Main

ASO EyeWatch September 2022 Edition

Date:
By  Kerry Gallagher

honeysuckle-health-600x400

The Price of Liberty

There’s a boat club in Sydney that I occasionally drive past with a motto displayed permanently on its façade: “The Price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance”.

(Of course, anyone in Defence would recognise the phrase as no less than the motto of our RSL, as our esteemed CEO would gently remind me!).

It’s a powerful statement, with many layers of truth, and one that seems especially relevant for the ASO and medicine in general, at this point in time.

In case you’ve been under a rock lately, members should be aware of the latest threat to patient safety posed by non-medical practitioners seeking to work outside their area of training and expertise. What is euphemistically called ‘broadening the scope of practice’.

This time it’s our colleagues across the ditch in NZ who are copping it, following a recent decision by their optometry board to unilaterally grant themselves the right to perform laser eye procedures. YAG capsulotomies and peripheral iridotomies initially, in a document that also references intravitreal injections for future consideration.

This is, of course, right out of the US playbook. It’s a threat the ASO is all too familiar with following a similar attempt in 2013 by their Australian equivalent to excise ophthalmology from glaucoma management. After efforts to mediate were unsuccessful, the ASO had to launch legal proceedings in the Supreme Court against AHPRA to defend our standard of care. With arguments supported by RANZCO and Glaucoma Australia, we won in the end. But it cost 20 months of work and over half a million dollars of members contributions in legal fees.

Much to our amazement, we are all discovering differences in the NZ health system which mean a different approach may be needed there. Chiefly, the absence of an AHPRA like over-arching regulatory body which can intervene to enforce standards of patient care.

Your ASO is thus assisting RANZCO who are making representations to government and agencies via their NZ branch to seek a mediated solution. I have been encouraged by how the executive of both organisations are working extremely closely. Our CEO Kerry Gallagher and I have also just presented at the conference of Ophthalmology NZ, the ASO’s sister organisation, offering our support and encouraging them to be prepared for what may lie ahead, invoking the ANZAC spirit.

The ‘liberty’ we are defending is the highest standard of patient care, reflecting the high standard of training, that each of you have sacrificed so much for. The ‘vigilance’ is the core work of your ASO in meeting these challenges head on, and always being ready to take action when that standard of care is threatened.

This issue shows how threats can come at any time and from anywhere. So if you want someone in your corner, then make sure you let your colleagues know what’s at stake and encourage them to support the ASO. Because this vigilance really must be ‘eternal’….

 

Skills-Expo-600x400

Highlights from Expo 22

A huge and heartfelt thank you to all of our Sponsors and Alliance Partners for their support of ASO Skills Expo 2022. Thank you to all the presenters and delegates for joining us in Melbourne.

It was a great conference that allowed our industry to connect after a long period of time. This year was our most extensive business and clinical program, with numerous sessions covering the challenges and opportunities for our industry going forward. There were many important discussions and conversations had. 

We look forward to gathering again next year in June in Sydney!

Click here to view the gallery. 


Additional Expo resources 

The following presenters would like to share their presentation or additional resources:

1. Shaun Gath, Principal of Narrabundah Partners.

PDF: Address to ASO Skills Expo

2. David Webnan, Managing Director of the Australian Health Industry Group (AHIG). 

Presentation: Looking at the business of ophthalmology for your practice managers and business associates

3. Dr James Muecke AM, Lieutenant Governor of SA and Australian of the Year 2020

Low Carb Downunder 

Diet Doctor

Defeat Diabetes

 
GK04860_Glaukos_Black_Swirls_600x120px_V1
 

ASO Annual General Meeting (AGM)

We would like to invite you to the 39th AGM of the Australian Society of Ophthalmology. This meeting is open to all ASO members.

Date: Sunday 30 October 2022

Time: 10:15am 

Venue: RANZCO Congress, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Bank

To register your interest to attend, click here

 

Recommendations-Released-600x400-2

Cosmetic surgery review recommendations released

An independent review of the regulation of health practitioners in cosmetic surgery led by Andrew Brown, was recently conducted after a series of complaints in the cosmetic surgery space were unresolved.

AHPRA and the Medical Board recently released a list of recommendations post review which they claim will increase oversight of the industry.

This review is further evidence that AHPRA continues to show a lack of leadership and enforces the need for a full review of the credibility and viability of AHPRA.

The full recommendations can be viewed here.

