OPTOMETRISTS ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA
QUEENSLAND & NORTHERN TERRITORY DIVISION
(INCORPORTATED) ABN 54 009 657 265
58 ST PAULS TERRACE, SPRING HILL QUEENSLAND 4000
TELEPHONE: (07) 3839 4411
FACSIMILE (07) 3839 4499
WEBSITE: www.optomsqld.com
Email: see@optomsqld.com
With this copy of SEE you will receive your “Nomination of Office Bearers” form for the 2007/2008 Council. If you have an interest in seeking nomination, or nominating a colleague, please ensure that the form is signed by the nominee, nominator and a seconder and returned to Optometry House by mail or fax 07 3839 4499 by Friday, 28 September 2007.
Of the existing Council, Shannon Pugh, Henry Heron, Nancy Atkinson and Simon Hurwood have indicated that they will again stand for the positions of President, Vice-President, Treasurer and National Councillor and Dave Foresto, Kate Johnson and Asha Mahasuria will also seek re-election. Popular Townsville therapeutics advocate, Gary Page, has also indicated that he wishes to stand for Council.
I represented the OAA at the 18 July 2007 Guide Dogs Mobility Expo and set up a display for the purpose of talking to clients and other agencies about optometry. Representatives from the Queensland Blind Association and Vision Australia brought to my attention the fact that optometry patients are referred to them for assessment. They explained to me that they do not undertake such assessments but rather they provide counselling, support, equipment and low vision devices and expected that optometrists would undertake assessments.
The OAA’s low vision position is that “Optometrists are specially trained to measure vision accurately; they can assess the magnification or other benefits a person with low vision needs to perform adequately particular tasks. BIGGER, BRIGHTER and BOLDER are the three key words.” This statement seems at odds with the experience of both agencies so I told them I would develop a low vision practitioner register so they could refer clients to optometrists who were willing to undertake assessments.
So, if you undertake these assessments and are interested in having clients referred to you please advise the following to Marika at telephone 07 3839 4411 or email Marika@optomsqlds.com
· practice name
· optometrist name
· physical address
· telephone number
Members would know that QV2008 will be held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from 28-30 March (always starts on the Friday after Easter!) The Education Committee is targetting some thirty speakers and those confirmed thus far are Alcon-sponsored OD Dr John Schachet, ophthalmologists Dr’s Ioanne Anderson, Frank Howes and Mark Loane, psychologist Professor John Stein, endocrinologist Dr Sheila Cook, allergist Dr Pete Smith, contact lens expert John Mountford, road safety advocate Constable Anita Rowland of “Jet’s Law” fame, member Paul Graham and QVI Project Officer Cassandra Koutouridis. It’s looking like a fantastic program again. Launch date is Saturday, 3 November (President’s Ball).
Article from Australian Medicine June 2007
“An eye for an eye”
One of the smallest of the Federal Budget spending initiatives announced on the second Tuesday in May is shaping up as an important issue for the AMA in coming months. That decision was to spend $10 million over four years on granting optometrists PBS prescribing rights.
The slippery slope to doctor pretenders is well and truly with us and although there are a variety of pretenders with a variety of agendas, the successful agenda is pretty much always the same.
The first step is to be patient. You need to be in it for the long haul for in this case as in many others, it required rolling over all the State and Territory Governments one by one to get amendments to relevant State prescribing legislation. This needs to be done quietly and with the minimum of scrutiny by medical practitioners who usually know what they are talking about. There are plenty of willing ideologues in the State bureaucracies prepared to turn a blind eye to the patient safety issues involved.
The second step is to get a subsidy under these decisions. In this case the sought after subsidy is for optometrists to get access to the PBS. That gives the component activities a synergistic lift. Again, it is important to get advice on this from people who don’t have direct knowledge of the issues involved. You also get advice from the gaining group with a vested interest, but discount the views of others because they have a vested interest.
Another good tactic is to start off small. In earlier times, sickness insurance salesman used this trick preying on suburban housewives. It’s called the foot in the door strategy. Once the door is open, it’s a lot easier to kick it down.
Another excellent aspect of the formula is to identify a patient and a political interest. These can usually be combined if you are prepared to go rural. Almost any service deficiency claim will be accepted if it is alleged to exist in a rural setting. It has the advantage of linking the patient and political interest in one hit. Also, for some reason, politicians and policy makers think its reasonable to give rural Australians the rough end of the pineapple. Getting the rough end of the pineapple is said to
be better than no pineapple at all.
That is pretty much the anatomy of the decision that was revealed on Budget night.
It is part of a much broader push towards task substitution which the AMA has under the magnifying glass. Our focus is on the public interest. There is no strong call for task substitution – and it is the aspirational groups with their own strong self interest which is driving this agenda.
The AMA is opposed to the Budget decision to allow optometrists to prescribe on the PBS.
