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
Looking for a graduate optometrist?
We are pleased to announce that this year’s OAA Practice Expo will be held at Rydges South Bank Hotel Brisbane on Tuesday, 24 July, commencing at 5.00pm. The Expo brings together some 100 students from QUT School of Optometry, employer optometrists, members and trade companies for the purpose of talking about optometry positions and optometry careers. The evening features an exhibition involving employers and trade, short seminar (3CPD points), supper and refreshments, passport prize draw and free registration!
How can members participate? There are three ways:
1. As an attending employer optometrist, by taking a complimentary table in the exhibition for the purpose of speaking to students about positions and by providing us with details of the positions you wish to fill.
2. As a non-attending employer optometrist, by providing us with details of the positions you wish to fill.
3. As a delegate, to enjoy the seminar and exhibition.
What to do now? If you wish to take a complimentary table or if you would just like to attend as a delegate please email Communications Manager Ruth Myles at ruth@optomsqld.com. If you wish to list positions available please complete the attached schedule and email it to Ruth. Receipt by 30 June 2007 would be sincerely appreciated.
Attending employers please note that it is critically important to be prepared for this event as it is a very competitive market place, as you know. This is a checklist of what you should think about bringing along. Some items may be more relevant to positions in areas outside the large cities.
1. Signage or even a display stand
2. Street maps showing exactly where the practice is located
3. Photos of the practice or, better still, a virtual tour on laptop
4. Schedules showing the practice profile – staff, positions, location, number of patients, types of equipment, types of services
5. Remuneration schedule – what are you offering?
6. Details about parking and transport
7. Accommodation availability, real estate brochures
8. Tourist brochures
QUT Head of School, Professor Carney, has advised that applications are now sought for the next Graduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics course. The course commences on 3 August and applications close on 1 June. Below is the course profile for your information. There is a limit of 40 places and it would be advisable to apply sooner rather than later.
As usual, Alcon Australia has very generously provided four, $2,000 scholarships to assist students. Applications are online at www.optomsqld.com and should be returned to me by no later than 13 July.
This is QUT’s third such course and thus far the Board has therapeutically endorsed 61 graduates and a further 40 are nearing completion. Since 2005, endorsed optometrists have been safely prescribing 30 topical medications.
I hope you can undertake this course, please contact me if I can be of further assistance.
(Course Code OP43)
The QUT Graduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics is designed to provide training to allow optometrists in Queensland to use a range of topical ocular pharmaceuticals for the treatment of eye disease. The Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand have accredited the course.
The design and implementation of this course was in direct response to legislative changes in Queensland to allow suitably qualified optometrists to use a range of S4 drugs to treat eye disease. The specific drugs to be available for use by optometrists are determined by the Queensland Government and can vary over time.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Applicants for the course must hold a four-year degree in Optometry from a recognised school of optometry, or have equivalent standing, and be currently registered as an optometrist in any State or Territory of Australia or New Zealand.
COURSE COORDINATOR
Dr Andrew Carkeet
COURSE DETAILS
The course consists of two units:
OPP001 Ocular Therapeutics 1 (24 Credit Points)
OPP002 Ocular Therapeutics 2 (24 Credit Points)
OPP001 (to be offered in Second Semester 2007) consists of 80 hours of formal lectures and workshops, and will take place over three four-day sessions. OPP002 (to be offered in First Semester 2008) consists of clinical training and case discussions. Enrolment in OPP002 requires successful completion of OPP001.
FEES For 2007/2008, total cost for the course is $6864 ($3360 for Semester 2/2007 and $3504 for Semester 1/2008).Fees are due only after acceptance into the course. No notification of amounts due is sent to students by mail. A Statement of Account is available via QUT Virtual.
DATES The dates for the three (3) four-day sessions for OPP001 are:03 – 06 August 200724 – 27 August 200714 – 17 September 2007These sessions will be held at the Kelvin Grove Campus of QUT. Details for the second component on clinical training (OPP002) will be provided during OPP001.The final examination for OPP001 will take place on 3 November 2007.
