distressing.
Emphasise early treatment can be highly effective, and that many people with keratoconus go on to live full, visually functional lives – often without the need for surgery.
Optometrists play a vital role in the keratoconus journey, from suspicion and early detection to referral and patient education.
With increasing access to crosslinking and imaging, we now have the tools to halt disease progression in its tracks – if we act early enough. Let’s work together to raise awareness, reduce delays in diagnosis, and give our patients the best possible outcomes.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr Athena Roufas is an ophthalmologist at Central Sydney Eye Surgeons with a sub-specialised interest in anterior segment surgery. She is also a clinical lecturer at the University of Sydney.
For CASSY VERSTEEG, working as a clinical optometrist within a private ophthalmology practice has offered a unique and fulfilling career path. She shares valuable insights about her role, essential skills, and the growing importance of collaborative care with ophthalmologists.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
odern clinical optometry is a dynamic and interesting area within the broader scope of optometry. As a clinical optometrist, one has the opportunity to work closely alongside ophthalmologists, assisting in the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of various
This article aims to provide optometrists with an tanding of the role of clinical optometrists in a private ophthalmology setting, with practical insights on therapeutic co-management and
Clinical optometrists working in ophthalmology practices work closely with ophthalmologists, often assisting in pre-surgical testing, post-surgical management, and therapeutic co-management of ocular conditions. Pre-surgical testing involves assessing visual acuity, intraocular pressure, refraction and various scans dependent on the patient’s needs. Post-surgical management often involves post-operative ocular assessments and
Depending on the workplace, some clinical optometrists will review and manage their own patients. In my role working alongside corneal and refractive specialists, I primarily care for patients with keratoconus, glaucoma, and dry eye, as well as those undergoing refractive treatment or
Clinical optometrists can assist with some procedures including corneal cross-linking, and can provide dry eye treatments such as intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) and Rexon. There is scope to select intraocular lenses for cataract and refractive lens exchange surgeries, and to plan laser treatments like LASIK,
At the completion of this article, the reader should be able to …
• Recognise the common misconceptions about experience and therapeutic knowledge in clinical optometry.
• Learn how clinical optometrists assist in therapeutic co-management of ocular conditions.
• Appreciate the importance of collaboration within the multidisciplinary ophthalmology team.
In reality, optometrists can obtain clinical optometry positions at any stage in their career, with some optometrists starting in a clinical optometry role soon after graduating. In my case, I had two years of experience as an optometrist before moving into a clinical optometry role within an ophthalmology practice.
• Therapeutic management expertise: Another misconception is that clinical optometrists need to have an in-depth knowledge of therapeutic management and ocular diseases prior to starting in a clinical optometry role. While this is certainly beneficial, therapeutic management skills will be strengthened in this workplace setting. You are also working in a team environment and have guidance from colleagues.
• High patient load: There is sometimes the belief that clinical optometrists have overwhelming patient loads. Ophthalmologists do have high patient loads and although clinical optometrists will do the workups for these patients, you will likely have one or two colleagues assisting alongside you which makes the workload manageable. Additionally, there can be some degree of flexibility with my own appointment book, which aids in maintaining a manageable workload.
• Pre- and post-operative management: It's often assumed that clinical optometrists must already know how to manage pre- and post-operative patients. In fact, this is a skill that will be refined as you work alongside ophthalmologists, as different clinics and doctors may have differing approaches. With time and experience, you become familiar with the specific protocols and management of various types of surgery.
Below are some case studies that offer an idea as to what conditions clinical optometrists may encounter.
Patient One presented to the clinic six weeks after undergoing unilateral cataract surgery. The patient reported blurry vision in the operated eye, adding that vision was initially recovering well but had deteriorated in the last two weeks. There was no history of pain, discomfort or photophobia, and the patient had finished their course of post-operative drops.
Clinical assessment revealed that the patient had reduced visual acuity in the operated eye (6/12 PHNI) and unremarkable IOP (14 mmHg). Slit lamp assessment revealed clear conjunctiva and cornea, with no sign of posterior capsular opacification or anterior chamber reaction. These findings would indicate an issue with posterior ocular health. Fundoscopy and OCT scans revealed unremarkable optic nerves and retinas, but cystoid macular oedema (CMO) was confirmed.
Based on this diagnosis, the surgeon would be notified and a management plan would be discussed. CMO is managed with the use of steroid eye drops,1 and the patient would be reviewed in three to four weeks. By one month after regular use of steroid drops it would be expected that the CMO had resolved. Conditions such as epiretinal membranes, previous retinal vein occlusion and diabetes should be flagged when patients are referred for cataract
“ONE
present in the anterior chamber. These clinical findings are suggestive of DMEK graft rejection.3 In cases of graft rejection the immediate course of action would be to contact the patient’s ophthalmologist to discuss further management. Intensive topical steroids are used to treat this condition in conjunction with close monitoring.3 Anterior OCT may be helpful to assess the integrity of the graft and image corneal oedema (Figure 2) or graft detachment.
Patient Three presented with a four-day history of a red, painful and photophobic right eye. There was no history of discharge. Vision was mildly reduced (R 6/9), and intraocular pressure was normal (R 19 mmHg). On slit lamp examination, there was a moderate anterior chamber reaction. There were iris vessels approaching the pupil margin, with multiple synechiae present (Figures 3A and 3B).
