FIRST GRADUATES EMERGE!

Congratulations to the first fourteen graduates of QUT’s Graduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics. The ceremony was held at QPAT’s Concert Hall on Thursday, 22 September 2005 and Andrew Angeli, Paul Brand, Stuart Macfarlane, Julie Newport and David Stephensen received their certificates from Chancellor Major General Peter Arnison AC CVO (retd).

Other graduates who could not make the ceremony were Dr Julie Albietz, Keith Crighton, Henry Heron, Kirrily Hoole, Suzanne McLennan, Fiona Moore, Gary Page, Jessica Saro and Colin Waldron. Congratulations from all of us and sincere thanks for the hard work.

The mood among graduates was very positive with all stating that therapeutics had made a real difference in the lives of their patients. However, there was some regret that glaucoma medications and deep penetration steroids were in limbo.

Reports are that the second group of students are as equally motivated. They finished the campus portion of the Certificate on Monday, 19 September and now embark on the clinical training section with ophthalmologists. And on that subject, sincere thanks to our ophthalmology friends for making so many placements available – the support has been wonderful.

OPTOMETRISTS GET GREEN LIGHT IN FORSTER REPORT

The Report from the Queensland Health Services Review, undertaken by Peter Forster, was released 30 September and is particularly optometry-friendly. You can find it at www.thepremier.qld.gov.au

The report says:

“Optometrists tend to work in private practice settings, with only three currently employed in the public health system on a sessional basis. Private optometry services have minimal waiting times and are financially accessible due to availability of Medicare rebates. Some optometrists are employed by ophthalmologists in private practice to provide initial patient assessments and free up the ophthalmologist’s time for complex interventions.

“Optometrists’ scope of practice has recently been extended in Queensland through introduction of therapeutics legislation enabling limited prescribing rights for optometrists who complete appropriate training (although the list of approved drugs is still to be finalised). This creates the potential for optometrists to diagnose and treat many urgent and non-urgent conditions and decrease waiting lists.

“There is scope for public outpatient clinics to use optometry services by diverting patients to privately practising optometrists and/or engaging optometrists to provide direct patient services, triage and diagnostic services. Equally, it would be possible in accident and emergency settings to divert patients to private optometrists (particularly those who are therapeutically qualified), use optometrists for on call arrangements to assist with triaging or directly employ optometrists for service provision to patients presenting with ophthalmic conditions.

“Given the extensive ophthalmology outpatient and elective surgery waiting lists, it is recommended that these possibilities be immediately investigated. Additionally, it would be prudent for Queensland Health to analyse presentations to emergency departments to identify whether use of optometry services may ease pressure and consider implementing some or all of the above options.”

BLUE CARDS NOT REQUIRED

As a result of an enquiry from a member we contacted the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian to ascertain if Queensland optometrists needed to hold Blue Cards when dealing with children. In a normal practice setting the answer is no. However, in a school situation where private consultations are conducted the answer could be quite different. Email for an Information Sheet or go to www.childcomm.qld.gov.au

DR ANTHONY PANE ANNOUNCES RAPID ACCESS ADULT OPHTHALMOLOGY OUTPATIENT CLINIC AT THE MATER

Ophthalmologist Dr Anthony Pane is pleased to announce the expansion of his outpatient services at the Mater Health Services. He can see new adult patients from all areas of Brisbane and surrounds within a few weeks of referral. Contact him at telephone 07 3840 8111

Conditions include:
-Cataract -Glaucoma
-Diabetic retinopathy -Other problems

Attendees at QV2006 will have an opportunity to meet Dr Pane personally as he will be presenting several lectures as well as a small group elective.

UPDATE OF THE NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES ON THE MANAGEMENT OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

The Australian Diabetes Society has been contracted by the Department of Health and Ageing to update the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Diabetic Retinopathy. These guidelines were released in 1997 and can be found at http://www.nhmrc.gov.au
In undertaking this task the Working Group established by the ADS to undertake this task has completed a literature review to update the one on which the current guidelines are based. The literature review is available at http://www.racp.edu.au (1.9MB) It contains an Executive Summary that will form the basis of the Revised Guidelines.