APPLICATIONS Application forms (QUT PG Form) are available from QUT Student Centres or from the QUT Website: http://www.studentservices.qut.edu.au/pdfs/forms/pg_forms/pg_hlth.pdfApplications are considered on a progressive basis. QUT’s deadline for receipt of forms for this course is 1 June 2007. However, because places in the course are limited (the quota is 40), applications should be submitted as soon as possible. Applications should be forwarded to:QUT Student Business ServicesVictoria Park RoadKelvin Grove Qld 4059 or delivered to:Student Centre (Level 6 F Block)Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove
Please note that ·offers will be made on the basis of receipt of applications, however YOUR APPLICATION CANNOT BE CONSIDERED FOR A PLACE IN THE COURSE IF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION IS NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR APPLICATION. · delays caused when additional documentation has to be requested may result in a missed opportunity to undertake the course.· applications cannot be submitted electronically or faxed.· QUT graduates need not provide evidence of qualifications.· you must provide certified copies of your qualification (if not QUT or QIT) and your registration.· if your name in your documents is different from your present name (eg female applicants who have married since graduation), you must provide evidence of your name change (eg copy of marriage certificate, deed poll).· you must be an Australian citizen, Australian Permanent Resident or New Zealand citizen.· if you are an Australian Permanent Resident, you must provide documentary evidence of permanent resident status. · New Zealand Permanent Residents are NOT eligible to apply.· referees (see item 8 of PG Form) are NOT required.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES QUT School of OptometryPhone: 07 3138 5739Fax: 07 3138 5665Email: optometry.enquiries@qut.eu.au
FUTURE OFFERINGS It is anticipated that the course will be offered next in Second Semester 2008.
Thanks to Drs Jan Lovie-Kitchin, Mark Loane and Frank Howes plus Daryl Guest, Gary Page and Bashir Ebrahim we are offering Townsville and Cairns district members our very best regional program, delivering an outstanding 21 CPD points. Currently 16 members have registered and that is likely to double before the big event on Sunday, 10 June at Townsville’s Southbank Convention Centre. To register please email Office Manager Marika MacKenzie at marika@optomsqld.com
Sixty percent of Northern Territory optometrists attended Best of Queensland Vision in Darwin on Sunday May 20, along with delegates from interstate. A CPD filled day was enjoyed by all along with the chance to talk with supporting exhibitors.
Division Councillor Ms Asha Mahasuria commented that the program provided a great source of learning and continuing professional development points for Territory members. The event brought with it 18 CPD points and gave delegates 45% of their annual CPD requirement.
The fantastic presenter line up included ophthalmologist Dr Frank Howes, QUT Adjunct Professor Dr Jan Lovie-Kitchin, optometrists Mr Paul Brand and Mr Daryl Guest and OAA NSW Executive Director Mr Andrew McKinnon. Their topics ranged from pterygium surgery, keratoconus, therapeutic case studies, cranial nerve workup and practice recall strategies. Delegates enjoyed joining in the presentations with questions and further ideas of their own.
The valued support of sponsors and exhibitors Alcon Australia, BOC Instruments, Essilor Australia and Johnson and Johnson Vision Care also provided the opportunity for delegates to discuss products during breaks.
On Saturday evening delegates, presenters and exhibitors enjoyed dinner at one of Darwin’s hot spots, the Trailer Boat Club. Dr Lovie-Kitchin said “the atmosphere and sunset were wonderful.” The Fanny Bay location proved popular with great food, conversation and the additional bonus of a famous Fanny Bay sunset.
Many thanks to all who attended Best of Queensland Vision Darwin making it the success it was. The second in the Best of Queensland Vision series will be held on 10 June 2007 in Townsville. To register visit the website www.optomsqld.com or phone 07 3839 4411.
