Insight News

09/01/2026

A heart health assessment routinely used in primary care may also help identify patients at risk of developing multiple sight-threatening eye conditions years later, according to new research from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Health.

A study published in Ophthalmology has found that people with higher cardiovascular risk scores are significantly more likely to develop eye diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, retinal vein occlusion and hypertensive retinopathy.
Optometry Australia RANZCO Optical Dispensers Australia Orthoptics Australia University of California

A heart health assessment routinely used in primary care may also help identify patients at risk of developing multiple sight-threatening eye conditions years later.

08/01/2026

Proposals to expand the drugs that optometrists can administer have sparked new opposition but also some support.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has strongly opposed plans by the Optometry Board of Australia to expand optometrist prescribing rights to include oral medicines, warning the move poses unacceptable risks to patient safety.

But The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has thrown its weight behind the change, saying it is another “positive step toward improving patient access to timely, affordable, and effective care”.
Optometry Australia RANZCO Optical Dispensers Australia Australian Society of Ophthalmologists Australian College of Optometry Orthoptics Australia ACOD - Australasian College of Optical Dispensing

Proposals to expand the drugs that optometrists can administer have sparked new opposition but also some support.

08/01/2026

Research led by University of California Associate Professor Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk suggests that the world’s longest-living vertebrate, the Greenland shark, may hold valuable clues for preserving vision as humans age.

The findings, published in Nature Communications, indicate that Greenland sharks – some of which are estimated to live for up to 400 years – maintain functional vision throughout their lifespan, showing no signs of retinal degeneration despite extreme age and harsh environmental conditions.
University of California Optometry Australia RANZCO Australian Society of Ophthalmologists Orthoptics Australia Optical Dispensers Australia

Research led by University of California Associate Professor Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk suggests that the world’s longest-living vertebrate, the Greenland shark, may hold valuable clues for preserving vision as humans age.

07/01/2026

Melbourne is set to host the Art of Ocular Imaging Conference (AOI) for the first time.

The event, to be held at the The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital Education Precinct on 28 February, 2026, will include high-calibre presentations and interactive small group masterclasses.

Organisers said the aim was to “upskill, enhance and complement clinical practical knowledge for eyecare health professionals interested in ocular imaging”.
Optometry Australia RANZCO Orthoptics Australia Australian Society of Ophthalmologists The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital

Melbourne is set to host the Art of Ocular Imaging Conference (AOI) for the first time.

07/01/2026

Specsavers Australia optometrist Anas Mujtaba's interest in optometry began when a close family member was diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease.

When people decide to work at Specsavers, they’re joining a company with a purpose to change lives through better sight and hearing.

07/01/2026

ikarovec, a UK-based company pioneering dual-pathway gene therapies for retinal diseases, has entered into an exclusive agreement with VectorBuilder to use the company’s novel AAV capsid technology in combination with Ikarovec’s gene therapy candidate IKAR-003 for intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The development could lead to eye disease gene therapy being used in a doctor’s office.
RANZCO Australian Society of Ophthalmologists Orthoptics Australia

Ikarovec Limited,a UK-based company pioneering dual-pathway gene therapies for retinal diseases, has entered into an exclusive agreement with VectorBuilder to use the company’s novel AAV capsid technology in combination with Ikarovec’s gene therapy candidate IKAR-003 for intermediate age-related...

07/01/2026

Specsavers New Zealand dispenser and Optical Dispensers Australia member Sujata Naicker reflects on 11 years in the eyecare industry.

Name: Sujata Naicker Position: Qualified dispensing optician Location: Specsavers Hamilton Years in industry: 11   1. What inspired you to pursue an optical dispensing career, and how has your perspective changed over time? The optical industry is a unique blend of health and fashion. The impact it...

06/01/2026

Optometry Australia (OA) says momentum is building for the introduction of universal pre-school vision screening in South Australia, with new national reporting highlighting the transformative impact of early detection.

A recent ABC News story, featuring a South Australian family whose child’s undiagnosed vision condition negatively impacted their child’s learning and confidence, has renewed public attention on the need for state-wide early eye health checks.

Optometry Australia RANZCO Optical Dispensers Australia Australian Society of Ophthalmologists Orthoptics Australia

Optometry Australia says momentum is building for the introduction of universal pre-school vision screening in South Australia.

23/12/2025

As 2025 draws to a close, we’d like to thank eyecare professionals, practices and industry partners for your continued support of Insight throughout the year.

Your expertise, innovation and commitment to patient care help drive the conversations shaping the future of eyecare, and we’re proud to share your insights with our readers. We also thank our business partners for their ongoing collaboration and trust.

From all of us at Insight, we wish you and your teams a safe, restful break and a very Merry Christmas. We look forward to continuing the conversation in 2026.

21/12/2025

Vision Eye Institute says its SHARED VISION education program continued to strengthen clinical links with its referrer network in 2025, delivering a year of professional development activities focused on collaborative eyecare.

Vision Eye Institute (VEI) says its SHARED VISION education program continued to strengthen clinical links with its referrer network in 2025.

19/12/2025

Training of optical dispensers in Victoria is under threat after the state government informed 58 Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) that support for their courses would be scrapped in 2026.

In a letter to the 58 RTOs, Ryan Collins, the executive director of Training Operations and Assurance for the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions, said those RTOs could not offer supported places to students in 2026 and their First Skills contracts would be ended.

The RTOs included ACOD - Australasian College of Optical Dispensing, which runs courses in the state.
Optometry Australia Optical Dispensers Australia

Training of optical dispensers in Victoria is under threat after the state government informed 58 Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) that support for their courses would be scrapped in 2026.

18/12/2025

Insight magazine is 50 years old in 2025.

We talk to several well-known players in the ophthalmic and publishing sectors about the impact of the publication in their own lives and careers, and others about the influence it continues to have in a fast-changing industry.
RANZCO Optometry Australia Optical Dispensers Australia Australian Society of Ophthalmologists Australian College of Optometry Orthoptics Australia ACOD - Australasian College of Optical Dispensing Specsavers Australia EssilorLuxottica

Insight magazine is 50 years old in 2025. We talk to several well-known players in the ophthalmic and publishing sectors about the impact of the publication.