The ASO will continue to advocate for the rights of ophthalmologists throughout this period of regulatory review, in particular for the use of the titles ‘surgeon’ and ‘oculoplastic surgeon’.

 

 
GK04860_Glaukos_Black_Swirls_600x120px_V1

 

honeysuckle-health-600x400

Honeysuckle Health update

A legally binding agreement has been reached with Honeysuckle Health (HH) which reinforces strong protections for doctors and patients for specialist services funded by private health insurers who choose to participate in the HH buying group. 

You can access a summary of the agreement here.

These protections are in addition to the conditions already put in place by the ACCC. 

We look forward to working constructively with Honeysuckle Health over the next few years to ensure doctors continue to have a strong voice in this process. 

The ASO, along with other medical groups including NAPP and AMA, has worked hard on this campaign to secure these protections. We will continue to advocate for our members, our patients and our colleagues. 

 
MDANAD387_ASO-Exclusive-offer_600x120

 

DVA-Health-Fees-600x400

DVA health provider fees

From 1 July 2022, DVA fees have been indexed by 1.6 per cent; and temporary telehealth arrangements have ceased.

For full details, click here to visit The Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

 

member-jungle-icon-2

Download the ASO member app

The ASO member app makes it easier than ever to access your membership details, stay up-to-date with ASO notifications, manage your renewals and much more – all from your android or iOS device.

Download the app in 5 easy steps!

  1. Download the Member Jungle app
  2. Search for ‘The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists’
  3. Select ‘Sign In’
  4. Select ‘Register now’
  5. Submit your details to create your personalised account

Download the Member Jungle app now at the App Store or Google Play.

Icons-App-Store  Icons-Google-play

 
ALC1520 Vivity Digital Banner_600x120px_HR
 

Dr-David-Moore-2-600x400

Reaping the rewards 

Congratulations to ASO member Dr David Moore who was recently awarded The Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to ophthalmology in this year’s Queen’s Birthday honours list.

One of just 428 Australians, nationwide to receive the Order of Australia Medal, Dr Moore has been helping people restore and preserve their eyesight for over 30 years. 

“After finding out that I was nominated for this award, I felt both extremely honoured and very humbled. I also realise that such awards are only possible with the help of many people around you. In my case that includes my wife, Gaye, my staff at my rooms and overseas where I have worked.”

Dr Moore started his career as a rural GP. After developing a strong interest in eye care, something which he says was cemented during his time in the Royal Flying Doctor Service, he went on to become an ophthalmologist.  

“I had always been fascinated with the eye as an incredible organ but initially decided to pursue a career as a rural GP. After years working for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, I felt a desire to try and concentrate on caring for one part of the body.” he said. 

Having always been interested in working rurally, Dr Moore has been practising ophthalmology in Tamworth since 1991 and founded North West Eyes in 2003. From the beginning he was keen to provide a quality, comprehensive service to the people of North West NSW.

“I was able to introduce modern cataract surgery to the region soon after I arrived and in 2007 introduce the current injection based treatments for medical retina diseases.”

Charitable work has also been a big part of what Dr Moore does, helping heal hundreds of thousands of eyes in India and North Korea.

“In 2005 I went to India and teamed up with a local rural ophthalmologist who was providing free eye care to people in a rural part of India. He had no support to continue to provide these services so together we formed a small organisation called Eye Openers.” he said

This once small organisation, based in the rural and slum area of Andhra Pradesh in India, now sees about 50,000 patients a year and performs around 2000 cataract operations per year as well as other minor operations.

“As an Australian ophthalmologist I feel I have been greatly blessed and privileged and as such have felt I needed to give back to people in need."

If you would like to know more about Eye Openers, click here.

 
GK04860_Glaukos_Black_Swirls_600x120px_V1

 

Payroll-Tax-600x400

Payroll tax and medical practices: not good news

Are medical practitioners engaged under a service arrangements considered employees of a medical practice for the purpose of payroll tax? This is the question currently plaguing the medical industry.

Since September 2019, when the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Victoria made its decision in Commissioner of State Revenue v The Optical Superstore Pty Ltd, there has been considerable uncertainty about the payroll tax position for medical practices.

Further, the recent NSW Civil & Administrative Tribunal decision in Thomas and Naaz Pty Ltd v Chief Commissioner of State Revenue highlighted the potential issue for medical practices engaging medical practitioners under service arrangements.

