ORCID Profile
0000-0002-5942-6247
Current Organisations
University of New South Wales
,
The Univeristy of Melbourne
,
Brien Holden Vision Institute
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 02-2013
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-10-2022
DOI: 10.1080/08164622.2022.2122704
Abstract: An assessment of the total number, demographics and geographic distribution of optometrists in Australia may inform policy to address the maldistribution of the workforce. Concerns have been expressed about the growth of the optometry workforce in the context of, in the last decade, the establishment of four new optometry programs in addition to the three long-standing programs. This paper analysed data obtained from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency about registered optometrists during the period 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2019. The de-identified dataset included information about registered optometrists in Australia: their first year of registration, gender, year of birth (in five-year bands), optometry qualification, registration type including endorsement for therapeutic practice and the postcode of the principal place of practice. Data for 6,596 registrants were obtained over the study period during which the number of female optometrists increased significantly. The age profile of the profession shifted, with younger age bands becoming a significantly greater proportion of the profession. The majority of the profession comprised optometrists with a qualification from one of the three long-standing Australian optometry programs. Graduates of those programs accounted for 75.1% of registered optometrists in 2019, while 14.3% held a qualification from an overseas institution. The proportion of optometrists practising in major Australian cities was greater than the proportion of the population in those locations. A concomitant low proportion of optometrists, relative to population size, was found in regional and remote areas. Optometrists practising in Australia can be generalised as mostly female graduates of one of the three long-standing optometry programs holding general registration with a therapeutic endorsement, and with a principal place of practice located in a major Australian city. A significant maldistribution of the workforce was found that did not change significantly during the study period.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 21-10-2013
DOI: 10.3109/02713683.2013.841255
Abstract: A pilot study was conducted to evaluate human corneal epithelial cell shedding in response to wearing a silicone hydrogel contact lens/solution combination inducing corneal staining. The nature of ex vivo collected cells staining with fluorescein was also examined. A contralateral eye study was conducted in which up to eight participants were unilaterally exposed to a multipurpose contact lens solution/silicone hydrogel lens combination previously shown to induce corneal staining (renu® fresh™ and balafilcon A test eye), with the other eye using a combination of balafilcon A soaked in a hydrogen peroxide care system (Clear Care® control eye). Lenses were worn for 2, 4 or 6 hours. Corneal staining was graded after lens removal. The Ocular Surface Cell Collection Apparatus was used to collect cells from the cornea and the contact lens. In the test eye, maximum solution-induced corneal staining (SICS) was observed after 2 hours of lens wear (reducing significantly by 4 hours p < 0.001). There were significantly more cells collected from the test eye after 4 hours of lens wear when compared to the control eye and the collection from the test eye after 2 hours (for both n = 5 p < 0.001). The total cell yield at 4 hours was 813 ± 333 and 455 ± 218 for the test and control eyes, respectively (N = 5, triplicate, p = 0.003). A number of cells were observed to have taken up the fluorescein dye from the initial fluorescein instillation. Confocal microscopy of fluorescein-stained cells revealed that fluorescein was present throughout the cell cytoplasm and was retained in the cells for many hours after recovery from the corneal surface. This pilot study indicates that increased epithelial cell shedding was associated with a lens-solution combination which induces SICS. Our data provides insight into the transient nature of the SICS reaction and the nature of fluorescein staining observed in SICS.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.CLAE.2010.01.006
Abstract: To assess the clinical and subjective performance of a one-step hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) lens care system compared to a multi-purpose disinfecting system (MPDS) when used with silicone hydrogel (SiH) lenses. This was an eight-week, contralateral (lens type) clinical trial with a randomized, cross-over (care system) design. The H2O2 system was Clear Care ((AO Sept Plus) CIBA VISION) and the MPDS was OPTI-FREE RepleniSH (Alcon) and the SiH materials were lotrafilcon B (Air Optix CIBA VISION) and senofilcon A (Acuvue OASYS, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care). Investigators and subjects were masked to lens care and lens type, respectively. Clinical variables and ocular health assessments were conducted at a baseline, two-week and