These clinical findings point to a diagnosis of acute anterior uveitis (AAU). Management required frequent topical steroids and cycloplegics, which break the synechiae and
OF THE KEY BENEFITS OF WORKING AS A CLINICAL OPTOMETRIST WITHIN AN OPHTHALMOLOGY PRACTICE IS THE COLLABORATIVE NATURE OF THE ROLE. THE ABILITY TO CONSULT WITH OPHTHALMOLOGISTS ON COMPLEX CASES, ASK QUESTIONS AND BENEFIT FROM YOUR COLLEAGUES’ EXPERTISE IS INVALUABLE.”
surgery, as these conditions increase risk of CMO development.2
Differential diagnoses for a patient with reduced visual acuity following cataract surgery include dry eye, CMO, posterior capsular opacification (PCO), corneal oedema, residual lens fragment and residual refractive error. This highlights the importance of patient education as drop compliance assists in managing some of the above diagnoses, and results in overall improved patient satisfaction.
Patient Two presented with a three-day history of cloudy vision, mild ocular redness and discomfort affecting the left eye, which has previous history of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). There was no reported change in photophobia, and the patient was using regular lubricants. The right eye was unaffected. Clinical assessment revealed reduced visual acuity (L 6/12-1 PHNI) and normal IOP (9 mmHg). Slit lamp assessment revealed mild conjunctival hyperaemia, mild endothelial folds and corneal oedema inferiorly. Keratic precipitates were present on the posterior cornea (Figure 1), as was diffuse punctate epithelial erosions (PEE) on the corneal surface. A mild cellular response was
manage ocular discomfort.4 Topical steroids should be tapered when inflammation settles. If the synechiae cannot be broken, it’s worthwhile sending the patient to an ophthalmologist. Before diagnosing anterior uveitis, it is essential to evaluate the posterior health of the eye. A patient with AAU will need to be reviewed closely to ensure inflammation is controlled and symptoms are improving. For recurrent cases, a systemic investigation may be necessary.4
Post-surgical care is a crucial aspect of clinical optometry. Common surgeries such as cataract surgery, pterygium excision, refractive surgery and corneal cross-linking require careful follow-up to ensure optimal outcomes. It’s helpful to know what to expect following some of these procedures.
After pterygium surgery, patients can expect discomfort, redness and irritation for the first couple of weeks. Diplopia can occur but should resolve within one to two weeks. By four to six weeks, most of the redness should subside and the graft should look flat and healthy. Compliance with regular lubricants and steroid eye drops is critical for optimal healing and cosmetic outcome.
Glasses should not be dispensed until at least two to three months following surgery.
For LASIK and implantable collamer lens (ICL) patients, visual recovery is rapid, with most patients seeing around 6/7.5 to 6/6 in the days following surgery. PRK patients will experience significant ocular discomfort for approximately three days while the epithelium heals. As a result, the vision for PRK patients takes longer to recover, stabilising at 6/6 by one month. Common complications like dryness should be managed with lubricants. Annual follow-ups are essential to monitor for changes in refraction, ocular surface health and potential signs of complications like ectasia in laser patients, and pigment dispersion syndrome for ICL patients.5
After corneal cross-linking, the corneal epithelium may still be disrupted for several weeks. Follow-up visits focus on ensuring proper healing and monitoring for any epithelial defects or haze. Refractive management is delayed until the epithelium stabilises, which typically takes three months.
REFERENCES
1. E rikitola, OO., Siempis, T., Foot, B. et al. The incidence and management of persistent cystoid macular oedema following uncomplicated cataract surgery—a Scottish Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit study. Eye. 6 May 2020; 35:584-591. doi:10.1038/s41433-020-0908-y
2. C hu CJ., Johnston RL., Buscombe C. et al. Risk Factors and Incidence of Macular Edema after Cataract Surgery.
One of the key benefits of working as a clinical optometrist within an ophthalmology practice is the collaborative nature of the role. The ability to consult with ophthalmologists on complex cases, ask questions and benefit from your colleagues’ expertise is invaluable. In my experience, working in a team has made me feel less isolated as an optometrist. It has provided a rich learning environment and has fostered my professional growth.
Like all optometrists, clinical optometrists play a vital role in patient education. As a point of contact between the patient and the surgical team, optometrists ensure that patients understand their conditions, treatment options and post-operative care plans, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes.
Clinical optometry within an ophthalmology practice offers a unique and fulfilling career
Ophthalmology. Feb 2016; 123(2):316-323. https://www. aaojournal.org/article/S0161-6420(15)01146-X/fulltext
3. G urnani B., Kaur K., Lalgudi VG., Tripathy K. Risk Factors for Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Rejection: Current Perspectives- Systematic Review. Clin Ophthalmol. Feb 2023; 1(17):421-440. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S398418
4. D uplechain A., Conrady CD., Patel BC., Baker S. Uveitis.
path, with opportunities to expand one’s clinical knowledge and skills. From cataract management to refractive surgery assessments and post-operative care, clinical optometrists are integral to the multidisciplinary care team, working alongside ophthalmologists to provide optimal care for patients.
Whether you're new to clinical optometry or considering this type of role, there are abundant opportunities for growth and learning, and the collaborative environment fosters both professional and personal satisfaction.
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.
StatPearls [Internet]. Updated Aug 8, 2023. https://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK540993/
5. R amesh PV., Parthasarathi S., Azad A. et al. Managing pigment dispersion glaucoma postbilateral ICL implantation in high myopia: A case report on the crucial role of gonioscopy in correcting a misdiagnosis. J Curr Glaucoma Pract. Jan-Mar 2024; 18(1):31-66. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10078-1433
As a lesser known profession in the public sphere, the 2025 Orthoptics Awareness Week (2-6 June) campaign is aiming to raise the profile of orthoptists and their essential role in the Australian eye health ecosystem, saving vision and even lives.
