We all know about the wonderful works of OGS (Optometry Giving Sight) and the unselfish deeds of good people like former OAA Qld/NT President Bob Lees. Bob, and his many colleagues, visit less advantaged places like Sri Lanka and undertake hundreds of examinations and dispense spectacles to the needy. They make a real difference in the lives of those citizens.
Like any endeavour OGS’ activities need money to operate and that money is provided through donations from OAA members and many optometric companies. In Queensland/NT some 80 members, or 10% of total Qld/NT members, each give upwards of $300 to help OGS. Can you help? Simply fill out the coupon below and fax it back to me at 07 3839 4499 and I will bill you. Remember, all donations are tax deductible – perfect timing for your 30 June tax return!
Quantum Technology, Australia’s leading provider of solutions for people with Low Vision, has developed a computer program that simulates the magnification and contrast features of modern Electronic Reading Aids. The computer program can be run on any Windows PC, and is FREE to optometrists.
Optometrists deploying the Electronic Reading Aid Simulator will be able to offer added value to a consultation for their early Low Vision patients. Rather than just indicating that spectacles are of limited or no use, an optometrist can now give positive encouragement to their patients to explore the possibilities of modern reading aids, which provide real options for living successfully with Low Vision. In doing so, they will be providing on-going service to valued patients, their families and friends. As many patients will still require some correction to their spectacle prescription, the optometrist can also make up lenses specifically for typical reading distances when using electronic reading aids – normally about 30 - 40 cm, as well as providing an opportunity for further testing for other conditions such as glaucoma.
It is envisaged that the simulation, which consists of a 15 minute reading test using magnifications between 2 and 40 times, would be largely self-managed by the patient, with some occasional assistance by the practice staff or receptionist. A printed report indicates the patient’s assisted reading capability, gives further information about Low Vision and aids available, and provides contact numbers for Quantum’s expert Low Vision consultants.
Modern electronic reading aids come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and consist of special autofocus cameras in combination with screens of various sizes, depending on the field required, and on the degree of portability required. Typical desktop units, like the “Clearview”, are used for all manner of reading and writing tasks, by people of all ages and degrees of Low Vision.
Even those people only mildly affected by Low Vision find that electronic reading aids are more comfortable to use than optical magnifiers, and that faster speeds and longer reading periods are possible. Aside from superior magnification, electronic reading aids also provide adjustments to illumination, contrast enhancement and glare reduction
Quantum Technology is a nationwide company, with showrooms, consultants and equipment displays in every State and Territory. However, people with Low Vision are often isolated, and when presenting to GPs and Ophthalmologists are usually NOT informed about the possibilities of electronic reading aids. Given that most people developing vision impairments will at some time see an optometrist, Quantum believes there is an opportunity to assist these people at a crucial early stage by giving optometrists a practical educational tool they can easily and simply deploy in their practice.
The Electronic Reading Aid Simulator will be launched at Queensland Vision 2007 – so make a point to visit the Quantum booth and ask for a demonstration and collect your FREE CD.
That’s right, we are closing registrations next week and urge you to register online at www.optomsqld.com or by telephoning Ruth or Marika at 07 3839 4411. This is a fantastic program, in a fantastic venue with our largest ever assembly of exhibitors – some 60 in total. Show you support for your Queensland/NT congress even if it’s only for a day or half day. You won’t regret it!
Members would be aware that in 2006 the Optometrists Board of Queensland resolved to link OAA CPD compliance with registration as an optometrist and 1 July was the proposed commencement date. Board Chair Colin Waldron presented on this at several OAA meetings last year, including QV, and coverage was provided throughout the year in “SEE.” My understanding is that each December the Board will most certainly ask the OAA for a list of non-compliant optometrists and a “please explain” will be sent to them from the Board. I spoke to Colin last week about this matter and he mentioned that slowness in the legislation unit might mean that the commencement date is later than 1 July. I am unsure of the new date, if any, or if the arrangements will be retrospective to 1 July after the legislation goes through.
Irrespective of the timing of the Board’s actions, the OAA’s position is unchanged and that is that CPD compliance is mandatory for members and non-compliance results in a higher professional indemnity insurance excess and non-publication of the member’s details on the OAA website.
Most of the QV small group electives for Saturday, 14 April are full however, there are still a few spots left for Essilor’s two topics. Details below. Email ruth@optomsqld.com if you’d like to book in.
Taking the High End Challenge, Steve Shawler, Director of Commercial Strategy and Client Development, Essilor Asia Pacific
To help participants determine the positioning that is pertinent to their practice’s products and services, helping participants increase their turnover.