four-week visit for each cross-over phase. Comfort, dryness and vision were rated on 0-100 scales. Wearing times and comfortable wearing times were also recorded. Twenty-six subjects were enrolled: nine male, 17 female, mean age (+/-standard deviation) 31+/-12 years (range 17-59 years) and 24 subjects completed the study. Clinical variables showed no difference between solutions (all p > 0.05), however one subject exhibited solution-induced corneal staining with both lens materials and the MPDS. There was no difference between solutions in subjective overall ratings of comfort, dryness or vision (p > 0.05). The H2O2 resulted in longer reported comfortable wearing times than the MPDS (10.93 +/- 1.71 vs 9.84 +/- 1.47 h repeated measures ANOVA, p < 0.01). While both lens care systems performed well with the SiH lenses used, the H2O2 resulted in a longer reported comfortable wearing time then the MPDS.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2017
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 1996
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2002
DOI: 10.1111/J.1444-0938.2002.TB03083.X
Abstract: This study was conducted to ascertain current preferences for contact lens prescribing in the Australian states and territories. One thousand questionnaires were randomly distributed to proportionate s les of optometrists in each state of Australia. We requested details of the first 10 patients fitted with contact lenses after receipt of the questionnaire. One hundred and seventy-eight completed questionnaires were returned, detailing contact lens fits to 1,611 patients. The mean age of the patient group was 32.1 +/- 13.0 yrs (65 per cent female). For Australia as a whole: 53 per cent of patients were existing wearers, the remainder were new fits 93 per cent of new fits were with soft lenses, of which seven per cent were for extended wear. Of the refits, 89 per cent were soft lenses and 18 per cent for extended wear. The lens material of first choice was mid-water-content (62 per cent of all soft lens fits). Only eight per cent of all soft fits were for lenses that were not replaced on a planned basis, with two weeks being the replacement interval of choice in all states and territories. The majority of rigid lenses were prescribed using mid-Dk materials (50 per cent). Analysis of solution prescribing indicates that multi-purpose products were the most common regimens for planned replacement soft lenses. The percentage of hydrogen peroxide prescribed increased as lens replacement became less frequent. By state or territory: practitioners in Tasmania prescribed more extended wear than those in any other state (p = 0.007) and practitioners in Queensland prescribed more daily disposable contact lenses than those in any other state (p = 0.009). Non-planned replacement lenses are now rarely prescribed to patients. Extended-wear lenses and rigid lenses continue to be prescribed more to existing contact lens wearers than to new patients. The impact of soft multifocal lens designs on contact lens prescribing is very small, ranging from 2.6 per cent in Queensland to 4.7 per cent in Victoria, despite 20 per cent of patients being more than 45 years of age.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 06-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2001
DOI: 10.1016/S1367-0484(01)80004-7
Abstract: More lens designs for the presbyopic market are emerging and the use of novel constructions to generate varifocal optics in contact lenses is increasing. A number of designs incorporate aspheric shapes, of known p-values on the front and back surface of contact lenses. Frequently, the back optic zone radius quoted by the manufacturer is a nominal reference making verification of these lenses difficult. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a videokeratoscope or an optical microspherometer could verify these complex surfaces. Fifty-four concave test surfaces of known vertex curvatures (7.30 to 8.10 mm, in 0.1 mm steps) and known p-values (1.0 to 0.0, in 0.1 steps) were produced and measured with two different systems. The optical microspherometer was able to verify the vertex radius to a high degree of accuracy (+/- 0.072[2SD]) without bias (mean difference = 0.008 +/- 0.01(2SE]). However, verification of the p-value by utilising Baker's equation demonstrated a poor degree of accuracy (+/-0.574) and bias (mean difference=0.134, +/-0.078). The degree of accuracy for the measurement of the vertex radius of the concave surface, when using the videokeratoscope, was also very high (+/-0.09) but with a demonstration of bias (mean difference=-0.017, +/-0.012). The videokeratoscope was able to describe the p-value for the surface to a high degree of accuracy (+/-0.136) but did demonstrate bias (-0.052, +/-0.018). These results for the measurement of the p-value for the optical microspherometry were statistically significantly different from that of the control measurement (p = 0.0379) and that for the videokeratoscope (p = 0.0042). To determine the degree of asphericity of a concave optical surface to an acceptable degree of accuracy a videokeratoscope can be used in preference to an optical microspherometer. Both instruments demonstrated a high degree of accuracy when measuring the vertex radius.