BY A/PROF AMANDA FRENCH
Orthoptists have a specialised and unique skillset in high demand within the eye health sector. Orthoptists are particularly sought after for their expertise in paediatrics, ocular motility, visual rehabilitation and ophthalmics, and the important role they play in enhancing access to best practice, evidence-based care.
Our profession is uniquely positioned to make a significant positive impact on patient outcomes and experiences through therapeutic management, rehabilitation and patient education. Whether this be delivering paediatric vision screening, working with clients with vision impairment, managing severe dry eye or prescribing orthoptic training, providing person-centred care is an inherent part of what it means to be an orthoptist and an allied health professional.
However, orthoptists also have broad transferable skills in patient advocacy, education and training, project management and research that can be applied to diverse roles across the healthcare sector. As a result, they are frequently valued beyond their clinical role in leadership, research, education and advocacy.
This Orthoptics Awareness Week taking place 2-6 June 2025, Orthoptics Australia is celebrating the campaign under the theme: ‘I am an Orthoptist’. We’re aiming to increase public and professional awareness of orthoptics and celebrate the amazing positive impact they make to eye health within clinical roles and the many other areas to which orthoptists apply their skills.
The collection of articles included in this feature, in celebration of Orthoptics Awareness Week, highlight the way that orthoptists have made a difference to their patients and the broader community through utilising their orthoptic skills in a diverse range of roles and settings.
- D r Sandra Staffieri AO reflects on her long and varied career in paediatric orthoptics that has varied from being chief orthoptist at The Royal Children’s Hospital to building her role as retinoblastoma care co-ordinator and now as the manager for the hospital’s
Retinoblastoma Service. Sandra has utilised her orthoptic expertise and passion for research and patient advocacy to increase awareness and screening for retinoblastoma, making a significant difference to the lives of many through her important work.
- M s Madeleine Scavone, as a clinical orthoptist working with children, identified a need for innovative and accessible children’s vision care products. She describes what prompted her to turn her expertise as an orthoptist, medical device sales experience and passion for improving children’s eye health into founding her successful business, Speckles. She has continued to dedicate her efforts to increasing awareness of the importance of paediatric vision screening and management of amblyopia through her platform.
These articles highlight the value orthoptists make to improving eye health care through their clinical work and beyond.
As a profession that is less well-known in the public sphere, it is essential that we actively promote the value of orthoptics and increase awareness and recognition of our important work and expertise.
Orthoptics Australia invites all within the eyecare and health care sector to celebrate Orthoptics Awareness Week this June and encourages orthoptists to proudly expound “I am an orthoptist” whenever they have the opportunity.
A/Prof Amanda French, Orthoptics Australia president.
Saving children’s lives isn’t something that immediately springs to mind when pursuing an orthoptics career – but this is where my four-decade journey has led me.
To say it’s been rewarding and fulfilling is an understatement, but doing such work comes with some poignant, delicate moments.
Having completed my training in 1984, I found myself instantly working in the paediatric ophthalmology space from day one – and I would not have wanted it any other way. From volunteering for Lions Amblyopia Screening, to being chief orthoptist for almost 10 years at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH), my career has always been
There is nothing more rewarding than completing an orthoptic assessment on a terrified child or consoling a parent when they receive bad news – whether their child needs glasses and an eye patch, or their child needs an eye removed to control retinoblastoma.
I count myself as privileged to have been drawn into the paediatric oncology space, developing the role of retinoblastoma care co-ordinator more than 30 years ago. Now as the manager of the RCH’s Retinoblastoma Service I have been able to lead the appointment of a retinoblastoma care co-ordinator in Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia, as well as co-founding the Retinoblastoma – ANZ Alliance.
And from paediatric ophthalmology I also find myself in the village of paediatric oncology and global health.
Recently I returned from a week in Port Moresby with a delegation of paediatric oncologists, nurses, pharmacist and researchers from the International Society for Paediatric Oncology (Oceania), causing me to reflect more on my career as an orthoptist.
I never imagined that what I do could make such a difference. Advocating for, and providing education about, procedural comfort
was an immediate impact on the life of a child on this visit. Moreover, developing and implementing awareness and screening for early signs of retinoblastoma might just save a child’s life in a country where delayed diagnosis for retinoblastoma is common, and survival is not. With all the skills I learned and developed as an orthoptist all those years ago, I never thought saving a life might be one of them. There is more to orthoptics than meets the eye.
When I first became an orthoptist, I knew I wanted to make a difference. But I could never have imagined just how far this path would take me – not just working directly with patients, but creating new opportunities for children around the world to see more clearly and confidently.
My background in orthoptics gave me a foundation in health science, precision, and deep care. It also opened my eyes to the emotional side of vision and how much a child’s confidence, learning, and life experiences are tied to how they see and engage with the world.
This insight became the driving force behind Speckles, the company I founded to create empowering, child-friendly vision care solutions. Thes e include medical eye patches, sunglasses, and educational resources designed to support parents and children through every step of their vision journey.
Developed through the lens of an orthoptist – with children's needs, emotions, and experiences at the centre – Speckles is built on the belief that early awareness and education are just as important as the products themselves. Through our partnership with the global charity Sightsavers, we are proud to give back and help provide vital vision care to children in communities where it is needed most.
