Australian Society of Ophthalmologists

Australian Society of Ophthalmologists The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists was formed in 1982 to represent the medico-political interests of ophthalmologists.

09/04/2026

Don't let your colleagues find out you're going to the 11th A*O Skills Expo via the grapevine β€” tell them yourself! πŸ˜‰

We've created a shareable "I'll see you there" tile so you can let your colleagues, peers and networks know you're heading to the Gold Coast on 6–7 June 2026 for two days of hands-on learning, expert insights, and connection with the ophthalmology community.

Speakers and sponsors - check your email for your own speical tile!

πŸ‘‰ Head to our website, download the tile, and share it on your socials with the suggested caption (or make it your own!). Don't forget to tag us so we can cheer you on. πŸ’™

πŸ”—https://www.asoeye.org/2026asoskillsexpo-socialmedia

*OSkillsExpo2026

Our CEO, Katrina Ronne, President, Dr Peter Sumich, and previous Vice President A/Prof Ashish Agar, were honoured to att...
24/03/2026

Our CEO, Katrina Ronne, President, Dr Peter Sumich, and previous Vice President A/Prof Ashish Agar, were honoured to attend the Australian Medical Association's 2026 Colleges, Associations and Societies Meeting in Canberra over the weekend, where health leaders, policymakers, and practitioners came together to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our sector.

The day featured robust discussions on innovation in prevention, training and supporting our future doctors, workforce reform under the National Scheme, and the intersection of health policy, journalism, and politics, with contributions from across government, academia, and the profession. It was particularly valuable to hear directly from the Hon Mark Butler MP and Senator the Hon Anne Ruston on their respective visions for Australian healthcare.

Coinciding with this event was Macular Disease Foundation Australia's (MDFA) 25th birthday celebration, bringing together parliamentarians, clinicians, key eye sector leaders, and the macular disease community.

It was also wonderful to see Senator Jane Hume with her framed picture of her retina, taken by Dr Sumich at our Parliamentary Showcase last year!

Events like these reinforce the importance of cross-sector collaboration and strong advocacy to ensure the best outcomes for patients and the medical profession. We are proud to represent the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists in these critical conversations.

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A new ABC News investigation reveals private health insurers are rapidly expanding into GP clinics and telehealth and ex...
23/03/2026

A new ABC News investigation reveals private health insurers are rapidly expanding into GP clinics and telehealth and experts ,are calling for urgent oversight.
When the entity funding your care also owns the clinic delivering it, the risk is real: clinical decisions driven by commercial interest, not patient need.
Critics warn this could create a two-tier system where your level of care depends on your insurer, not your health.
The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists stands firmly against the creep of managed care models into Australia's health system. We believe every patient deserves care that is clinically led, independently delivered, and free from insurer interference β€” regardless of who holds their policy.

Read the full story πŸ‘‰ https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-23/calls-for-closer-look-as-private-insurers-move-into-gp-clinics/106337010

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12/03/2026

Our 2026 A*O Skills Expo program is now live! Check out our line up of speakers and panelist for this year's Expo - it's our biggest one yet!

https://www.asoeye.org/2026-aso-skills-expo-programme

This year’s theme is β€œAI & The Human Edge”, with our speakers bringing to you the ins and out of AI inside and outside the clinic πŸ€–

QLD members and attendees of last year's Sunday Breakfast β€” keep an eye on your mail for your VEyeP Pass, your ticket to two days of hands-on learning and connection at the Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, 6–7 June. We can't wait to see you there!

*OSkillsExpo26

πŸ” Most glaucoma patients don't know they have it β€” until the damage is done.A*O Vice President Dr Justin Sherwin's lates...
12/03/2026

πŸ” Most glaucoma patients don't know they have it β€” until the damage is done.

A*O Vice President Dr Justin Sherwin's latest column, featured recently in Insight, is a must-read for those interested in best practice care and emerging science for glaucoma management. He explores the shift from reactive treatment to earlier intervention, covering everything from IOP management and laser therapy to lifestyle factors, OCT imaging advances, and the emerging science of vitamin B3.

πŸ‘οΈ Read full piece here: https://www.asoeye.org/index.cfm?module=news&pagemode=indiv&page_id=5193799

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The A*O team attended a Vision 2020 Australia webinar yesterday on the Australian Eye and Ear Health Survey (AEEHS) - Au...
11/03/2026

The A*O team attended a Vision 2020 Australia webinar yesterday on the Australian Eye and Ear Health Survey (AEEHS) - Australia's most comprehensive, contemporary snapshot of national eye and ear health, presented by lead researchers Professor Paul Mitchell and Professor Bamini Gopinath.

The findings shine a light on who is most at risk of vision impairment in Australia and where the system is falling short. Key risk factors highlighted include remoteness, diabetes, and socioeconomic status, with health insurance access playing a significant role in outcomes for First Nations patients, who continue to face disproportionate rates of vision loss compared to non-Indigenous Australians.

Despite this, rates of blindness have measurably improved since the first national Eye Health Survey, a testament to decades of advocacy and clinical effort from the ophthalmology community.