I received this message from Queensland Health on 18 May. “We have just recently briefed the Minister on the reports about risks surrounding the unregulated sale of plano contact lenses and possible options for addressing these risks. We are awaiting his advice on his preferred way forward. We will keep you updated once we have approval from the Minister.” I’ll let you know when I hear more.
World-renowned eye specialist Dr Gullapalli (Nag) Rao attended Optometry House on Monday, 14 May and encouraged thirty local optometrists to take a leading role in the prevention of world blindness. He highlighted the latest figures from the World Health Organisation which state that uncorrected refractive error is now the leading form of preventable blindness worldwide.
Dr Rao is the founder and director of the LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) in India and President of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. He was in Queensland as the guest of Optometry Giving Sight – the only global fundraising initiative that specifically targets the prevention of blindness and impaired vision due to refractive error.
Dr Rao announced that the latest World Health Organization figures revealed that there are an estimated 153 million people with uncorrected refractive error at distance (these are generally people with “myopia”). This figure does not include people with presbyopia which could account for another 150 million people. The majority of these people live in developing countries.
According to Dr Rao, a donation of just five dollars can provide an eye exam, a pair of glasses and training for local staff. This alone could be enough to save someone from a life condemned to impaired vision - where children can’t learn, adults can’t work and the elderly lose their dignity and independence.
Queensland optometrists are at the forefront of global efforts to eliminate this form of preventable blindness by the year 2020, with some 14% making regular monthly or annual donations to Optometry Giving Sight. As well, Queenslanders have a distinguished record of generously donating used spectacles which are then used to assist people in developing countries.
Dr Rao discussed the “worldwide problem and how there is a very simple solution - the global optometric community is well-placed to take on this challenge. We have the knowledge and the skills. We just need to raise awareness and funding to make it happen”. Dr Rao encouraged all Queensland optometrists and their patients to support Optometry Giving Sight through their Regular Giving and Practice Giving fundraising programs.
Dr Rao has dedicated his life to global blindness prevention and has helped millions through his world-class eye institute in India and through his work with international eye care organisations.
After 14 years of success as an academic ophthalmologist in the United States Dr Rao returned to India in 1986 and founded the LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) in Hyderabad. Since its opening more than 2 million people have received outpatient services and 250,000 have benefited from surgery – almost 50 percent of them free of charge. In addition, more than 10,000 doctors and para-medical personnel from India and abroad have been trained at LVPEI and cutting-edge research is undertaken into stem cells, laser treatments of corneal and retinal diseases and treatment of glaucoma.
Dr Rao’s international work and standing is epitomised by his appointment as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and President of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) in 2004 to date. IAPB collaborates with the World Health Organization on VISION 2020: The Right to Sight, a global initiative which aims to eliminate avoidable blindness by the year 2020.
Areas of specialisation for Dr Rao include diseases of the cornea, eye banking and corneal transplantation, and community eye health. He has published more than 180 papers in national and international journals and has contributed several book chapters.
Over the years Dr Rao has received a variety of awards from around the world including the Padmashri award by the Indian Government for his contribution to medicine and ophthalmology and more recently the International Blindness Prevention Award of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He has also received an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of New South Wales.
Dr Rao is an impressive humanitarian and an inspiration to us all. If you would like to help him and hundreds of others in their precious works please join OGS today. So far we have 110 of our 800 Queensland/NT members as members of OGS – fantastic, thank you! NSW leads the way with 261 members, followed by us with 110, Victoria with 80, SA 40, WA 35 and Tasmania 24. The OAA’s national goal is to raise $1million (approximately 3,500 members nationally by $300) and that would deliver 200,000 eye examinations, spectacles and staff training. If you would like to add your name to the list below simply email me at greg@optomsqld.com and say “I want to join” and I’ll do the rest!