We will only win this debate if we can identify a strong patient safety aspect to the decision. With the benefit of hindsight, the battle lines should have been drawn a long time ago.
By John O’Dea, Director of the Medical Practice Department at the Federal AMA.
With kind permission of the AMA.
QUT’s next Graduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics course commences on 3 August and it is almost at capacity. Thank you so much to all the good souls who have decided to dedicate a year of their life to making a difference in the lives of their patients. And, we received a record twelve applications for the four $2,000 Alcon Scholarships on offer making the job of the joint OAA /Alcon Committee extremely difficult. Students sat the final Viva examination, for the previous course, on Saturday, 23 June and among those that passed were President Shannon Pugh, Councillor Dave Foresto and Goondiwindi practitioner Steve Smith. I am sure there are many more but as yet I haven’t got the names off the grapevine. Go to www.optomboard.qld.gov.au for a full list of names as at November 2006. Hopefully that will be updated soon.
The resignation of long-serving QVI Chair Sandy Gilliland meant that a new Chair had to be appointed and for one reason or another I got the job! I never imagined that the Management Committee would consider me given that it comprises some outstanding clinicians. Nevertheless, I will do my best to try and elevate the QVI to its rightful position as the acknowledged forum for eye health matters in the State.
Sincere thanks to the 200 students, employers, optometrists and trade friends who attended the 24 July 2007 “OAA Practice Expo” at Rydges South Bank Hotel in Brisbane. The majority of QUT’s 3rd and 4th year students were there and were well supported by 1st and 2nd year colleagues.
Employers came from every corner of Australia to talk to students about positions available and they included Abernathy Owens Optometrists, Blizzard Optometrists, Brisbane Eye Clinic, Alan Burrow Optometrists, Rachel Cauchi Optometrists, Tony Collivas Optometrists, John Davies and Associates, Eyecare Plus, Eyelines Tasmania, Family Vision Optometrists, Helene Holmes Optometrists, Brian Job Optical, Luxottica Group, OAA Western Australia, ProVision, Q Super Centre Optometrists and The Optical Superstore
Trade supporters included Alcon Australia, Allergan, Bausch & Lomb, BOC Instruments, Capricornia, Carl Zeiss Vision, Coopervision, Essilor Australia, Experien, HICAPS, Hoya Lens Australia, Hyperbaric Worx, Johnson & Johnson and Optical Manufacturers.
A lively education program included presentations from OAA NSW Executive Director Andrew McKinnon and Councillor Dave Foresto.
Expo 2008? See you at Rydges on 22 July 2008.
Details of members’ CPD compliance have been released recently and compliant members should have now received a compliance certificate. Compliance is the achievement of 80CPD points in a two-year period. 784 Queensland/NT members were on the register and 48 of those were exempt from compliance primarily because they were first year graduates. 529 members complied, 72% of total, and 207 did not comply representing 28% of total. This latter group have received a letter from the Division outlining the penalties for non-compliance and advising that they are likely to be overlooked for registration as an optometrist once the Optometrists Board of Queensland introduces mandatory compliance.
BIG W plans to grow its network of optical centres after the successful launch of BIG W Vision Centres in Adelaide.
BIG W Vision Centres are an extension of the BIG W brand providing customers with a convenient and cost effective alternative to current optical providers.
The BIG W Vision Centre provides a full-service Optometry offering including on-site qualified Optometrists, dedicated and experienced dispensing staff as well as a full range of products including frames, lenses and contact lenses.
Optometrist Toh Ng from BIG W Vision Centre in Adelaide said “It’s a great place to work. All staff members are experienced and the equipment is top quality, no expense has been spared.”
With the planned growth of stores it is an exciting time for BIG W and extremely important to ensure the BIG W Vision Centres are staffed by highly skilled Optometrists and Dispensing staff.
“The Business Manager of the BIG W Vision Centre is an Optometrist so it’s a highly professional environment and allows me the freedom to provide quality eye care to patients,” explained Toh Ng.
The BIG W Vision Centres are developed to create the highest standards in working conditions including providing flexible work structures and competitive salaries.
The centres embrace the core values of BIG W including “Quality for less” as well as offering expert customer service.
The BIG W Vision Centres are attached to current BIG W stores to emphasise the strong commitment to quality and price, which is demonstrated in the quality range of frames and lenses the centres stock.
For information regarding our current and new BIG W Vision Centres please contact:
Amy King
Consumer Public Relations Manager
Woolworths Limited
P 02 8885 4322 F 02 8888 4322 M 0411 153 712
E amyking@woolworths.com.au
1 Woolworths Way Bella Vista, NSW 2153
PO Box 8000 Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153 Mail point: N2.A6
Health Minister Robertson has appointed members Alison Oxenford (Bayside) and Simon Mitchell (RCH) to his new Health Community Councils. I am not sure if it is a first for optometrists in Queensland but we certainly are excited about the development and congratulate Alison and Simon on their appointments.