In 2024, a pivotal moment arrived when we started our collaboration with The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand. In June 2025, we are launching a collaboration connected to the new Disney/Pixar movie Elio , which features a main character who wears an eye patch. It’s a rare and powerful opportunity to bring children's vision care into the mainstream, creating positive visibility, reducing stigma, and starting
new conversations about the importance of early eye health.
This moment not only impacts the families and children we serve, but has the potential to uplift the broader orthoptics community by increasing awareness of amblyopia and the importance of early eye tests in children.
Orthoptics taught me that the greatest impact often begins with the smallest moments: one child, one parent, one early eye test. It’s this ripple effect – helping a child today to live more fully tomorrow – that inspired me to think bigger, innovate, and advocate beyond the traditional clinical setting.
Orthoptics is a career full of possibility: clinical expertise, leadership, creativity, advocacy, and innovation. To future orthoptists, your skills and compassion will open more doors than you can imagine.
I am proud to say, "I am an orthoptist." And I am proud to show the world just how far the vision and heart of an orthoptist can reach.
Even when a lens is designed identically for two different people, they can have a polarising visual experience. ALEX RIGBY discusses the visual concept likely at play.
Visual sensitivity is a concept increasingly being captured in lens design. It can be defined as the reduction in visual acuity caused by aberrations. Essentially, it’s the perception of blur, even if the script is correct.
It’s important, given patients with varying visual sensitivity can face significant challenges.
“ULTIMATELY,
THE COMMON THREAD IS A FEELING THAT SOMETHING’S DISTURBING THE NATURAL
FLOW OF VISION THROUGH THE LENS.”
Some may report a sense of disruption or lag when moving their gaze across the lens, particularly when transitioning between different zones. This could manifest as difficulty maintaining a smooth flow when reading; for instance re-reading sentences or losing their place on the page.
In more dynamic situations, some may notice interruption in their vision when switching fixation to peripheral areas, particularly when shifting between the zones in a progressive lens. This lack of visual stability can lead to a feeling of disorientation or a sense that something’s off, even if the prescription is technically accurate.
Ultimately, the common thread is a feeling that something’s disturbing the natural flow of vision through the lens.
manipulating the underlying optical principles that generate aberrational distortions. By doing so, we can mitigate their perceptual impact and design lenses that align more closely with how a person processes visual information.
To bring this into a real-world context, we’ve likely all encountered patients at different points along the sensitivity spectrum. There are those who immediately notice even the slightest axis change in a low-cylinder prescription. Their visual system is highly tuned to even minor prescription changes.
Alternatively, we see patients who tolerate significant levels of blur with little to no complaint – sometimes even using lenses outside their intended purpose, like occupational lenses for driving.
This contrast highlights how differently people perceive and respond to blur. It’s a clear reminder visual sensitivity is highly individual, and must be factored when prescribing and designing lenses.
BELOW: Studies show only about 17% of people are currently wearing lenses truly matching their visual sensitivity.
To achieve a truly smooth transition between near, intermediate, and distance zones, the operational fields must be adapted to match the individual's specific visual sensitivity. This approach goes beyond the traditional method of simply shifting aberrational patterns, often referred to as creating a "hard" or "soft" design in conventional lens manufacturing. Instead, we now look toward
Let’s take a moment to revisit the origin of aberrational patterns in multifocal lenses and why they occur because of changing power across the lens.
Minkwitz’s Theorem states when power increases along a central vertical line, the amount of unwanted astigmatism increases at twice the rate laterally, perpendicular to that line. For every 0.25 D increase in addition power along the corridor, there’s a corresponding 0.50 D increase in unwanted astigmatism in the periphery.
So, as patients move their gaze, they inevitably encounter zones of unwanted astigmatism. The higher the addition power, the greater the level of distortion.
Here’s where it gets interesting: some patients can pass through 0.50, 0.75, or even 1.00 D of unwanted astigmatism without perceiving any blur. For them, the areas they perceive as sharp within each zone are much wider.
But others may begin to perceive blur almost immediately at just 0.25 D of unwanted astigmatism. Those same zones feel much narrower. Even
though the lens design is identical, their individual visual sensitivity causes a very different experience.
1. V isual acuity – generally, patients with higher visual acuity tend to be more visually sensitive than those with lower acuity.
2. P upil size – smaller pupils increase depth of focus, making the visual system less sensitive to aberrations, while larger pupils reduce depth of focus, causing image quality to degrade more quickly and increasing sensitivity to visual imperfections.
3. H igher order aberrations – patients who suffer with increased higher order aberrations often show lower visual sensitivity because the resulting blur reduces their ability to detect small imperfections.Those with fewer aberrations have higher sensitivity, as their clearer optical system makes them more aware of minor distortions.
For sensitive patients, the goal is to create clearer central zones in the lens, reducing peripheral distortions, minimising visual discomfort and providing smoother transitions across different areas of the lens.
For less sensitive patients, the aim is to create a more uniform aberration field across the lens, providing a wide, comfortable visual area with smooth, consistent performance.
In both cases, the end result is a wider perceived area.
Studies show only about 17% of people are currently wearing lenses truly matching their visual sensitivity, representing a major unmet need.
When discussing the benefits of lenses factoring in visual sensitivity, it can be summarised into three categories: improved visual performance, significantly reduced fixation duration in tasks like reading, and reduced mental demand offering better orientation when navigating through the lens and shifting gaze.