Geoff Allen
Ron Andrew
Ross Andrews
Luke Arundel
Stuart Bain
Lisa Bakker
Glenn Barltrop
Tom Bennett
Harsha Bhoola
Celia Bloxsom
Andrew Bowden
Paul Brand
Philip Brinin
Tapel Cafer
Khim Chandler
William Chin
Tony Chopple
Andrew Christiansen
Tony Collivas
Geoff Conwell
Andrew Crawford
Keith Crighton
Wendy Cullen
Ronald Dalins
John Davies
Kevin Dick
Carolynne Drabsch
Greg Fanning
Ross Fisher
David Foresto
Patrick Gerry
Peter Haman
Mike Hare
Michelle Hill
Lawrence Hirst
Lee Holland
Helene Holmes
Grace Hoo
Mac Hook
Sally Hook
Simon Hurwood
Elspeth Hyde
Ken Ingram
Salma Ismail
Elizabeth Johnson
Greg Johnson
Kate Johnson
Elizabeth Kearney
Anthony Kelly
Sabrina Khan
Natalia Kosanovic
Anne Lamont-Alexander
Betty Lee
Rachel Leigh
Shari Lin
Aphrodite Livanes
Jan Lovie-Kitchin
Adam Lusk
Jonelle Macnamara
Asha Mahasuria
Emma Markwell
Jennifer Marsden
Martin McKenna
Bob Metcalfe
Renee Michaels
Paul Morrissey
Anna Morse
Michael Morton
Paula Mudie
Anne Muir
Craig Muller
Scott Muller
Wendy Nicholson
Alex Norris
Catherine O’Connor
Gary Page
Ian Pang
Leena Patheja
David Pearson
Emily Procopis
Geoff Reynolds
Emma Richards
Elizabeth Roberts
Greg Rowe
See & Save Optometrists
Amanda Shea
Christopher Smith
Murray Smith
Ruth Stewart
Joanne Stower
Vincent Tan
Joseph Tanner
Cameron Taylor
Michael Teasdale
Tracey Tierney
Christopher Tobin
Tasha Trevor
Yu Chen Tseng
Steve Turley
Louella Varney
Nicholas Vasiliou
Colin & Heather Waldron
Janet Wallace
Richard Watt
Julie Weir
Tin Wong
Brisbane Eye Clinic has commissioned the first non mydriatic Spectral Optical Coherence Tomography machine in Australia. This technology is used to capture a very high resolution image of the retina and is a significant move forward in the diagnosis and treatment of Wet age related macular degeneration. Wet age related macular degeneration is the most common cause of severe blindness in elderly Australians.
By analysing a single wavelength of reflected laser light using a spectrometer and a powerful computer, a three dimensional (3D) model of the macula is obtained. This technique gives retina specialists rapid access to unprecedented high resolution 3 dimensional views of the macula.
Direct comparisons can be made over time to assess the effectiveness of treatments and to confirm diagnoses.
The machine is the first of five in Australia and the only one in Queensland. It is also used for managing Diabetic Eye Disease, Glaucoma and other less common retinal conditions.
The Brisbane Eye Clinic pioneered the introduction of Avastin therapy for treating Age Related Macula Degeneration (AMD) in Queensland in October 2005.
Contact:
Dr Erwin Groeneveld
Brisbane Eye Clinic
Level 1 BMM Place,
135 Wickham Tce
Brisbane
0412 234 222
To acknowledge Disability Action Week 2007, Guide Dogs Queensland would like to invite those with vision impairment or other disabilities, their families and members of the community to attend the Wednesday, 18 July, 2007 Mobility Expo at Guide Dogs Queensland (Client Residence), 1978 Gympie Road, Bald Hills from 10.00am to 2.00pm. Some of the features are:
GDQ Mobility Services
Guide Dog Experiential Walks
Orientation & Mobility,
White Canes,
Electronic Travel Aids
Counselling
Vision Impairment Agencies
Adaptive Technology
Support Group Information
Daily Living Equipment
Welfare & Social Services
Resource Service
Representation from Disability Services Qld, Transport Services and other agencies is invited. Food and beverages available for sale, parking available on site and a shuttle service will run every half hour to & from Bald Hills Train Station
To register for an experiential Guide Dog Mobility Walk contact Lyn by Friday 13/07/06 Ph: 3500 9060. Fax: 3261 7500. Email: l.wyer@guidedogsqld.com.au
Mr Frank Magupa, Tanzanian national, final year QUT optometry student and Executive Director of ONA Network will be returning to Tanzania this July to continue his pledge to improve the vision of the Tanzanian people. The organisation has been running successful optical assessment and glasses dispensing for many years and will continue to do so around the nation’s capital, Dodoma. Last year, ONA Network conducted their pilot cataract program in the central province of Tanzania and is pleased to announce the program will continue this July and again in July 2008.
