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Media Releases

Australia’s private health insurers are under fire after a federal watchdog uncovered a surge in consumer complaints and evidence of “phoenixing” behaviour, prompting calls from the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) for urgent government intervention and tougher oversight. Health Insurers Under Fire as Complaints Surge and ‘Phoenixing’ Sparks Concern - 22nd October 2025
Australia’s private health insurers are under fire after a federal watchdog uncovered a surge in consumer complaints and evidence of “phoenixing” behaviour, prompting calls from the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) for urgent government intervention and tougher oversight.
For more information FULL REPORT
AUSTRALIANS are losing their sight, and First Nations communities are being left behind. The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) is calling on the government to urgently address the widening gap in eye health, as new figures reveal First Nations people are still three times more likely to experience vision impairment and six times more likely to suffer moderate vision loss than other Australians. MEDIA RELEASE: ASO Calls On Government Support To Close The Indigenous Eye-Care Gap - 10th October 2025
AUSTRALIANS are losing their sight, and First Nations communities are being left behind. The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) is calling on the government to urgently address the widening gap in eye health, as new figures reveal First Nations people are still three times more likely to experience vision impairment and six times more likely to suffer moderate vision loss than other Australians.
For more information FULL REPORT
Every 65 minutes, an Australian loses part of their vision that could have been prevented*. This World Sight Day, the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) is sounding the alarm: eye health can no longer be treated as an afterthought. Australians Urged to Put Sight in the Spotlight this World Sight Day - 08th October 2025
Every 65 minutes, an Australian loses part of their vision that could have been prevented*. This World Sight Day, the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) is sounding the alarm: eye health can no longer be treated as an afterthought.
‘Australian patients must come first’ — that’s the message from The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO), as we throw our support behind Minister Mark Butler’s demand for insurers to deliver better value and greater accountability. Media Release - ASO BACKS MINISTER’S PUSH FOR GREATER PRIVATE HEALTH INSURER ACCOUNTABILITY - 29th September 2025
‘Australian patients must come first’ — that’s the message from The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO), as we throw our support behind Minister Mark Butler’s demand for insurers to deliver better value and greater accountability.
Measured skepticism about the incentives of any medical provider to recommend a treatment, procedure or device should play a role when consumers are making decisions about their personal healthcare.  However, the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) urges patients to ask more questions and ensure they understand the diagnosis they have been given and the subsequent basis for a recommended treatment, procedure or device before proceeding. Media Response — The Age and Sydney Morning Herald - 10th July 2025
Measured skepticism about the incentives of any medical provider to recommend a treatment, procedure or device should play a role when consumers are making decisions about their personal healthcare.  However, the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) urges patients to ask more questions and ensure they understand the diagnosis they have been given and the subsequent basis for a recommended treatment, procedure or device before proceeding.
For more information download this document
Communities across Australia and the globe are being encouraged to “see the world of eye surgery in colour” this August. As part of its annual World Ophthalmologist Day campaign, the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) is launching its first international colouring competition to shine a spotlight on the work of eye surgeons everywhere. ‘Colour the World’ of Surgical Eye Care - 08th July 2025
Communities across Australia and the globe are being encouraged to “see the world of eye surgery in colour” this August. As part of its annual World Ophthalmologist Day campaign, the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) is launching its first international colouring competition to shine a spotlight on the work of eye surgeons everywhere.
Website: Support World Ophthalmologist Day and participate in the International Colouring Competition
For more information download this document
A growing imbalance of power and transition towards US-style managed care and integration of private hospitals poses a threat to Australian patients’ right to choose the doctor of their choice, procedure or treatment of their choice, and hospital or facility of their choice. Media Response — Insight News - 28th June 2025
A growing imbalance of power and transition towards US-style managed care and integration of private hospitals poses a threat to Australian patients’ right to choose the doctor of their choice, procedure or treatment of their choice, and hospital or facility of their choice.
For more information download this document
The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) welcomes the release of the Grattan Institute Report but warns it paints a one-sided picture of the challenges posed to ophthalmology in Australia. Media Statement — Grattan Report - 27th June 2025
The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) welcomes the release of the Grattan Institute Report but warns it paints a one-sided picture of the challenges posed to ophthalmology in Australia.
For more information download this document
An open Letter to the Editor penned by ASO President, Dr Peter Sumich, regarding the release of The Grattan Institute Report. Letter to the Editor — Grattan Report - 26th June 2025
An open Letter to the Editor penned by ASO President, Dr Peter Sumich, regarding the release of The Grattan Institute Report.
For more information download this document
It's a social advocacy film shifting the focus from 'disability' to 'ability' with a focal message on preventative eye health... and it's almost here! Be a social advocate for preventative eye health and attend a screening near you. 'My Eyes' set for Australian launch - 24th April 2025
It's a social advocacy film shifting the focus from 'disability' to 'ability' with a focal message on preventative eye health... and it's almost here! Be a social advocate for preventative eye health and attend a screening near you.


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