To read this article in full, click here


2022_ASO_enews_ads_(600_×_120_px)_(1)_(2)

 

Para-Team-600x400

Join the Para-team

Paralympics Australia are currently searching for ophthalmologists to join the team as Visual Impairment classifiers for Paralympic sport.

Paralympics Australia will be running upcoming training courses for registered ophthalmologists with a minimum of 3 years clinical experience and currently working with people with low vision. The course will be fully funded by Paralympics Australia and is a great opportunity for anyone to expand their skills and experience new opportunities available through Para-sport.

Classification Coordinator for Paralympics Australia, Amy Williamson hopes to encourage more ophthalmologists to get involved with Para-sport.

“With the growing number of athletes with a visual impairment wanting to participate in sport, we can hopefully get more people involved to help this upwards trajectory for VI sports.”

If this is something you’d like know more about, register your interest here.

 

BMW-Electrical-800x400

The all-new BMW X1 Sports Activity Vehicle

Progressive design, greater ride comfort and enhanced drivetrain – at Doncaster BMW.

Entering its third generation, the all-new BMW X1 has been a stylish and strong competitor in the premium compact SUV market for well over a decade. Bringing big car features into a city-sized package, the BMW X1 is a compelling argument for those who want SUV ride height, wagon practicality and hatchback proportions.

Due to arrive late 2022, the all-new model is no exception, bringing a significantly enhanced level of equipment as well as improved comfort, dimensions, design and performance. Key interior highlights include the BMW Curved Display, a high resolution 10.7” central display which is geared purposefully to providing intuitive touch and voice control and newly developed seats with increased support and comfort for all occupants.

A strong range of engine variants are also available, the sDrive18i and xDrive20i petrol models bring increased power from the predecessor all whilst delivering efficient consumption. Most excitingly though, electric power is available for the first time ever in the BMW X1 range. The all-new iX1 xDrive30 is due to arrive in 2023 for those ready to drive into the future, all with zero emissions but the same exhilarating dynamics. 

A tier above the rest, the all-new BMW X1; offers an optimum blend of agility and comfort with increased specification and the introduction of the first ever fully electric BMW iX1.

If you would like more information on the new BMW X1, email Philip Robinson, Corporate Sales Manager at Doncaster BMW on call (03) 8848 0000.

 

events-calendar-600x400

Upcoming events

28 Oct-1 Nov
RANZCO's 53rd Annual Scientific Congress

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Click here for Congress website.

30 Oct
ASO 39th Annual General Meeting

10:15am, RANZCO Congress, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Click here to RSVP.

 

Welcome-Matt-800x400

Welcome new members

We extend a warm welcome to our newest members:

  • Lasitha Jayasinghe (WA)
  • Fumitaka Nonaka (VIC)
  • Erwin Groeneveld (QLD)
  • Tanya Trinh (NSW)
  • Edwina Eade (NSW)
  • Alp Atiki (VIC)
  • Dana Robaei (NSW)
  • Phoebe Moore (NSW)
  • Jessica Xiong (NSW)
  • Jason Cassar (QLD)

Every new member to the ASO makes our society a stronger, more formidable medico-political force.

 

the-happiest-man-on-earth-book-600x400

Congratulations!

Congratulations to our winner, Dr Christolyn Raj, who has won a copy of Eddie Jaku’s memoir, The Happiest Man on Earth in our recent Bulletin book review giveaway.

Thank you to everyone who entered. Be sure to keep an eye out in the next issue of the Bulletin for more giveaways.

 

Dr-David-Moore-600x400

Two Minutes With: Dr David Moore

Location: North West Eyes (Tamworth)
Sub-specialty/special interest area: Cataract surgery and medical retinal diseases.

  • Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise.
  • Neat freak or messy? I love neatness but my desks are always very messy.
  • On time or late? On time apart from in the consulting room.
  • What is your favourite thing to make to eat? I love fresh fruit and vegetables.
  • What was the last thing you took a photo of? My grandson after I took him to the park yesterday.
  • If someone were to play you in a movie, who would you want it to be? That one I don't know!
  • Your favourite season is? Autumn with its stable air and lovely colours.
  • Your favourite part of the work day is? Mid morning once I have got into my stride and before I get too far behind my workload.
  • If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be? In being able to service machinery.
  • Would you rather live on a sailboat or motorhome? A motorhome as it is easier to get off and explore places.
 
Attached Documents:
2022_ASO_Conference_Paper_NS.2
14-08-22_ASO_Presentation