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2006
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 11-2007
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.CLAE.2016.09.002
Abstract: To understand long-term contact lens prescribing habits of Canadian optometrists. One thousand optometrists were surveyed annually from 2000 to 2015. Information was requested on the first ten patients examined after receiving the survey. Over the 16-year survey period, 1987 optometrists provided information on 19,143 patients. Mean age of the patients was 32.7±14.4years. Ratio of females to males was 2:1, the ratio of new fits to refits was 2:3. Soft contact lenses represented 94.5% of all fits. Rigid lenses were more often used as a refit compared to a new fit. Over the 16 years, market share for silicone hydrogel materials grew from 0% to 69.6%, mid-water content materials declined from 75.7% to 14.1%. The multifocal market share grew at the expense of spherical designs, with no change in toric lens fitting. Monthly soft lens replacement remained the preferred option at 48.2%, followed by daily disposable at 40.8% two-weekly replacement declined to less than10% of patients by 2015. Extended wear was likely used to refit and only to a small proportion of wearers, representing 2.6% of SCL by 2015. The lens care system of choice throughout the period was multipurpose solutions, although the proportion for peroxide systems more than doubled by 2015 from 9.6%, to 21.1%. Over the 16-year period, SCL material preference changed to silicone hydrogels with monthly replacement being preferred daily disposables replacing 2-weekly as the alternate. Lens care preference continued to be multipurpose solutions. Rigid lenses appear to be sustained for specialist fitting.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 02-2012
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2013
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 03-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.CLAE.2018.02.001
Abstract: To review contact lens prescribing trends in Japan between 2003 and 2016. An annual survey of contact lens prescribing trends was conducted each year between 2003 and 2016. Japanese ophthalmologists were asked to provide information relating to ten consecutive contact lens fittings between January and March every year. Over the 14 years of the annual survey, data from a total of 64,122 contact lens fits were returned by ophthalmologists. The mean age (±SD) of lens wearers was 30 ± 13 years, and 68% were female. The proportion of rigid lens fits decreased over time, from 35.4% in 2003 to 14.7% in 2016. Across this period, daily disposable lens fits increased, representing 46% in 2016. The proportion of toric lenses and multifocal lenses gradually increased, from 6.6% and 1.9% to 12.3% and 5.8%, respectively. Silicone hydrogel material use grew from 0% to 43.2%, while mid and low water content lens materials declined from 54.1% and 28.2% to 36.1% and 8.3%, respectively. Multi-purpose lens care solutions dominated the market over the 14 year survey period. This survey has revealed prescribing trends and preferences in Japan over the past 14 years, with the main changes observed being a decrease in rigid lens use and an increase in the use of silicone hydrogel materials and daily disposable lenses.
Publisher: Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
Date: 18-10-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 1991
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2006
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 02-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.CLAE.2019.06.008
Abstract: To determine the extent of contact lens fitting for myopia control (MC) in children (defined as ≤ 17 years of age) worldwide and to characterize the associated demographics and fitting patterns. Survey forms were sent to contact lens fitters in 66 countries between January and March every year for eight consecutive years (2011-2018, inclusive). Practitioners were asked to record data relating to the first 10 contact lens fits performed after receiving the survey form. Data were analysed for those countries reporting ≥ 100 contact lens fits to children. Data were analysed for 535 MC fits and 23,295 other (non-MC) lens fits undertaken in 31 countries reporting ≥ 100 contact lens fits to children, with 52.1% of MC fits and 12.0% of non-MC fits being with rigid lenses (p < 0.0001). Overall, MC lenses represented 2.3% of all contact lens fits to children, with significant differences between nations (p < 0.0001), ranging from no MC fits recorded in the Czech Republic, Greece, Japan, South Korea and Puerto Rico, to 24.9% in Austria. There has been an increase in contact lens fitting for MC over the survey period (p < 0.0001). MC contact lenses were fitted to younger children compared to non-MC lenses (MC, median 13 years vs. non-MC, median 15 years) (p < 0.0001). There was no sex bias in the fitting of MC lenses (p = 0.89). MC lenses are currently being prescribed for younger children in equal measure in terms of soft vs. rigid lenses and males vs. females. The extent of MC fitting is low and varies between nations. The gradual increase in MC fitting throughout the survey period perhaps reflects growing concerns among practitioners over the myopia epidemic.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 1999
DOI: 10.1016/S1367-0484(99)80026-5
Abstract: The use of rigid materials with high oxygen permeability (Dk) is on the increase, their major benefit being the reduction of hypoxia. However, there is a reluctance to use these materials possibly due to increased surface scratching, reduced wettability, increased deposition, reduced life expectancy and parameter instability. Considering parameter stability, various studies have demonstrated contradictory results or used high Dk materials based on the silicone acrylate polymer. This study was designed to investigate whether the parameters of a high Dk rigid fluorocarbon contact lens material changed during daily wear and extended wear schedules. Thirty five subjects, ided into group groups, Group I wore the lens on a daily wear basis, whereas those in Group II wore the lens on a monthly extended wear basis. The parameters and integrity of the lenses were monitored in both groups every 3 months. For lens integrity a statistically significant increase in surface scratching was demonstrated for the lenses worn by the subjects of both groups over the time of the study (Group I, F=7.990, P <0.0001 [ANCOVA] Group II, F=6.241, P=0.003 [ANCOVA]). The only parameter to show a statistically significant variation over the study period was that of centre thickness for the lenses worn by the subjects in Group I (F=3.976, P=0.0063 [ANCOVA]), with a mean reduction in centre thickness of 0.022 mm at the 12 month visit. No change was noted for either group or between groups for the other parameters measured. This study demonstrates that the parameters of rigid contact lenses manufactured from high Dk fluorocarbons are stable with only a non-clinically significant reduction in centre thickness for the contact lenses worn by the subjects in Group I.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 03-2013