Brought to you by the founder of MIGS, iStent infinite® is built on the #1 MIGS platform worldwide and is designed to provide powerful technology that delivers foundational, 24/7, long-term IOP control in glaucoma patients on ocular hypertensive medications, including those who have failed prior medical and surgical intervention1. iStent infinite® can be performed in combination with cataract surgery or as a standalone procedure.
REFERENCE
1. Glaukos Data on File.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
INDICATION FOR USE. The iStent infinite® Trabecular Micro-Bypass System Model iS3 is intended to reduce intraocular pressure in adult patients diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) currently treated with ocular hypertensive medication. The device can be implanted with or without cataract surgery. CONTRAINDICATIONS. The iStent infinite System is contraindicated under the following circumstances or conditions: In eyes with primary angle closure glaucoma, or secondary angle-closure glaucoma, including neovascular glaucoma, because the device would not be expected to work in such situations; In patients with retrobulbar tumor, thyroid eye disease, Sturge-Weber Syndrome or any other type of condition that may cause elevated episcleral venous pressure. WARNINGS. Gonioscopy should be performed prior to surgery to exclude congenital anomalies of the angle, PAS, rubeosis, or conditions that would prohibit adequate visualisation that could lead to improper placement of the stent and pose a hazard. MRI INFORMATION. The iStent infinite is MR-Conditional, i.e., the device is safe for use in a specified MR environment under specified conditions; please see Directions for Use (DFU) label for details. PRECAUTIONS. The surgeon should monitor the patient postoperatively for proper maintenance of IOP. Three out of 61 participants (4.9%) in the pivotal clinical trial were phakic. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether the clinical performance of the device may be different in those who are phakic versus in those who are pseudophakic. ADVERSE EVENTS. The most common postoperative adverse events reported in the iStent infinite pivotal trial included IOP increase ≥ 10 mmHg vs. baseline IOP (8.2%), loss of BSCVA ≥ 2 lines (11.5%), ocular surface disease (11.5%), perioperative inflammation (6.6%) and visual field loss ≥ 2.5 dB (6.6%). CAUTION. Please see DFU for a complete list of contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse events. © 2024 Glaukos Corporation. Glaukos® and iStent infinite® are
Name: Dominique Jorgensen
Position: Optical dispensing instructor, University of Western Australia’s Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences
Location: Perth Years in industry: 11
1. What inspired you to pursue an optical dispensing career, and how has your
I was seeking a casual job after finishing maternity leave and my optometrist was looking for staff. I thought: “I can chat to people, scan some frames, and take their payments – it’ll be easy.” Little did I know how complex dispensing is. I love the combination of technical skills, practical techniques, and the creativity of frame styling, along with the unique communication experience with each of our patients. As time goes on, the more I realise the importance of our role, and the lasting impact of our choices on patients’ lives.
2. What are the most influential moments and people that led you to this point?
Encouragement from my dispensing partner Ms Lauren Brown gave me the courage to begin training. Studying with the Australasian College of Optical Dispensing (ACOD) was inspiring, and I remember sitting in a workshop taught by Mr James Gibbons, thinking how I’d love to teach. Soon, I worked with ACOD as an assessor, seeing firsthand how dedicated the team are. Working as a dispensing instructor at UWA has continued to shape my view of dispensers and provided countless growth opportunities. Though I think the most inspiring moments have been ODA’s biannual conferences. They prove how much potential there is for dispensers to grow along with our dynamic industry. I always leave their events feeling energised and motivated.
3. What’s something you know now that you wished you understood at the start of your career?
I wish I’d known more about the history of dispensing as a profession in Australia, and the impact this has on the quality and expectations of dispensing today. It would have helped me understand our role in the context of the broader industry, and I would’ve been
4. Can you share a moment where you made a significant impact on a patient’s life?
One of my most memorable experiences was when a non-verbal patient attended a routine eye test. There was no dispense required, however I checked the fit of the existing spectacles and noticed he had sores behind his ears from incorrect fitting. The carer was horrified – and then grateful after we corrected the fit. The relief was visible on the patient’s face. Our successes don’t have to be life-changing to be important – every interaction combines to impact patients’ lives in a positive way.
5. What innovations in eyewear or technology are you most excited about, and why?
I’m excited about myopia control products – a topic close to my heart. I’m awed by the way the industry has united – clinical researchers, lens designers, and manufacturers, to optometrists, ophthalmologists, and dispensers – all working together for better eyecare, and a brighter future for many children.
6. What skills or qualities do you believe are most important for an optical dispenser to thrive in today’s market?
Adaptability and communication. Our role requires the exchange of substantial amounts of information in a short time, so the ability to read both verbal and non-verbal communication cues, as well as translating technical and clinical information into easily understood language, is particularly important. Adapting not only your communication
skills, but also to changes within the workplace and within your team is a highly sought-after skill. Colleagues willing and able to learn new skills in a workplace are a huge asset, and adaptability will see you thrive anywhere.
7. How do you ensure your skills and knowledge stay current in such a fast moving industry?
I love to capitalise on every learning opportunity. My favourites are ODA’s webinar series, and its conferences. I also conduct my own research –lucky to have access to some brilliant eye health researchers through UWA. I also attend open days, product info nights, and other industry supplier events, as well as the increasing number of Optometry Western Australia CPD nights welcoming dispensers along.
8. Why did you become a member of ODA, and what value do you see in the organisation?
Because I’m passionate about professional development; I feel a responsibility to my students, patients, and colleagues to keep my skills current. I’m also passionate about the development of optical dispensing as a skilled profession, and ODA do a brilliant job of advocating for us. Having a united voice for our profession has done, and will continue to do, wonders for our industry. Optometrists, suppliers, and patients benefit from well-trained and competent dispensers, and ODA is a brilliant pathway to achieve that.
to succeeding in any practice setting.