The Working Party invites you to make comments on this Executive Summary, and the literature review that underpins it. These comments should be provided in the first instance to Mr Chris Thorpe at the address below. These comments should be submitted by Wednesday 26
October 2005.

Your comments will be of assistance to finalising the Revised Guidelines and in assisting with the promotion of best practice in treating diabetic retinopathy.

Chris Thorpe
Working Group Secretariat
PO Box 3570 Weston ACT 2611
Telephone: 02 6287 4866
Fax: 02 6287 4877
Email: executive@adpo.com.au

DRIVERS VISION UPDATE

Transport Minister the Hon Paul Lucas MP wrote to us on 14 September 2005 to say that he had received a departmental report about compulsory vision testing for the State’s drivers. He is currently considering the recommendations and how they may be implemented in Queensland. We’ve promoted the concept of optometrists, and other eye health professionals, taking on the testing role that was abandoned by Queensland Transport several years ago. This is a hot potato so let’s hope the Minister makes the right decision and runs with our recommendation.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION UPDATE

We have now received most of the documents sought in our Freedom of Information requests on both the Health Minister and Chief Health Officer and they make fascinating reading. It is really quite surprising to learn the names of those who opposed the entry of Queensland optometrists into therapeutics and in some cases, those who betrayed.

The text of the letter from public hospital ophthalmologists to the Premier went like this:

“Dear Mr Beattie

“It is with regret that I give you three month’s notice of my resignation from my sessions at the ophthalmology department of the xx hospital, in accordance with Clause 2.1(9) of the VMO Agreement 2002.

“I am resigning from this position because of the recent amendments to the Health Regulations allowing optometric prescribing to be regulated by the Optometrists Board of Queensland. This body authorises inadequately trained optometrists to have access to medications that involve the treatment of sight threatening disease.

“After being well briefed by a Ministerial Advisory Committee, the Health Minister was initially prepared to endorse restricted prescribing rights on the grounds of patient safety and standard of care. However the Health Regulations amendment reflects a political motivated process with a blatant disregard for patient safety and the health of Queenslanders.

“ I am unable to continue working for an employer who places political expediency above the lives and health of Queenslanders by endowing such rights to underqualified practitioners.

“Yours sincerely.”

There are some forty-four pages in the package. Please let me know if you would like a copy at greg@optomsqld.com

MEDICARE UPDATE FROM HIC OPTOMETRIC ADVISOR, DR STEVE ZANTOS

“Presently, there is no separate item number for a domiciliary visit by an optometrist. Earlier this year the Government did announce its intention to introduce such an item number, but details have not yet been released - I would expect details to be released just prior to the distribution of the next edition of our MBS booklet, which normally takes effect from 1st November each year. In the meantime, therefore, optometrists should simply select an appropriate item number from the existing list when they do a nursing home consultation. Regarding provider numbers, if an optometrist is expecting to visit the same nursing homes on future occasions, then he/she should apply to HIC for a separate provider number for each nursing home.

“Below is a link to existing item numbers. The link is in the website for the Department of Health, though it can be reached by working through the HIC's website. There's a lot of information in the HIC website, and it's worth browsing just to see what is available.” http://www7.health.gov.au

NEW EDUCATION MINISTER BACKS OPTOMETRISTS

On 8 September we received a letter from the new Queensland Education Minister the Hon Rod Welford MP.

He said he “supports the progression of your (children’s vision) campaign targeting teachers and parents through visits to schools and the provision of supporting educational materials.” He also said that he was prepared to endorse the annual campaign.

However, he said no to compulsory vision screening for school children stating that is was the responsibility of parents in conjunction with optometrists and medical practitioners. He added that vision testing is provided freely by Queensland Health Nurses to preschoolers and young school aged children in Queensland Schools and that compulsory vision testing lies outside the responsibility of the Government.

PRACTICE EXPO WORKS!

The new OAA Practice Expo looked like it worked but we were not sure so we asked the students to tell us if they secured positions in the profession as a result of attending, and they did!

Early days but this is the written feedback so far. Positions secured at:
OPSM Caloundra
Laubman and Pank Brisbane City
Laubman and Pank Carindale
Laubman and Pank Indooroopilly

PROGRAM ALMOST COMPLETE

Forget Ben Hur, Queensland Vision 2006 is going to be big!