But the work is far from done. The AEEHS data is now a critical evidence base for policy and funding advocacy. Vision 2020 Australia has pointed to the IAPB Advocacy Guide as a practical tool for the sector to translate these findings into action.

This report is a testament to decades of advocacy and clinical effort from the ophthalmology and broader eye health community, including optometry, orthoptists, nurses, Aboriginal eye health coordinators, GPs and more.

A*O is proud to support evidence-based advocacy that drives equitable, accessible eye care for all Australians. πŸ‘οΈ

πŸ† What a week at the RANZCO TAS Meeting!Some wonderful highlights from our team on the ground in Tasmania:Huge congratul...
09/03/2026

πŸ† What a week at the RANZCO TAS Meeting!

Some wonderful highlights from our team on the ground in Tasmania:

Huge congratulations to Dr Bill Glasson AM and Dr John Kearney, who were presented with the Timor-Leste Honours Award on Friday. A very well-deserved recognition of their outstanding contributions to eye health in the region.

We loved spotting Gabbi Hollows rocking the A*O Super Eye socks - always great to see Super Eye out in the wild! πŸ‘€πŸ§¦

A/Prof Ashish Agar, former A*O Vice President, delivered the A*O Update to attendees, and A*O CEO Katrina Ronne was on hand to connect with members, non-members, and industry leaders alike.

It's events like these that remind us how strong and collaborative the ophthalmology community is across Australia and beyond.

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πŸ“‹ 20 Additional Spots Now Open | Medicare Compliance WebinarDue to overwhelming demand, we've released 20 additional spo...
08/03/2026

πŸ“‹ 20 Additional Spots Now Open | Medicare Compliance Webinar

Due to overwhelming demand, we've released 20 additional spots for our A*O ProVision Academy Medicare Compliance Webinar.

This free member webinar brings you face-to-face with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing's Benefits Integrity Division β€” the team directly responsible for protecting the integrity of all Medicare-funded programs.

Whether you're early in your career or looking to sharpen your compliance knowledge, this is a rare opportunity to hear from the source and ask your questions directly.

πŸ“… Wednesday 18 March | 7:00 PM AEDT

⏱ 40-min presentation + 20-min Q&A

πŸ“œ RANZCO CPD accredited (1 hour)

πŸ’° Free for A*O Members

Spots filled fast the first time β€” don't miss out again.

Register now πŸ‘‰ https://www.asoeye.org/aso-academy

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🩺 Are you confident your Medicare claiming is compliant?Our next A*O Academy webinar brings you a session you won't want...
03/03/2026

🩺 Are you confident your Medicare claiming is compliant?

Our next A*O Academy webinar brings you a session you won't want to miss, direct from the Department of Health's Benefits Integrity Division.

Learn about common compliance pitfalls, real-world case studies, and the government's enforcement priorities for 2025–30. Plus, hear from MBS policy specialists who develop the rules governing ophthalmology services on the Medicare Benefits Schedule.

πŸ“… Wednesday 18 March | 7:00 PM AEDT
⏱ 40-min presentation + 20-min Q&A
πŸ“œ RANZCO CPD accredited (1 hour)

This is your chance to ask questions and get clarity β€” straight from the people who oversee Medicare compliance.

Register now πŸ‘‰ https://www.asoeye.org/aso-academy

Today, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the woman behind so much of what A*O stands for. πŸŽ‚Happy Birthday, Katrina Ronn...
27/02/2026

Today, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the woman behind so much of what A*O stands for. πŸŽ‚

Happy Birthday, Katrina Ronne β€” our CEO, our advocate, and a true champion for ophthalmology in Australia.

For over 15 years, Katrina has shown up with dedication to advancing policy, protecting the profession, and ensuring the best outcomes for patients.

In 2025, she made history as A*O’s first female CEO, and every day since, she has led with integrity, passion, and genuine care for the people around her.

Wishing you a day that’s every bit as wonderful as the impact you’ve had on this profession. πŸŽ‰

February is Retinitis Pigmentosa Awareness MonthFor the patients living with RP, the gradual dimming of their world is a...
05/02/2026

February is Retinitis Pigmentosa Awareness Month

For the patients living with RP, the gradual dimming of their world is a daily reality. As ophthalmologists, you witness this journey firsthand, about the difficult conversations, the adaptive strategies, and the hope pinned on emerging research.

This month is a reminder of why our work matters. Every early diagnosis, every referral to low vision services, every moment of honest guidance makes a difference.

Let's continue advocating for research funding, accessible support services, and greater public understanding of inherited retinal diseases.

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Address

Level 22, 288 Edward Street
Brisbane, QLD
4000

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61738313006

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Why You Should Join the A*O

Advocacy: We are your medico-political voice. We are experts in government relations, media and campaigns.

Safety: We protect your clinical autonomy and patient relationships. The battles we fight today are going to safeguard your practice for tomorrow.

Optimisation: We provide the business skills and resources to take your career to the next level.

To find out more visit: www.A*Oeye.org/join