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2009
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2008
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-2018
DOI: 10.1111/CXO.12633
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 03-2009
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.CLAE.2010.06.003
Abstract: Daily disposable contact lenses were introduced into the market 16 years ago. Data that we have gathered from annual contact lens fitting surveys conducted in Australia, Canada, Japan, The Netherlands, Norway, the UK and the USA between 2000 and 2008 indicates an overall increase in daily disposable lens fitting during this period. Daily disposable lenses are especially popular in Japan, Norway and the UK. There is a trend for these lenses to be fitted on a part-time basis. Males are over-represented in daily disposable lens fitting-a trend that is especially evident in Canada. Daily disposable lens wearers are about two years younger than wearers of reusable lenses in Japan and The Netherlands. The convenience and health benefits of daily disposable lenses are expected to fuel continued growth in this sector.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.CLAE.2015.05.002
Abstract: To determine the ease with which children and youths without previous soft contact lens (SCL) experience were able to handle, care for, adapt and be fitted with SCLs. 179 children aged 8-16 were recruited. Study visits included: screening and training visits, 1-week and 3-month follow-ups. During the training visit, the time taken to demonstrate proficiency in lens insertion and removal and care was recorded. A second training visit was scheduled if necessary. Nine children did not complete the screening visit and eight discontinued during the study. Of those eight, seven discontinued during the first week and one before the 3-month visit. Of those recruited, 90.5% (162/179) were successfully fitted and completed the study. A majority of children were dispensed with lenses at the first training visit (94.6%, 162/171). The mean training time for all children was 30 min. There were no statistically significant differences in the number of lenses required to fit or instruction time by age group (p > 0.05) or gender (p > 0.05). Nine participants (5.3%, 9/171) required a second training visit with four still unable to handle lenses (2.3%, 4/171). By the 1-week visit 13.2% (22/167) of participants either lost or tore lenses, no subsequent lost or torn lenses occurred. No serious adverse events occurred during the study. Children and youths with no previous contact lens experience were easily fitted, able to successfully wear and care for lenses. The results of this study should encourage practitioners to recommend SCLs as a vision correction option.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-2019
DOI: 10.1111/CXO.12873
Abstract: People living in rural and remote areas have poorer ocular health outcomes compared with those living in metropolitan areas. Reasons for this are multiple and complex but access to care is consistently reported as a defining factor. The geographic maldistribution of eye-care professionals is a major obstacle for regional, rural and remote Australians seeking care. Research from the medical profession suggests adopting the 'rural pipeline' concept to address the issue of maldistribution. This approach appears to have had some success in medicine, and involves recruiting students from a rural background, exposing students to rural practice through placements and offering graduates incentives and support to practice rurally. Lessons could be learnt from the medical field as there is a dearth of literature describing the utilisation of the rural pipeline in allied health. However, given the differences between professions it cannot be assumed factors and results will be the same. A greater understanding is required to determine whether optometry is a profession which may benefit from the rural pipeline concept.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 08-2016
DOI: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000000883
Abstract: To explore the effect of masking on subjective responses when wearing daily disposable (DD) contact lenses. In an adaptation phase, habitual wearers of Manufacturer-A (MFA) (n = 43) and Manufacturer-B (MFB) (n = 53) wore MFA-brand 1 or MFB-brand 1 DDs, respectively, for 30 days, open-label. Subjects were then randomly assigned to one of two experiments. Each experiment included two, 3-day crossover phases. An enhanced version of MFA and MFB lenses (MFA-brand 2 and MFB-brand 2) were worn contralaterally to evaluate potential differences in masking result between manufacturers. Experiment 1: subjects were fully masked to lens and packaging (FM) then unmasked (UM). Experiment 2: subjects were FM then partially masked using an over-label (PM). Comfort ratings (0–100) were recorded for each lens daily and preference between lenses was recorded on day 3 for each crossover phase. The mean difference between 0–100 ratings or preference when FM or PM versus UM for the same lens was considered a measurement of the effect associated with masking. The purpose of the study was withheld from subjects to minimize bias. The effect associated with masking for habitual wearers of MFA and MFB lenses was less than 1 out of 100 (0 ± 2.5) in both experiments. Fifty-eight subjects (60%) expressed no preference when FM. This decreased to 29 (30%) when UM or PM (proportion test, p 0.001). Approximately half the subjects had a change in lens preference when they were UM or PM, primarily in favor of their habitual lens manufacturer. Masking did not have a measurable impact on 0–100 ratings with the DD lenses used in this study but did have an impact on lens preference. Subjects were more likely to express a preference when they handled the lenses and were exposed to the lens packaging and, in some cases, able to read the lens brand and lens manufacturer.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.CLAE.2011.06.005