Thus far we have secured the speaking services of the following – Dr Lou Catania, Professor Robert Hess, Cassandra Koutouridis (QVI), Dr Bang V Bui, James Christensen (Optimed), Rowan Churchill, Dr Mark Coulthard, Tim Fricke, Pat Gerry, Catherine Mahony (QUIT), Peter McKeon (Salesmasters International), Chris Monks (Monkey Software), Nicole Franklin, Dr Anthony Pane (ophthalmologist), Professor Jack Pettigrew, Pauline Powell, A/Professor Katrina Schmid, Dr Leisa Schmid, A/Professor Algis Vingrys, Ann Webber and Dr Steve Zantos (HIC).

The Essilor sponsored congress, which will be held at the Cairns Convention Centre from 20-23 April 2006, will deliver upwards of 40 CPD points. The CIBAVision-sponsored gala dinner will be held on Green Island.

QV2006 will be launched at the Saturday, 5 November 2005 President’s Graduands Ball and Annual Awards. Members and friends who would like an advance copy of the brochure should email me at greg@optomsqld.com

SMOKING INITIATIVE LOOKS PROMISING

I visited the Queensland Cancer Fund on 19 September and met with Tobacco Issues Coordinator Catherine Mahony and Communications Manager Nathan Scholz about a potential partnership. Queensland Vision Initiative Project Officer Cassandra Koutouridis joined me.

The Fund has an interest and is currently investigating a similar initiative in Victoria. In the not too distant future it is hoped that we can mobilise members to join in the campaign to help patients, who smoke, to QUIT the habit. Catherine has already committed to present two small group electives at the 20-23 April 2006 Queensland Vision 2006.

TAXI SUBSIDY SCHEME UPDATE

Thanks to member Mike Hare for alerting us to the fact that optometrists are currently precluded from completing applications under the Taxi Subsidy Scheme. The scheme is aimed at providing financial assistance to eligible citizens who need taxi services because of disability. Currently only ophthalmologists can so complete.

We wrote to Transport Minister the Hon Paul Lucas MP asking that optometrists be included. He responded on 14 September that an investigation has commenced. More details later…………..

THERAPEUTICS UPDATE – QUEENSLAND AND NORTHERN TERRITORY

The NT Optometrists Board has now circulated its discussion paper for comment following the 3 August workshop which was held in Darwin. The Division is providing a further submission addressing the discussion paper.

Queensland Health Minister. The Hon Stephen Robertson MP wrote to the Division on 13 September in response to our protests about the new doctors committee which was cobbled together to stave off the public hospital ophthalmologist’s strike. In summary:

• The Optometrists Board will have the responsibility to choose the lone optometrist on the committee, rather than the OAA, and the doctors’ groups will choose their own. We understand that Andrew Angeli got the nod.
• The Chief Health Officer intends to submit the protocol for the committee’s review and endorsement at its first meeting with the aim of making permanent the current list of 30 eye drops. They are referred to as “provisional” at the moment.
• The committee will determine if optometrists can use and prescribe glaucoma medications and high penetration steroids and the Government is anxious that this process is dealt with quickly.
• He will review the performance of the committee after six months and keep us fully informed of its activities.
• The Minister supports the concept of committees making decisions by consensus however; he is going to stick with the arrangements for this committee which are by majority. He has asked the Chief Health Officer to make him aware of any dissenting views.

So, a couple of little wins and the usual raft of disappointments. Andrew has a difficult job ahead of him to have the legislation restored and we wish him well and thank him sincerely for his sacrifices for the profession.

VISITING OPTOMETRIST SCHEME (VOS)

OAA National Government Affairs Manager, John Beever, urges all members with an interest in the VOS to email him by the end of September to his email address j.beever@optometrists.asn.au or by telephoning 0414 290 225.

In particular he is keen to hear from members who can provide input on these areas:

- What can be done to encourage greater participation by optometrists in delivering optometric services to remoter and very remote areas

- The overall level of awareness of optometrists of the VOS; and

- Current barriers for optometrists accessing the VOS.