To return participants to their practices with new and fresh ideas.
The presentation supports your business by addressing the demand for higher end products for your patients, bringing more value to you and your patients. We will explain:
· the data on the market and the opportunities
· why people buy
· why do we talk about price above all else
· what is the market for high end products
· show you the art of addressing high value products
· show and demonstrate proven success models
New lens technologies - progressive lens evolution, Tim Thurn, Director of Professional Services, Essilor Asia Pacific
To up-date practitioners on the design concepts being used in the most recently available progressive lenses.
To explain and clarify the following:
· theory behind short corridor lenses
· front vs back surface designs
· aspheric progressive surfaces
· free-form manufacturing techniques
· customised versus individualized lenses
· wavefront analysis
Progressive lens design has been altered by the arrival of “free-form” technology.
New design concepts that have been made possible with this new technology are outlined and compared.
Aspheric progressive surfaces, while a boon to patients, have been less understood by practitioners, particularly when faced with not being able to read directly the lens power in a focimeter. The shortcomings of the old technology of the focimeter compared to the sophistication of the lens surfaces is explained
The concept of lens customisation vs individualisation is explained and the implications for these techniques are discussed.
Wavefront analysis, its role in optics and its application to lenses is investigated and the future of this technology is discussed.
Kady Brandon “joins” Council
Welcome to QUT School of Optometry 3rd year student Kady Brandon who has joined Divisional Council as an observer. Kady will be a valuable link between Council and the School. She follows the trend set by Councillor Kate Johnson several years ago and subsequently followed by another Councillor, Dave Foresto. Kady hails from Ayr, home to popular members Helene Holmes and Peter Homewood. A 2006 graduate, Felicity Sklavos, now works for Helene.
Red Eye and Ocular Surface Teaching Clinic
Dr Julie Albietz, in conjunction with the QUT School of Optometry and the Eye Clinic River City, has established a new clinic for the assessment and treatment of red eye and ocular surface disease cases.
The role of the clinic is to provide timely quality care to these patients and to provide a centre for the training of final year undergraduate optometry students and postgraduate optometrists undertaking study for therapeutic endorsement.
The centre will have the following features:
1. Experienced, therapeutically qualified optometrists on staff
2. Access to prompt ophthalmology care when required
3. Access to diagnostic pathology services
4. Video recording for educational and training purposes
5. Bulk billing
Should you wish to refer a patient to the clinic please telephone 07 3736 3015
I joined Ipswich member Adam Lusk at two important diabetes meetings recently. The meetings were set up by the Ipswich and West Moreton Division of General Practice and are aimed at developing an “Better Health Partnerships Project.” Essentially the project will bring together all the players in the diabetes area with a goal of having a more integrated approach to diabetes diagnosis and management. In the meetings thus far it has been apparent to us that optometry is not well understood nor is its accessibility and billing arrangements. Fortunately Adam has been appointed to the steering committee.
Breathtaking CPD!
A beautifully ‘left field ‘ approach to cpd has been evolving over the last 3 years.
Picture this:
A great mix of Optometrists, GP’s Ophthalmologists, Orthoptists and Optical Dispensers getting together for 16 hours worth of CPD.
This takes a week and is situated in one of the most beautiful and interesting ski areas in the world.
The Euro-Pacific Eyecare Conference in the Dolomite Mountains of Northern Italy had third birthday this January. The event is fast gaining a cult following with many multiple attendees (the most loyal has just signed up for his 3rd conference). Even patients of past delegated are coming now!
The 2007 event was the most successful yet. Stuart Graham, Ophthalmologist and glaucoma sub-specialist from Sydney, delivered a series of excellent lectures as the keynote speaker of the conference. Paul Constable covered the latest in experimental physiology research. The other hot topics were the evolving world of Macular Degeneration treatments as well as the cutting edge treatments for Keratoconus.
A positive of the event and concept that will be expanded for future events is the opportunity for open discussion the topics during the event between different arms of the eye care professions. There is a huge pool of knowledge and experience sitting in the audience at these conferences and as the event goes on and the delegates become friends they become more willing to share anecdotes and ideas.
The inclusion GP’s for the first time went down extremely well.
The conference was also accredited by the Royal Australian College of GP’s. What particularly pleased the conference organizer was the feedback on the GP’s forms (mandatory for RACGP points) such as:
‘I am now much more aware of the role and breath of skills of Optometrists’
and ‘Very well organized lecture topics’.
