Everyone over 40 should be tested for glaucoma
- 11th March 2012
Everyone over 40 should be tested for glaucoma
World Glaucoma week (March 11-17)
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) is appealing to everyone over 40 years old to get their eyes tested for glaucoma.
Glaucoma, nicknamed "the silent thief of sight‟, is the second leading cause of visual disability in Australia and the leading cause of preventable visual loss. However, 50% of glaucoma patients with the disease are not being treated because they have not been diagnosed. And the number of sufferers is increasing rapidly as the population ages.
(from the outside an eye with glaucoma looks normal: checking the nerve at the back is what enables diagnosis)
RANZCO urges Australians to cover up
- 19th January 2012
Australians love summer, and most of us know that ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels in summer are much higher. Even a quick 15 minute walk at lunchtime can easily result in a painful burn! But, less common is the knowledge that sun exposure can leave your vision and eyes at risk of permanent damage said the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO).
RANZCO welcomes new Minister for Health
- 13th December 2011
RANZCO welcomes new Minister for Health
“RANZCO looks forward to a close working relationship with the new Australian Health Minister,” said RANZCO President, Dr Bill Glasson.
Dwindling workforce faced with increasing eye-care needs of premmie babies and children
- 22nd November 2011
Dwindling workforce faced with increasing eye-care needs of premmie babies and children
Eye specialists across Australia and New Zealand are struggling to meet the increasing eye-care needs of premmie babies and children as the number of paediatric ophthalmologists dwindles.
Missing X and Y: The eye health of young adults neglected
- 21st November 2011
Missing X and Y: The eye health of young adults neglected
Researchers should do more to uncover the prevalence of eye disease and blindness in young adults. Perth-based ophthalmologist, Prof David Mackey, said Gen X and Y – those born between 1965 and 1990 – had been neglected because the current focus is on the elderly and the very young.
Injuries from magpies, what bugs are on that beak?
- 20th November 2011
Injuries from magpies, what bugs are on that beak?
Territorial magpies swoop during nesting season and more than 20% of magpie attacks result in eye injuries. “The most common eye injury is corneal laceration and penetration of the eye, and occurs most often in children and young adults,” said ophthalmologist Dr Michael Wertheim, of Western Australia. “This type of injury can potentially cause blindness.”
Australian and New Zealand Eye Surgeons elect a new President and two Vice Presidents
- 19th November 2011
Australian and New Zealand Eye Surgeons elect a new President and two Vice Presidents
Organ donation, anything but the eyes
- 19th November 2011
Organ donation, anything but the eyes
Thirty per cent of families who agree to donate the organs of a recently deceased family member, specifically refuse to donate corneas. Research by Dr Mitchell Lawlor, of Sydney, revealed that of all the body's organs, the eyes hold a powerful metaphorical place within our culture, religion and philosophy.
Advances in eye health enable treatment to be targeted to the individual
- 17th November 2011
17 November - Advances in eye health enable treatment to be targeted to the individual
With 52% of Australians already reporting long-term problems with eyesight* the need for timely diagnosis, treatment and prevention of eye disease is greater than ever, as the population ages.
Medical Eye Specialists applaud telehealth initiative
- 17th June 2011
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to introduce new Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items for telehealth services.
Read more: Medical Eye Specialists applaud telehealth initiative