Cataract Project Coordinator and Ophthalmic Nurse Consultant, Ms Heather Machin has joined ONA Network to help build the cataract project in areas of pre-trip planning plus the hands on management over the two week trip. This year the cataract program will work to improve not just the removal of a patient’s cataract but also the sterilisation and cleaning of instruments, aseptic technique of health care workers, environmental management including handling of sharps, waste and body fluids plus the implementation of health care workers protection, such as the wearing of protective goggles while cleaning potentially contaminated instruments.
While the 2007 camp is just around the corner, ONA Network is raising awareness of the organisation and would like to invite interested optometrists to be part of the planning for 2008 and beyond. This could include individual or community fundraising, collection of adult and children glasses and sunglasses (sunglasses are used to protect the post-operative cataract patient), volunteering in Tanzania, funding assistance or the donation of usable optical, medical or surgical equipment.
In 2008, ONA Network is aiming to take a team of around 10-15 volunteers for each of its eye camps and is seeking interested optometrists, ophthalmologists, orthoptists, anaesthetists, ophthalmic, anaesthetic, day surgery and general nurses plus other allied health care workers and students to volunteer in Tanzania.
ONA Network cannot operate with out the donation and willingness of people in the developed world and would like to invite Queensland and NT optometrists to be part of the organisations success. ONA Network is also seeking the donation of usable optical, medical and surgical equipment plus usable adult and children’s glasses and sunglasses. To make a private or corporate donation or to learn more about volunteering and being part of the 2008 program, please contact Meg at ONA Network via: qld@onanetwork.org or (07) 3393 5674.To find out more about the cataract project please contact: Heather Machin via: heather.machin@qldeye.com or (07) 3236 9844
ONA Network: www.onanetwork.org
On 2 May 2007 Northern Territory optometrists were give the right to “supply” substances under the Poisons and Dangerous Drugs Act. “Schedule A” drugs are for diagnostic purposes. In terms of “Schedule B” drugs, optometrists may possess, administer, supply, issue a prescription and sell (only in exceptional circumstances).
Division President Shannon Pugh said that she was bitterly disappointed that the Board had chosen to ignore glaucoma medications and fluoroquinolones from the list and warned that those patients in greatest need would suffer. She thanked sincerely hardworking NT members Bill Robertson, Tony Hill, Lance Chin Quan, Asha Mahasuria, Helen Summers and others for their long struggle.
New South Wales Division is pleased to announce that we are once again holding a Ski Conference in 2007. The conference will be held at the Thredbo Alpine Village Hotel, Thredbo on 24 – 26 August. It is suggested that you book your travel and accommodation early. The conference hotel can be contacted on Tel: 02 6459 4200. Please let them know you are with our conference group.
The conference allows for skiing during the middle part of the day with early morning and late afternoon lectures.
The speakers will be Sean Hansen, Narelle Hine, Emmanual Calligeros and Andrew McKinnon. All keen skiers and excellent presenters with a wealth of knowledge to pass on to delegates. The programme will be varied with lots of tips for you to use in your practice.
For further information and a registration form please contact Rosemary Duffy at the OAA NSW Office on 20 9713 2038.