Abstract: To determine the proportion of soft contact lens (CL) wearers who are able to recall their habitual products (lenses and care system) correctly from memory, and to evaluate the value of using photographic aids (PAs) to improve recall. 103 soft lens wearers attended 2 visits to investigate their habitual CL product use. At the first visit they were asked to recall which products they were using and then to identify their products from PAs. They returned for a second visit with their products for confirmation. 51% correctly reported their lens brands from memory alone, which improved to 87% with the use of the PAs (p<0.001). 41% correctly reported their habitual care system from memory alone, which improved to 80% with the use of PAs (p<0.001). Females were better at recalling care system brand names than males (49% versus 27% correct, p=0.040) and wearers with more than 1 year experience with their habitual CLs had better recall than those with up to 1 year experience (63% versus 27%, p=0.014). Less than 50% of contact lens wearers were able to recall the names of their habitual lens and lens care products correctly from memory. PAs improved this recall significantly for both contact lenses and contact lens care systems.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.CLAE.2010.06.007
Abstract: Extended wear has long been the 'holy grail' of contact lenses by virtue of the increased convenience and freedom of lifestyle which they accord however, this modality enjoyed only limited market success during the last quarter of the 20th century. The introduction of silicone hydrogel materials into the market at the beginning of this century heralded the promise of successful extended wear due to the superior oxygen performance of this lens type. To assess patterns of contact lens fitting, including extended wear, over the past decade, up to 1000 survey forms were sent to contact lens fitters in Australia, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, the UK and the USA each year between 2000 and 2009. Practitioners were asked to record data relating to the first 10 contact lens fits or refits performed after receiving the survey form. Analysis of returned forms revealed that, averaged over this period, 9% of all soft lenses prescribed were for extended wear, with national figures ranging from 2% in Japan to 17% in Norway. The trend over the past decade has been for an increase from about 5% of all soft lens fits in 2000 to a peak of between 9 and 12% between 2002 and 2007, followed by a decline to around 7% in 2009. A person receiving extended wear lenses is likely to be an older female who is being refitted with silicone hydrogel lenses for full-time wear. Although extended wear has yet again failed to fulfil the promise of being the dominant contact lens wearing modality, it is still a viable option for many people.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2004
DOI: 10.1111/J.1444-0938.2004.TB03141.X
Abstract: Prior to the launch of silicone hydrogel (Si-H) materials in Australia in 1999, only 1.6 per cent of lenses were prescribed on a continuous wear basis. One thousand surveys were distributed randomly to practitioners in Australia during January 2000, 2001 and 2002 (total surveys 3000). Each anonymous survey requested data about the next 10 patients fitted with contact lenses, including date, age, gender, new fitting or refitting, lens material type, lens design, frequency of replacement, modality of wear, uses per week and care regimen. Twenty per cent (599) were returned, reporting data on 5976 fittings. A total of 710 fittings used Si-H contact lenses (11.9 per cent), which represented 18.6 per cent of all soft lens fittings. During the three years, the proportion of practitioners prescribing Si-H lenses increased from 42.2 to 52.5 per cent. In 2000, 43.8 per cent were daily wear, which decreased to 32.2 per cent by 2002. The solution system of choice for daily wear lenses was multipurpose solutions (98.4 per cent) the only alternative was hydrogen peroxide systems. Continuous wear represented 11.7 per cent of all fittings, of which 85.7 per cent were Si-H, 3.0 per cent RGP lenses and 11.3 per cent conventional hydrogels. For continuous wear, 79.0 per cent of fittings were to existing wearers, whereas for daily wear, 59.4 per cent were existing wearers. More males were prescribed Si-H continuous wear contact lenses, while females were more likely to be prescribed Si-H on a daily wear basis. Si-H contact lenses were introduced to the Australian market as a continuous wear contact lens, yet many practitioners use this product for daily wear with multipurpose solutions. By 2002, more practitioners were prescribing Si-H contact lenses for continuous wear than in 2000, suggesting a growing confidence in that product for that mode of wear. A comparison with an earlier survey shows there is an increase in continuous wear from 1.6 per cent to 11.7 per cent over a five-year period.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 1991
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1444-0938.2010.00487.X
Abstract: The aim was to document contact lens prescribing trends in Australia between 2000 and 2009. A survey of contact lens prescribing trends was conducted each year between 2000 and 2009. Australian optometrists were asked to provide information relating to 10 consecutive contact lens fittings between January and March each year. Over the 10-year survey period, 1,462 practitioners returned survey forms representing a total of 13,721 contact lens fittings. The mean age (+/- SD) of lens wearers was 33.2 +/- 13.6 years and 65 per cent were female. Between 2006 and 2009, rigid lens new fittings decreased from 18 to one per cent. Low water content lenses reduced from 11.5 to 3.2 per cent of soft lens fittings between 2000 and 2008. Between 2005 and 2009, toric lenses and multifocal lenses represented 26 and eight per cent, respectively, of all soft lenses fitted. Daily disposable, one- to two-week replacement and monthly replacement lenses accounted for 11.6, 30.0 and 46.5 per cent of all soft lens fittings over the survey period, respectively. The proportion of new soft fittings and refittings prescribed as extended wear has generally declined throughout the past decade. Multi-purpose lens care solutions dominate the market. Rigid lenses and monthly replacement soft lenses are predominantly worn on a full-time basis, whereas daily disposable soft lenses are mainly worn part-time. This survey indicates that technological advances, such as the development of new lens materials, manufacturing methods and lens designs, and the availability of various lens replacement options, have had a significant impact on the contact lens market during the first decade of the 21st Century.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-0005