Interruptions to service delivery and reputational damage are consequences of cyber attacks, which means cyber security should be a top priority for eyecare practice owners, writes DANIELLE PENTONY.
PRACTITIONERS DEMANDS STRATEGIC THINKING, CONCERTED ACTION, AND A STEADFAST COMMITMENT TO CYBER RESILIENCE.”
igital transformation is central to ushering in a new era of patient care and improved operations, but implementing this is a complex process.
Healthcare providers, health technology partners and consumers have all come to trust in and rely on digital platforms to store and access health information.
As we pioneer the future of healthcare at an increasingly rapid pace, it is important to remember any digital tool, system or process is scalable, interoperable and user-friendly with a strong emphasis on data security and privacy.
Therefore, it’s critical that digital health infrastructure remains fit for purpose and cyber resilient, even as changes occur in the cyber threat environment, where both the pace of change and the levels of risk are elevated.
Human factors and technologies can inadvertently create vulnerabilities or introduce security risks. These factors can include staff mistakes that may put their organisation’s data or systems at risk. Mistakes may be accidental, or come from a lack of required training, and at times it could be with malicious intent.
attacks can lead to:
• D ata breaches through the loss or theft of sensitive information
• S ignificant interruptions to healthcare service delivery
• R eputational damage
• D ecreased consumer confidence in the organisation’s ability to protect data.
The path forward for eyecare practitioners demands strategic thinking, concerted action, and a steadfast commitment to cyber resilience. Collective effort and innovation from leaders are important as we work collaboratively towards a more secure, resilient and trustworthy digital future.
At the Australian Digital Health Agency, we have embarked on a collaborative journey with the digital healthcare sector to build a unified vision for the future security of digital health. We have collaborated with states and territories, and peak bodies, to deliver the requirements of the Cyber Security Strategy 2022-2025.
Security Awareness e-learning course includes five modules and examples that relate cyber security concepts to scenarios in healthcare organisations.
Cyber Security Alerts – eyecare providers can register to receive Cyber Security Alerts and understand the cyber security risks that can impact their operation. The agency actively monitors potential cyber security risks through our dedicated Cyber Security Team. Should the team identify any potential threats, the agency sends out alerts regarding digital health software vulnerabilities and cyber attack campaigns.
Cyber Champions Network – join the agency’s new Cyber Champions Network. This program is fostering a proactive, engaged, and security-conscious healthcare ecosystem to significantly strengthen Australia’s defence and response against cyber threats.
Cyber skills can protect organisations through:
BELOW: Cyber attackers are often driven by financial gain, with healthcare practices considered a lucrative target.
Cyber criminals can exploit weaknesses within optometry practices and ophthalmology clinics by targeting their system vulnerabilities. Attackers are often driven by the potential for financial gain, with the healthcare sector particularly lucrative due to the potentially sensitive nature of patient data.
The consequence of these cyber
In addition, there are three key strategies and initiatives specific to digital transformation and cyber security in the health sector: the Digital Health Blueprint, the National Digital Health Strategy, and the Agency Cyber Security Strategy. All three recognise the importance of cyber security and security by design in the healthcare sector.
A core part of this strategy is uplifting cyber security awareness across the entire healthcare ecosystem, including with allied health practitioners, to ensure we proactively adapt to changes in the threat environment and support the secure evolution of digital health. Security underpins the agency’s strategic priorities and achievements in digital healthcare to date. It will remain a critical enabler into the future.
Digital Health Security Awareness –the agency has developed free cyber security e-learning courses from a range of healthcare settings and disciplines, including allied health. The Digital Health
• Enhanced security awareness and intelligence sharing
• T hreat identification abilities
• Leading and driving cultural and behavioural change
• R educes the likelihood of cyber incidents and data breaches
• I mproved workplace cyber resilience
• I mproved and more up-to-date compliance and risk management.
It is only by working together that the agency and the Australian healthcare community will be able to continue strengthening our individual and collective cyber posture for a truly resilient healthcare ecosystem.
NOTE: Visit the Australian Digital Health Agency's website at www.digitalhealth. gov.au to learn more about how to manage cyber security effectively.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Danielle Pentony is the Australian Digital Health Agency’s chief information security officer. She is a champion of digital healthcare, and responsible for the development, deployment, and secure operation of critical national healthcare assets, including the sensitive healthcare information of Australians.
proudly share their first cases on social media.
And just like that, market share starts shifting. Competitors scramble, tweak their messaging, and try to hold on for dear life.
It’s fascinating. And frustrating. We pour energy into defending our slice of the pie, adapting our strategies, and upgrading our offerings to keep pace.
But the truth is, we’re not growing the pie itself.
We’ve built a market where we reshuffle existing demand rather than cultivating awareness or expanding patient engagement. We're fighting over the same small pool of patients who are already educated, already motivated, and already seeking premium solutions.
Meanwhile, countless others who could benefit don’t even know it exists.
For surgeons, that’s the opportunity you’re not addressing. You can do more than just adopt innovation – you can activate it.
The real innovation surgeons need to embrace: Demand creation.
Innovation in ophthalmology is
incredible. We’re privileged to work in a field where R&D directly translates into improved quality-of-life. Whether it's premium IOLs, interventional glaucoma modalities, AI-driven diagnostics, or dry eye treatments, the tools we have today are light years ahead of what existed just a decade ago.