For future conferences our pharmacy cousins will be invited into the mix as well.
There are two events scheduled over the next 12 months, The September conference is in the mountains of Argentina and the January 2008 event will once again be in the Italian Dolomites. Details can be found at www.skiconf.com or by calling the organizer, John Coghlan, Optometrist on 0414 524466. Numbers will be limited and the sooner airfares are booked and rooms reserved the better so if you are interested act quick.!
There are at least three, possibly four, key parties in Medical Conditions Reporting:
1. the licensed driver
2. the health professional (defined as doctors, optometrists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists)
3. the driver licensing authority (Queensland Transport)
4. a professional reference mechanism (expert)
As mentioned in recent edition of “SEE” a number of members were kind enough to attend Assessing Fitness to Drive Focus Groups in December and January in Brisbane, Cairns, Toowoomba and Mt Isa. Attendees were split into several groups to discuss the merits of various reporting models and most of those models contained a new “Professional Reference Mechanism” – an independent group of experts generally charged with deciding if an at-risk driver should be licensed or not.
At the moment in Queensland the model comprises three parties, 1) the driver/patient, 2) the optometrist and 3) Queensland Transport (Driver Licensing Authority or DLA). The Professional Reference Mechanism does not exist.
The model that had the most support is the “yellow” model below and in this model :
1. the optometrist informs the Professional Reference Mechanism of the medical conditions, and
2. (A) also informs the DLA or (B) the driver informs the DLA, and
3. the Professional Reference Mechanism informs the DLA of the fitness to drive opinion.
A report covering the “yellow” model and the five less favoured models will now go to state cabinet for review and the preferred model will be advised thereafter. If you would like a copy of the focus group report please email me at greg@optomsqld.com. If the area of drivers’ vision is of interest to you make sure you sign up for Queensland Transport’s small group elective at QV2007.
Medical Conditions Reporting Consultation Committee
Queensland Transport has set up the above committee to:
· provide a forum to provide feedback on the strategic direction for the Medical Conditions Reporting system; and
· provide a forum to raise and discuss changes in policy direction that affect medical conditions reporting
I have been asked to join the Committee and have accepted. I will keep you informed of developments.
Members regularly ask for refunds for fees paid when they leave Australia for an extended period, leave practice for various reasons or reduce practice hours. In the latter case they might opt for another category including “Partial Practice” ($660, 3-12 hours per week on average), “Minimal Practice” ($440, less than 3 hours per week) or “Non-Practising ($333, zero practice hours).
Requests for refunds, after fees have been paid, have reached quite alarming levels and research of other Divisions and other professions reveal that refunds are not provided. Let’s face it, when you pay the Division for your fees we automatically remit $819.50 to National Office as non-refundable “capitation” and it doesn’t take much working out to realise that fees less than the ordinary level of $1,320 represent a significant loss to the Division. Also, members get an almost automatic deduction in their income tax return and for most that will be in the area of 40%.
For those reasons refunds will not be considered except in extraordinary financial circumstances.
National “Sunnies for Sight” day results
This year’s National Sunnies for Sight Day took place on Friday 23 February. What an incredible day! Thousands of people showed their commitment to ICEE by donning their sunnies or buying a piece of sunnies merchandise to help give sight to people who are blind or vision impaired simply because they don’t have glasses. Importantly, the funds raised from this event will help support ICEE’s blindness prevention and vision care projects in countries across the globe.
The figures are impressive with around 900 schools (including, pre-school, primary and secondary schools) doing a tremendous effort to combine a fun day with the education of the importance of eyecare. In additional 1,700 workplaces which translates to some 300,000 – 400, 000 people also took part in the day. All in all, a lot people thinking and caring about their eyes!
Media coverage for the campaign continues to grow with a myriad of local papers picked up great photo opportunities, plenty of radio coverage and an increasing interest from television.
National Sunnies for Sight Day is made possible by the generosity of corporate sponsors, which offset the costs of running the day. This means donations from schools and workplaces can be used to implement ICEE’s blindness prevention programs.
On Wednesday 14 February, ICEE – International Centre for Eyecare Education held the official campaign launch for National Sunnies for Sight Day 2007. The gala dinner event took place at Melbourne’s prestigious Plaza Ballroom.
The night was themed against a backdrop of Brazilian Carnivale. According to event co-ordinator, ICEE’s Eliza Arrowsmith, “this year’s theme Brazilian Carnivale was chosen to reflect the colour and visual splendour that is Brazil; at ICEE we don’t give glasses for the sake it of it but to give sight, to improve quality of life and to celebrate vision”.