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 11-2011
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2009
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1017/PASA.2019.42
Abstract: The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is a planned large radio interferometer designed to operate over a wide range of frequencies, and with an order of magnitude greater sensitivity and survey speed than any current radio telescope. The SKA will address many important topics in astronomy, ranging from planet formation to distant galaxies. However, in this work, we consider the perspective of the SKA as a facility for studying physics. We review four areas in which the SKA is expected to make major contributions to our understanding of fundamental physics: cosmic dawn and reionisation gravity and gravitational radiation cosmology and dark energy and dark matter and astroparticle physics. These discussions demonstrate that the SKA will be a spectacular physics machine, which will provide many new breakthroughs and novel insights on matter, energy, and spacetime.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 12-2005
DOI: 10.1097/01.OPX.0000192345.30084.23
Abstract: The Menifocal Z is an alternating vision, concentric, bifocal gas-permeable (GP) contact lens center distance is connected to near periphery by a smooth transition zone. The lens is produced using tisilfocon A (Menicon Z material), which is approved for up to 30 days of continuous wear (CW). The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of the Menifocal Z when worn for up to 30 days of CW for 6 months. Thirty-five existing GP lens wearers were enrolled in the study. Subjects were fitted with Menifocal Z lenses and follow-up visits were conducted after 2 weeks of daily wear and 1 day, 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months of CW. A range of objective and subjective clinical performance measures were assessed, including distance and near visual acuity, the physiological response to CW, and subjective evaluation of vision and comfort. Twenty-seven subjects (77%) completed the study and eight (23%) discontinued: five (14%) as a result of lens-related problems (four vision, one comfort) and three (9%) as a result of non-lens related reasons. Average CW time achieved by the subjects was 22 +/- 2 days. Mean binocular logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) acuities at 6 months were: high contrast distance 0.03 (20/20-), low contrast distance 0.63 (20/80-), and high contrast near 0.26 (20/25, N4). Adverse responses and lens binding were minimal, and there were no significant increases in corneal staining, corneal vascularization, or superior palpebral conjunctival papillae over time (p > 0.05). Problems with night vision (distance and near) with the lenses were the most common difficulties reported by the subjects. The Menifocal Z appears to be a promising option for presbyopic vision correction, providing successful correction of distance and near vision in a group of experienced GP lens wearers. The hyper Dk tisilfocon A (Menicon Z) material allowed for safe wear of the lenses on a CW basis.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-2000
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.CLAE.2009.12.011
Abstract: Silicone hydrogel contact lenses were introduced into the market in 1999. To assess prescribing trends of this lens type since then, up to 1000 survey forms were sent to contact lens fitters in Australia, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, the UK and the USA each year between 2000 and 2008. Practitioners were asked to record data relating to the first 10 contact lens fits or refits performed after receiving the survey form. Analysis of returned forms revealed a rapid increase in the prescribing of silicone hydrogel lenses over the survey period. In 2008, silicone hydrogel lenses represented 36% of all soft lenses prescribed. The categorization of the majority of lenses prescribed as 'refits' is primarily attributed to the mass conversion of lens wearers from hydrogel to silicone hydrogel lenses. Silicone hydrogels may soon represent the majority of soft contact lenses prescribed.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 04-2011
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1111/J.1444-0938.2012.00773.X
Abstract: The aim was to determine the extent of daily disposable contact lens prescribing worldwide and to characterise the associated demographics and fitting patterns. Up to 1,000 survey forms were sent to contact lens fitters in up to 40 countries between January and March every year for five consecutive years (2007 to 2011). Practitioners were asked to record data relating to the first 10 contact lens fits or refits performed after receiving the survey form. Survey data collected since 1996 were also analysed for seven nations to assess daily disposable lens fitting trends since that time. Data were collected in relation to 97,289 soft lens fits, of which 23,445 (24.1 per cent) were with daily disposable lenses and 73,170 (75.9 per cent) were with reusable lenses. Daily disposable lens prescribing ranged from 0.6 per cent of all soft lenses in Nepal to 66.2 per cent in Qatar. Compared with reusable lens fittings, daily disposable lens fittings can be characterised as follows: older age (30.0 ± 12.5 versus 29.3 ± 12.3 years for reusable lenses) males are over-represented a greater proportion of new fits versus refits 85.9 per cent hydrogel lower proportion of toric and presbyopia designs and a higher proportion of part-time wear. There has been a continuous increase in daily disposable lens prescribing between 1996 and 2011. The proportion of daily disposable lens fits (as a function of all soft lens fits) is positively related to the gross domestic product at purchasing power parity per capita (r(2) = 0.55, F = 46.8, p < 0.0001). The greater convenience and other benefits of daily disposable lenses have resulted in this modality capturing significant market share. The contact lens field appears to be heading toward a true single-use-only, disposable lens market.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-2000