There are thirty-six such councils throughout the state and they follow recommendations from the independent Health Quality and Complaints Commission. The new bodies replace the former district health councils, giving communities a more direct say in the performance and quality of local health services. Members are appointed for a period of up to four years and will meet at least once every two months.
The Division’s free legal advice hotline for members is an enduring success with many members calling Gregg Lawyers for initial advice on a variety of issues.
We are pleased to advise that we now also offer free accounting advice for members through one2one Accounting. That firm has recently joined long-term OAA auditor Bob Atkinson as he prepares to retire from practice. For your first free interview on any accounting matter contact Scott McLucas at one2one Accounting on telephone 07 3839 7444 or email smclucas@one2one-info.com
Congratulations to members Elizabeth and Adam Lusk on the safe 29 June 2007 arrival of Eva Michelle. A healthy 8lb 3oz and a baby sister for Harry and Audrey.
Congratulations to member Nicky Tune and partner Wayne Carr on the safe arrival of Lily Amanda Carr, born 18 June and weighing in at a tidy 7lb 4oz. Congratulations also to “Grandma” Glenice Tune who served the Association well for many years and Uncle and Aunt Colin and Heather Waldron. No pressure Lily, but it is expected that you will do optometry to be the fifth generation Waldron family optometrist!
As you know, a rare neurological disease forced Peter to retire from practice in 2005 and on 27 May 2006 his colleagues and friends convened the “Peter Montgomery Testimonial Dinner” at the Southport Golf Club on Queensland’s Gold Coast – a grand night that celebrated Peter’s wonderful life and during which a considerable amount of money was raised to assist him and his beloved wife Sue.
During that evening The Vision Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Harry Unger, named “The Peter J Montgomery Award for Social Justice” in honour of Peter and announced that his company would provide an annual grant of $2,500 for a practitioner who has made a significant contribution to social justice issues for patients. NT “outback” practitioner Tess Pollock was the very first recipient.
Members of Optometrists Association Australia Queensland/NT Division are invited to nominate a colleague or to personally apply for the 2007 “Peter J Montgomery Award for Social Justice.”
If you could use some financial assistance in your good works please download the application form at www.optomsqld.com or email me at greg@optomsqld.com for a copy. Applications close 29 August 2007.
Dr Oben Candemir joins the Brisbane Eye Clinic in early August 2007 having worked most recently in the Redcliffe district. He is an experienced specialist eye surgeon having completed his ophthalmic training at the prestigious Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in Melbourne.
Dr Candemir is currently accredited as a Visiting Medical Officer at the Greenslopes Private Hospital and operates at the EyeTech facilities at Mt Gravatt and St. Andrew’s Place in the city.
Dr Candemir will consult every Thursday at our Aspley rooms and Friday at our Wickham Terrace rooms. Please direct referrals, enquiries and appointment requests to:
BRISBANE EYE CLINIC
1st Floor BMM Place
135 Wickham Terrace Brisbane Qld 4000
ASPLEY BRANCH CLINIC
Aspley Homemaker Centre
1st Floor 825 Zillmere Road
Aspley Qld 4034
Please direct all telephone enquiries to (07) 3832 1700
MEMBER BENEFITS
FREE LEGAL ADVICE
Contact Richard Jones at Gregg Lawyers and receive up to twenty minutes advice in relation to any legal matter. Telephone 07 3831 9844 during business hours or email info@gregglawyers.com.au and mention your OAA Qld/NT membership.
GUILD FINANCIAL SERVICES
Has been chosen as the preferred provider for your personal insurance needs. Guild Financial Services provides insurance to many healthcare professionals and is pleased to be part of your Advantage program. The types of insurance policies on and arranged by Guild Financial Services are: (that can be advised) - Income Protection; Trauma Protection; Business Expenses Insurance; & Life and Total Permanent Disability Insurance. If you require further information about any of the insurance products above please call your state representative below on their direct line or free call 1800 333 143 to be transferred to your nearest representative. QLD: Heather Dhuna Phone: (07) 3230 8509 Mobile: 0408 315 829
USED/UNWANTED SPECTACLES/FRAMES:
OAA Qld/NT collects used spectacles for the ONA Network in Tanzania! Telephone Marika on (07) 3839 4411 for collection
PUZZLED BY WORKPLACE RELATIONS?
For Free Workplace Relations Advice simply call the SIAG National Advisory Service on 1 800 656 844 between 8:30am-5:30pm (AEST) Mon-Fri
COMMUNITY SPECTACLE SCHEME
Looking for budget spectacles and lenses as an alternative to the Government’s Spectacle Supply Scheme? Call Essilor Queensland State Manager David Pearson on telephone 0407 108 867 or email pearson@essilor.com.au
FREE ACCOUNTING ADVICE
For your first free interview on any accounting matter contact Scott McLucas at one2one Accounting on telephone 07 3839 7444 or email smclucas@one2one-info.com