But technology alone doesn’t grow markets. Education does. Communication does. Access does. If the patient doesn’t understand their options, the most advanced lens in the world is irrelevant. If they don’t perceive the value, they won’t choose it. And if they never walk into your practice, they’re not even part of the conversation. That’s not a tech problem. It’s a surgeon mindset problem. Remember, expanding the pie starts in your own practice
Let’s stop pretending growth only happens when new patients somehow magically appear on your doorstep. Real growth happens when we stop slicing up the same pizza and start baking a bigger one.
So how do you, as a surgeon, help expand the pie?
1. I nvest in pre-education: Don’t wait for patients to ask. Be proactive. Create content. Use digital channels to educate people long before they become patients.
2. Tell better stories: Move beyond clinical jargon. Use patient-friendly language, real-life analogies, and emotional relevance. Demonstrate how what you do helps them to improve what they do.
3. S top selling. Start guiding: There’s no “best” lens. There’s the right lens for the right person. Shift from presenting options to partnering with patients in shared decision-making, suggesting their single best solution based on their specific situation.
4. B e present where patients are: The majority of potential candidates for premium technologies aren’t in your chair yet. They’re online. Expand your visibility outside the operating room (OR).
5. C ollaborate, don’t compete: There are more than enough potential
patients to go around, more than the number of surgeons today could handle. Growth isn’t a zero-sum game. Work with peers, industry, and aligned organisations to raise awareness at scale. When more patients understand the value of what you do, everyone wins.
What if just 10% more cataract patients chose a premium lens because they understood their options ahead of time?
What if 20% more dry eye sufferers sought help instead of assuming it was just normal?
What if every new patient came in knowing that surgical decisions aren’t one-size-fits-all?
You don’t need to wait for the system to change. You don’t need permission. You just need to look beyond the four walls of the OR and step into the broader patient journey.
That’s how we expand the pie – not just for one practice, or one product –but for the entire profession.
At OPHTHALPRENEURS, we believe that when surgeons and industry stop fighting over slices, everything changes: More patients benefit. Practices grow. Technology thrives. The industry levels up. And it starts with you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Name: Amanda Cardwell Carones
Qualifications: MPH
Affiliations: OPHTHALPRENEURS, founder
Location: Milan, Italy
Years in industry: 22
ABOVE: Creating content and using digital channels to educate people long before they become patients can be an effective strategy.
TECHNOLOGY ALONE DOESN’T GROW MARKETS. EDUCATION DOES. COMMUNICATION DOES. ACCESS DOES. IF THE PATIENT DOESN’T UNDERSTAND THEIR OPTIONS, THE MOST ADVANCED LENS IN THE WORLD IS IRRELEVANT.
To list an event in our calendar email: myles.hume@primecreative.com.au
ORTHOPTICS AWARENESS WEEK
Australia
2 – 6 June orthoptics.org.au
INTERNATIONAL ORTHOPTIC CONGRESS
Brisbane, Australia
27 – 29 June ioc2025.com.au
ODMAFAIR25
Sydney, Australia
27 – 29 June odmafair.com.au
SUPER SUNDAY
Sydney, Australia (alongside ODMAFair25) 29 June optometry.org.au
ACBO CONNECT CONFERENCE 2025
Sydney, Australia (alongside ODMAFair25)
27 – 28 June acbo.org.au
ASIA-PACIFIC STRABISMUS AND PAEDIATRIC OPHTHALMOLOGY SOCIETY CONGRESS
Brisbane, Australia
29 June – 1 July apspos.org/apspos-congress-2025
AUSCRS 2025
Darwin, Australia 16 – 19 July auscrs.org.au/2025-conference
OPTOMETRY CLINICAL CONFERENCE
Melbourne, Australia 17 – 18 August occ.optometry.org.au
A
TASMANIA'S LIFESTYLE CONGRESS
Tasmania, Australia 20 – 21 September tlc.optometry.org.au
SILMO PARIS
Paris, France 26 – 29 September silmoparis.com/en
RANZCO CONGRESS
Melbourne, Australia 14 – 17 November ranzco2025.com
WHY DID YOU PURSUE AN OPTOMETRY
Growing up in a household with two passionate GPs for parents, I always knew that I wanted to work in the health field. It wasn’t until I started having issues with headaches and blurry vision in high school, that I went to see my local optometrist. I was instantly fascinated by the sophisticated tools and this practitioner’s warm nature and almost instantly decided optometry would be the career path for me. By the time I had completed my appointment, I already had my year 10 work experience locked in with the clinic.
HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK AT SPECSAVERS?
After graduating, the most important thing to me was clinical skill development and some level of support. Not only did Specsavers provide me with the high volume of patients necessary to develop my clinical abilities, but it provided great support through the Graduate Program. I had an experienced mentor who worked closely with me daily and attended graduate events that were both engaging and valuable to my development. I’m still grateful to all the supervisors and mentors along the way that encouraged me to strive for more.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ROLE WITHIN THE BUSINESS?
As an optometry student, I had the opportunity to conduct my optometry placement at Specsavers Spearwood in Perth and Deer Park Specsavers in Melbourne – what an experience that was. Although intimidating at first, I quickly warmed to each team and took the opportunity to absorb as much as I could from those around me. I was able to learn new skills
Designate Partnership Opportunity in Inverell with potential to earn up to $200,000!
