Australian Society of Ophthalmologists

20/01/2026

You voted. We listened. 🎤

We're thrilled to announce Professor Joel Pearson as our 2026 A*O Skills Expo keynote speaker, who was the overwhelming favourite from our member survey!

A world-leading cognitive neuroscientist, Professor Pearson will explore how AI is transforming the way we think, learn and work and what it means for your practice.

It's the perfect fit for this year's theme: AI & The Human Edge.

📩 Register now for our Leader's Breakfast to hear Prof. Pearson speak!

https://www.asoeye.org/2026asoskillsexpo

20/01/2026

📚 Introducing the ProVision Academy Webinar Series!!📚

We're excited to launch our new monthly webinar series, bringing expert-led professional development directly to you.

🗓️ When: Second Wednesday of every month
💻 Where: Online, from anywhere!

Whether you're looking to earn CPD points, enhance your clinical skills, or invest in your personal development, our webinars deliver practical, accessible training designed for busy eye care professionals.

Each session offers:
✅ Valuable CPD points towards your continuing professional development
✅ Expert insights from industry leaders
✅ Interactive Q&A opportunities
✅ Flexible learning that fits your schedule

Our professional development program covers everything from compliance to social media management, helping you stay at the forefront of eye care.

Ready to take the next step in your career development journey? Keep an eye on our socials to register for our first webinar on 11 February! This webinar will be all about cybersecurity‼️

*Oeye *O

12/01/2026

Patient Safety Must Come First🔴

The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists, along with medical colleagues, raised serious concerns over the Christmas period about proposals to expand optometrist prescribing to include oral medications.

Unlike eye drops, systemic drugs act throughout the body and can trigger serious adverse events, including renal failure, liver injury, cardiac complications and life-threatening allergic reactions.

Recognising and managing these risks early can be the difference between full recovery and permanent harm.

Australia’s health system is regarded as one of the safest in the world precisely because we maintain appropriate boundaries between professions. We didn’t get that reputation by cutting corners on patient safety.

Read more 👉 https://pharmacydaily.com.au/news/doctors-rail-against-optometrist-prescribing/118327

*O

18/12/2025

Time is running out.

The public consultation on expanding optometrist prescribing rights closes in just days. The A*O is urging all Australians to have their say on changes that could impact patient safety nationwide.

Oral medications aren't like eye drops. They affect the whole body and carry serious risks. That's why we're advocating for collaborative care models that put patients first.

Read our full statement and make your submission before it's too late. https://www.asoeye.org/proposed-expansion-of-optometrist-prescribing

The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (A*O) is urging Australians to have their say on what it calls “a controversial plan to let optometrists prescribe powerful oral medications", with the public consultation window closing in just days.

08/12/2025

✨ Are you after a Christmas gift with a cause?

Purchase a pair of Super Eye Socks 🧦 from the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists with a portion of proceeds supporting 'S equity programs.

💙 https://www.swankysocks.com/collections/aso

Swanky Socks

03/12/2025

The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (A*O) has voiced serious concern regarding the Optometry Board of Australia’s (OBA) proposal to expand optometrists’ prescribing rights to include oral and topical medicines.

03/12/2025

Australia's peak ophthalmology body has elected a new board to tackle what it describes as the nation's looming eye health crisis.

01/12/2025

🚨 MAKE A SUBMISSION | Oral Prescribing Rights for Optometrists
The A*O is deeply concerned about the proposal to grant optometrists prescribing rights for oral medications, including systemic antibiotics and antivirals.

Unlike topical eye drops that act locally, oral medications affect the entire body and require comprehensive medical training to prescribe safely.

Many eye symptoms are not isolated problems - they can be signs of serious systemic conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune disease, vascular disorders, or infections.
Ophthalmologists complete more than a decade of medical and surgical training to recognise these connections, diagnose underlying disease, and manage whole-of-body risk.

Optometrists, as non-medical practitioners, do not undertake the extensive systemic medical training required for the safe prescribing of systemic oral medications.
This debate is not about professional boundaries.

It is about preventing avoidable harm and ensuring patients receive safe, medically appropriate care.

We strongly encourage all members and concerned parties to make a submission against this proposal before 24 December 2025. View more information about our stance here: https://www.asoeye.org/proposed-expansion-of-optometrist-prescribing
In healthcare, patient safety must always come first.

-----

*O

26/11/2025

A huge Happy 70th Birthday to the wonderful Sandra Reed! 🎉

Since joining us as Partnerships & Sponsorships Manager in 2017, Sandra has made an incredible impact on the A*O.

Today was the perfect reminder of the relationships she’s built, with our alliance partner Cutcher & Neale Accounting and Financial Services Managing Partner, Jarrod Bramble, stopping by during his Brisbane trip to surprise her with a beautiful bouquet of peonies 💐

Here’s to you, Sandra! ❤️

25/11/2025

You choose the keynote speaker!🎤

For Skills Expo 2026, we’re handing the mic to you. We’ve shortlisted five incredible speakers, each offering powerful insights across innovation, AI, leadership, performance, and human potential.

Now it’s your turn to decide who takes the stage.

🌟 Explore the options
🗳️ Cast your vote at https://tinyurl.com/2026-keynote
🚀 Check back with us soon to find out who will be speaking!

*O *OSkillsExpo2026

19/11/2025

Our A*O team had an incredible weekend in Melbourne at the 56th RANZCO Congress. The energy, connections, and enthusiasm from our members and colleagues made this event truly memorable.

Our CEO, Katrina Ronne, delivered a presentation at the Practice Manager's event alongside our valued member, Donna Glen, sharing insights on our A*O Practice Growth Calculator and best practices that resonated strongly with attendees.

At our booth, the response to our Super Eye Socks exceeded all expectations! We're particularly proud that 15% of every purchase will be donated to ANZEF, supporting vital eye health initiatives across Australia and New Zealand. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this wonderful cause while adding a bit of fun to their conference wardrobe.

Our AGM, which took place on Sunday morning, was also well received and allowed us to appoint our new Board executive and general members, review A*O's financial position and allowed members an opportunity to share any concerns and shape the future initiatives of the Society.

Sunday night's cocktail party, generously sponsored by Glaukos, was an absolute highlight of the weekend. The venue buzzed with conversation as members old and new came together to celebrate our shared commitment to advancing ophthalmology. The atmosphere was electric, with meaningful discussions flowing as freely as the refreshments.

One of the most exciting outcomes from this weekend was welcoming numerous new members to the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists family. The fresh perspectives and expertise they bring will undoubtedly strengthen our collective mission.

Thank you to everyone who visited our booth, attended our events, and helped make this weekend so special.

We look forward to building on this momentum and seeing you all at future events!

15/11/2025

Honouring Dr. Shish Lal

The Australian Society of Ophthalmology extends our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Shish Lal as he steps down after 16 years of dedicated service on the A*O Board, including three years as Secretary/Treasurer.

A respected eye surgeon and leader, Dr. Lal has been a tireless advocate for patient care, clinical independence, and the future of ophthalmology. His contributions, from strengthening advocacy to encouraging the next generation of ophthalmologists, have left a lasting mark on our profession.

👏 Please join us in celebrating Dr. Lal’s outstanding leadership and commitment. We are deeply grateful for his service and wish him every success in the next chapter of his journey.

*O