DOI: 10.1111/J.1444-0938.2000.TB04920.X
Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to ascertain current modes of contact lens prescribing in Australia. METHODS: One thousand questionnaires were randomly distributed to proportionate s les of optometrists in each state of Australia. The profession fits the majority of contact lenses in Australia and the s le represents 55 per cent of all optometrists. We requested details of the first 10 patients fitted with contact lenses after receipt of the questionnaire. RESULTS: We received 224 completed questionnaires, detailing contact lens fits to 2,230 patients. The mean age of the patient group was 32.3 +/- 12.9 years and 65 per cent of these were female. Sixty per cent of patients were existing wearers, the remainder being new fits. The data indicated that 94 per cent of new fits were with soft lenses, of which six per cent were for extended wear. For refits 83 per cent were soft lenses and 24 per cent were extended wear. It was clear that the lens of first choice was mid-water-content (52 per cent of all soft lens fits). Only nine per cent of all soft fits were for lenses which were not replaced on a planned basis. The majority of rigid lenses were prescribed using mid-Dk materials (71 per cent). Analysis of solution prescribing indicates that multipurpose products were the most common regimens for planned replacement soft lenses. The percentage of hydrogen peroxide prescribed increased as lens replacement became less frequent. CONCLUSIONS: Non-planned replacement lenses are now rarely prescribed to patients. Extended wear lenses and rigid lenses are prescribed more to existing contact lens wearers. The impact of multifocal lens designs on contact lens prescribing is very small, namely, five per cent of soft contact lenses and eight per cent of rigid lenses, despite 20 per cent of patients being over 45 years of age.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.CLAE.2013.05.004
Abstract: To investigate compliance with daily disposable contact lens (DDCL) wear and investigate re-use of lenses according to country and DDCL material worn. Optometrists invited eligible DDCL patients from their practices to participate in a survey on DDCL wear in Australia, Norway, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US). Eligible participants completed an online or paper version of the survey. 805 participants completed the survey (96% online): Australia 13%, Norway 32%, UK 17%, US 38%. The median age was 38 years 66% were female. Silicone hydrogel (SiHy) DDCLs were worn by 14%. Overall, 9% were non-compliant with DDCL replacement Australia 18%, US 12%, UK 7% and Norway 4%. There were no differences with respect to sex, years of contact lens wear experience or DDCL material (SiHy versus hydrogels). The primary reason for re-use was "to save money" (60%). Re-use of DDCLs resulted in inferior comfort at insertion and prior to lens removal (p=0.001). 75% reported occasional napping and 28% reported sleeping overnight for at least one night in the preceding month, while wearing their DDCLs. Non-compliance with replacement of DDCLs occurred in all countries investigated the rate was highest in Australia and lowest in Norway. Re-use of DDCLs was associated with reduced comfort. DDCL wearers often reported wearing lenses overnight. It is important for optometrists to counsel their patients on the importance of appropriate lens wear and replacement for DDCLs.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.CLAE.2010.08.009
Abstract: There have been significant improvements in toric soft contact lens design over the past decade. Data from our international contact lens prescribing survey were mined to assess recent trends in toric soft contact lens fitting. This survey was conducted by sending up to 1000 survey forms to contact lens fitters in Australia, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, the UK and the USA each year between 2000 and 2009. Practitioners were asked to record data relating to the first 10 contact lens fits or refits performed after receiving the forms and to return them to us for analysis. The data revealed a gradual increase in the extent of toric soft lens fitting this century. Excluding Japan--which had a consistently low rate of soft toric lens fitting over the survey period--soft toric lenses now represent over 35% of all soft lenses prescribed it can be assumed that, on average (and again excluding Japan), all cases of astigmatism 0.75 D or less remains uncorrected among contact lens wearers. Toric lenses are fitted more to those who are older, full-time wearers and reusable lens wearers, and less to those wearing silicone hydrogel and extended wear lenses.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 03-2015
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 12-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.CLAE.2009.09.006
Abstract: Knowledge of differences in the demographics of contact lens prescribing between nations, and changes over time, can assist (a) the contact lens industry in developing and promoting various product types in different world regions, and (b) practitioners in understanding their prescribing habits in an international context. Data that we have gathered from annual contact lens fitting surveys conducted in Australia, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, the UK and the USA between 2000 and 2008 reveal an ageing demographic, with Japan being the most youthful. The majority of fits are to females, with statistically significant differences between nations, ranging from 62 per cent of fits in Norway to 68 per cent in Japan. The small overall decline in the proportion of new fits, and commensurate increase in refits, over the survey period may indicate a growing rate of conversion of lens wearers to more advanced lens types, such as silicone hydrogels.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1444-0938.2010.00524.X