Specsavers Inverell is offering a rare opportunity for an experienced Optometrist to join our new store on a 2-year Designate Partner program, with no upfront cost and the chance to experience partnership before committing long-term. The store will feature the latest amenities, including optical test rooms, pre-test rooms, dispensing desks, state-of-the-art equipment like OCT, and a modern Specsavers fit-out with digital displays and illuminated shelving. Enjoy earning up to $200,000 with flexible rostering for a great work-life balance, plus the option to transition to a Joint Venture Partnership at a discounted share price. Embrace the peaceful lifestyle of Inverell while making a meaningful impact on your patients’ vision.
Optometrist opportunity – Specsavers Hornby, NZ
Thinking of making the move across the ditch? Join Specsavers Hornby in Christchurch, NZ! Enjoy a supportive team, modern equipment (including OCT), and a vibrant lifestyle. With relocation support and a $10k sign-on bonus on offer, it’s the perfect opportunity to combine clinical growth with a great work-life balance.
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
in optometry, optical dispensing and customer service. Placement prepared me for the workforce like nothing else could have.
WHAT GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES HAVE PRESENTED THEMSELVES?
A lot has changed since being a nervous optometry student. In 2021, the opportunity to work in this hybrid role as a mobile optometrist and mobile optometry development consultant presented itself. Not only do I get to offer clinical support to Specsavers stores all over Australia, but I’m involved with providing professional development for the same mobile optometry team that I’m part of. In this role, I have had the opportunity to work closely with the Graduate Team, supporting new optometrists like I was supported all those year ago. I have also been able to teach clinical skills to Deakin University students. I’ve worked in over 70 clinics, travelled to every state in Australia and can arguably rank each major city by the quality of their chips and gravy. To say the last few years have been rewarding is an understatement. This role has stretched me in more ways than one, and I’m better because of it.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP CAREER HIGHLIGHTS SINCE JOINING SPECSAVERS?
I became an optometrist to help those in the community who need it and working with Specsavers has allowed me to do that. Innovative technology and efficient work processes can help to detect life-altering conditions. Without the Specsavers Mobile Optometry Program specifically, people in regional and rural communities would miss out on necessary eyecare that so many take for granted. I’m proud to help support our most vulnerable communities. Career highlights for me will always be the people that we have helped along the way.
Optometrist Opportunity –Specsavers Dubbo, NSW
Join a high-performing, award-winning team at Specsavers Dubbo! We offer up to $145K salary (experience dependent) plus a $10K sign-on bonus for relocation. Choose full-time or part-time work, including one weekend day. You’ll work with 3 optometrists in a modern 5-test room store equipped with OCT and HFA III. Enjoy a strong clinical focus on eye diseases, contact lenses, and chronic disease management, with regular ophthalmologist collaboration. We’re proud two-time Doug Perkins Medal winners, recognised for excellence in patient care. Benefit from locally hosted CPD events and a supportive team environment. Apply now and thrive in Dubbo!
The Specsavers ‘Early Bird Package’ which offers our highest sign on bonus yet is nearing the end! For select opportunities across ANZ, final year optometry students will be eligible for either a $30,000 or $20,000 sign on bonus when they sign an employment contract before June 30 2025. Specsavers are the largest employer of Graduate Optometrists across Australia and New Zealand and we have continued to develop our comprehensive two-year 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.
The Eye Health Centre has welcomed ophthalmologist Dr Aaron Chidgey who sub-specialises in medical retina and vitreoretinal surgery. He will be consulting at the clinic’s Springfield practice. With training at Sydney Eye Hospital, Queensland’s Princess Alexandra Hospital and Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, he brings a wealth of expertise. He is also available to handle vitreoretinal medical emergencies outside regular hours at all of The Eye Health Centre’s practices in Brisbane, Apsley, Wynnum and Springfield.
Mr Gary Wyatt has joined ZEISS to assume the role of national sales manager of the surgical ophthalmology business. He has worked in the medical industry for 29 years, predominantly within ophthalmology. “His established track record in developing high-performing teams means he is excellently positioned to support the ANZ surgical ophthalmology sales team as they deliver innovative ZEISS solutions to Australian and New Zealand customers,” the company says.
Ms Vicki Paras has joined Rayner as territory manager for Victoria’s north and west regions, providing hospitals and clinics with support, guidance, and integration of intraocular lens (IOL) technology across the Rayner portfolio. Her background in orthoptics aligns with Rayner’s patient-centric approach to eyecare, ensuring tailored insights, comprehensive product training, and technical support, the company says. With several years’ experience in diagnostic device and consumable sales – most recently serving as a clinical applications specialist – Paras’ expertise supports Rayner’s mission to advance ophthalmic care and expand access to innovative surgical solutions across the region.
Recently Mr David Holland joined Rayner full-time after consulting for the past 18 months. This recent change means he will continue supporting surgeons in Australia and also extend his knowledge to help grow the Asian region. Holland’s role will be international business director for APAC. “We are excited to have David officially join Rayner and share his expertise in a broader capacity,” the company says.
Ms Jacqueline Orr has commenced in the role of product specialist, surgical ophthalmology in New South Wales. With a background in ophthalmic sales combined with orthoptic clinical experience, the company says she will bring a deep understanding of ophthalmic procedures and patient care, as well as “an exceptional level of clinical and educational support”.
Alison Fournaris has commenced in the product specialist, surgical ophthalmology position in Victoria. With 20 years of ophthalmic industry experience, her background in orthoptics and ophthalmic sales will ensure she can build strong, collaborative partnerships and deliver ZEISS’s innovative technologies across Victoria, the company says.