John Blackman, radio and television celebrity hosted the night as the 250 people attended the dazzling gala dinner. Guests included optometrists and suppliers to the industry who are major supporters and sponsors of ICEE and National Sunnies for Sight Day.
Professor Brien Holden delivered the keynote address and gave an impassioned plea on ICEE’s work in improving eyecare for indigenous Australians which was followed by
Melbourne’s leading Brazilian group MelSamba. Patrons shimmed with beautiful Brazilian samba dancers to a 40 piece percussion band.
This year the gala dinner raised $44,330 with proceeds going towards supporting ICEE’s eyecare projects across the globe.
Special thanks to gala dinner sponsors who offset the costs of conducting this event.
It’s no secret that superannuation has one of the most tax-effective structures in Australia and therefore is one of the best savings strategies available today.
Super has recently become even more attractive.
One of the outcomes of the 2006 Federal Budget is the opportunity to contribute any amount up to $1 million of your after-tax income into super and receive concessional tax treatment on the future growth. Also, if your superannuation benefit is paid to you after age 60 and after 1 July 2007, the retirement benefit is completely tax free.
So, if you have been hesitant to contribute to super because of the limits previously imposed, you are now able to make after-tax contributions of up to $1 million. Doing so can make your retirement savings far more attractive than you originally planned.
Taking advantage before the new limits are introduced
It’s a limited opportunity. From 1 July 2007, a limit on your after-tax contributions will apply of $150,000 per year, or $450,000 as an aggregation over three years.
You have two months left to take advantage. If you don’t have spare money from your take-home salary, you can contribute the proceeds of an asset sale – like property or shares.
Your decision will depend on the stage you are at in your life right now.
If you’re thinking of retiring in the next few years and considering selling your business, this might be a perfect scenario for you. Your options could include contributing the proceeds of your business into super. On the other hand, if you don’t plan to retire for a while, you may wish to consider contributing available funds or the proceeds of an investment sale into your super before the reduced limits apply. Or, if you’re lucky enough to have money coming your way after 30 June, you might like to consider borrowing short-term to contribute to super, and then paying off the loan when that money becomes available.
Case study
Pre-February 2007. Bill and his wife Sandra are both 55 years of age. They own and run an optometry business, and own an investment property. Bob has $700,000 in super and Jane has $50,000. Bob is also about to receive a $450,000 inheritance following his father’s death.
With the changes to super in the Federal Budget, Bill and Sandra are both keen to use the opportunities to help them retire earlier, particularly the $1m concessional contribution limit.
Now until 30 June 2007. They decided to sell the investment property and contribute the proceeds of the sale, as well as the inheritance, into super before 30 June 2007. After allowing for tax and other incidental costs on the sale, they calculate the proceeds to be $600,000. The total amount contributed to super would be = $1,050,000.
Given the $1m concessional contribution applies per person, they split the $1,050,000 so that each contributes $525,000 into their respective accounts. This will bring their retirement savings to $1,225,000 and $575,000 respectively.
Post 30 June 2007. Bill and Sandra’s next move will be to convert their super to pensions once they turn 60. By doing so after age 60, their earnings will be tax free and the income they draw from the pension will also be tax free.
Therefore, they should be able to retire earlier than initially planned and they will be able to enjoy retirement in a largely tax free environment.
Timing restraint. What if Bill and Sandra weren’t able to receive the proceeds of their property sale prior to 30 June 2007? They would have the option of borrowing against the equity in their business and contributing that into super so that they could still reap the $1m advantage. Once the sale proceeds were available, they would then repay the loan before the interest payable became too large.
Qualified advice
Exciting opportunities like this can often be capitalised on even further with expert advice. Always be sure to consult with a financial planner on the most suitable option for your circumstances prior to making any decisions.
Call 1800 333 143 to be put in touch with a qualified Guild Financial Planner.
This article contains information of a general nature only and it is not intended to constitute the provision of advice. Before acting on any information in this brochure you should consider its appropriateness having regards to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Guild Financial Services Limited ABN 35 004 399 464, AFS Licence No. 225590.
Some of you may remember Alcon’s Naushad Mistry and his expectant spouse Mehernaz who attended the November 2006 President’s Graduands Ball to present the inaugural Alcon therapeutics scholarships. Well Mehemaz is expecting no more – she gave birth to a lovely little boy on 18 March and named him Aarish. We sent our best wishes to the trio.