VOLUNTEER OPTOMETRIST NEEDED

Ona Network has a vacancy for a volunteer optometrist to work at a low-cost optometry clinic in Morogoro - Tanzania. The placement is available from end of Dec. this year for a minimum term of six months. This is a great opportunity for those who would like to donate their time and skills to restore vision to many people in Africa. The opportunity provides an environment to experience rare eye conditions, which are rarely seen in Australia. More Information? Contact Frank Magupa Email: ona@ona.kabissa.org Phone: 07 3390 5639

THREE MONTHS TO COMPLY WITH CPD

We were fortunate enough to receive a CPD update from National Office on 27 September. It lists all members and the CPD points they have accrued in the period since 1 January 2004. By 31 December this year all members will need to have accrued 80 points and the penalties for non-compliance are a higher PI insurance excess and non publication on the “Find an Optometrist” section of the OAA’s websites. In NSW the Registration Board has already moved to link compliance with registration – no points, no practice, and the rest will surely follow.

Letters will soon be sent to all members who have not yet achieved 80 points reminding them that they have three months left to comply. While we are ahead of the National average (see below) it is fair to say that around 80% of Qld/NT members will be compliant when December rolls around.

To check how you’re going contact Marika on email: marika@optomsqld.com

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

This year’s AGM will be held at the Sofitel Hotel Brisbane at 4.00pm on Saturday, 5 November 2005. Apologies to greg@optomsqld.com . The 2005 Annual Report is available by clicking the link Fianancial Report 2005 and if you would like a hard copy please email greg@optomsqld.com

BIG LOW VISION WORKSHOP – 5 NOVEMBER

Coming to Brisbane for the President’s Graduands Ball and Annual Awards? Well, don’t miss the opportunity to attend this year’s key low vision workshop with acclaimed expert Dr Alan Johnston and HumanWare Australia’s Phil Hazell. Proceedings commence at noon with a light lunch and conclude at 4.00pm. CPD points apply. Interested? Email greg@optomsqld.com

FEES PLEASE!

Currently 45 of our 716 members have yet to pay their membership fees which were due 31 July 2005. We have already paid National Office Capitation $781 for each of those, a total of over $35,000. Please help out by paying overdue fees within the next few days.

PRESIDENT’S GRADUANDS BALL AND ANNUAL AWARDS

Don’t forget that the Ball will be held at the Sofitel Hotel (formerly Sheraton) Brisbane on Saturday, 5 November.

In a packed program the following presentations will occur:
· Certificates of Membership to 45 graduands of the QUT School of Optometry
· Commemorative medallions to the graduates of 1975, 1985 and 1995
· Hamlyn R Brier Clinical Optometry Award
· The Hon Bill Hayden AC Queensland Optometrist of the Year Award
· Professor Sydney BJ Skertchley Award
· OAA Media Medal
· Don Noack Award
· Announcement of President and Council for 2005/2006
· Launch of Queensland Vision 2006

Health Minister the Hon Stephen Robertson MP has been invited to attend and ABC television anchor Andrew Lofthouse will compere as usual. International group “Honey” will perform all their favourites plus you can enjoy a wonderful three-course meal and beverages.

If you love your profession you will love the President’s Graduands Ball and Annual Awards. Email greg@optomsqld.com for an invitation or register at www.optomsqld.com

WELCOME CLAIRE ELIZABETH FORMBY!

Simon and Sophie (nee Stevenson) Formby would like to announce the safe arrival of their first child, Claire Elizabeth on the 11th of August in Perth WA. Sophie and Claire are doing well.

Need more CPD Points?

I’m looking at making continuing education material from overseas journals available to Australian optometrists.

Initially I’ll be sourcing articles from the excellent UK journal Optician.

I’ll firstly offer a couple of articles and intend to increase the range quite substantially if there’s sufficient demand.

The multiple-choice answer articles will have been given an approved number of CPD points by the OAA and cost will hopefully be around $25 per point.

If you’re interested I’d appreciate an e-mail to let me know which subjects you’d like covered and how many CPD points per year you might use OptomCPD for.

Martin Hodgson BSc (Hons)
martinhodgson@hotmail.com