Abstract: The aim was to determine world-wide patterns of fitting contact lenses for the correction of presbyopia. Up to 1,000 survey forms were sent to contact lens fitters in each of 38 countries between January and March every year over five consecutive years (2005 to 2009). Practitioners were asked to record data relating to the first 10 contact lens fittings or refittings performed after receiving the survey form. Data were received relating to 16,680 presbyopic (age 45 years or older) and 84,202 pre-presbyopic (15 to 44 years) contact lens wearers. Females are over-represented in presbyopic versus pre-presbyopic groups, possibly reflecting a stronger desire for the cosmetic benefits of contact lenses among older women. The extent to which multifocal and monovision lenses are prescribed for presbyopes varies considerably among nations, ranging from 79 per cent of all soft lenses in Portugal to zero in Singapore. There appears to be significant under-prescribing of contact lenses for the correction of presbyopia, although for those who do receive such corrections, three times more multifocal lenses are fitted compared with monovision fittings. Presbyopic corrections are most frequently prescribed for full-time wear and monthly replacement. Despite apparent improvements in multifocal design and an increase in available multifocal options in recent years, practitioners are still under-prescribing with respect to the provision of appropriate contact lenses for the correction of presbyopia. Training of contact lens practitioners in presbyopic contact lens fitting should be accelerated and clinical and laboratory research in this field should be intensified to enhance the prospects of meeting the needs of presbyopic contact lens wearers more fully.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 06-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.CLAE.2009.11.005
Abstract: Rigid lenses have been fitted less since the introduction of soft lenses nearly 40 years ago. Data that we have gathered from annual contact lens fitting surveys conducted in Australia, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, the UK and the USA between 2000 and 2008 facilitate an accurate characterization of the pattern of the decline of rigid lens fitting during the first decade of this century. There is a trend for rigid lenses to be utilized primarily for refitting those patients who are already successful rigid lens wearers-most typically older females being refit with higher Dk materials. Rigid lenses are generally fitted on a full-time basis (four or more days of wear per week) without a planned replacement schedule. Orthokeratology is especially popular in the Netherlands, but is seldom prescribed in the other countries surveyed.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-1992
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2003
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 02-2011
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2010
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 02-2015
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 06-2007
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 1992
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2009
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 03-2009
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 28-05-2013
DOI: 10.3109/09286586.2013.789915
Abstract: The prevalence of visual impairment due to uncorrected refractive error has not been previously studied in Canada. A population-based study was conducted in Brantford, Ontario. The target population included all people 40 years of age and older. Study participants were selected using a randomized s ling strategy based on postal codes. Presenting distance and near visual acuities were measured with habitual spectacle correction, if any, in place. Best corrected visual acuities were determined for all participants who had a presenting distance visual acuity of less than 20/25. Population weighted prevalence of distance visual impairment (visual acuity <20/40 in the better eye) was 2.7% (n = 768, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8-4.0%) with 71.8% correctable by refraction. Population weighted prevalence of near visual impairment (visual acuity <20/40 with both eyes) was 2.2% (95% CI 1.4-3.6) with 69.1% correctable by refraction. Multivariable adjusted analysis showed that the odds of having distance visual impairment was independently associated with increased age (odds ratio, OR, 3.56, 95% CI 1.22-10.35 ≥65 years compared to those 39-64 years), and time since last eye examination (OR 4.93, 95% CI 1.19-20.32 ≥5 years compared to ≤2 years). The same factors appear to be associated with increased prevalence of near visual impairment but were not statistically significant. The majority of visual impairment found in Brantford was due to uncorrected refractive error. Factors that increased the prevalence of visual impairment were the same for distance and near visual acuity measurements.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2013
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2006
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-2016
DOI: 10.1111/CXO.12337
Abstract: Some universities are looking to provide a more erse range of clinical learning experiences through extended clinical placement programs. This approach will potentially have a significant impact on practitioners. The aim of this study was to conduct a national survey of optometrists to ascertain their perspectives on participating in extended clinical placement programs. Members of Optometry Australia were invited to participate in a survey conducted during June and July 2014. A total of 268 practitioners participated (six per cent of registered Australian optometrists): 159 were predominantly employees or locums and 109 were owners or managers who identified as the key representative of a practice or organisation for the purpose of this survey. Almost two-thirds (65 per cent) of participants, who were employees or locums were supportive of extended clinical placement programs. Among this group, females were more likely to be supportive than males (p = 0.033). In comparison, just over one-third (34 per cent) of participants who were key decision-makers were supportive, with 30 per cent possibly supportive and 36 per cent not supportive. Among key decision-makers, males were more likely to be supportive (p = 0.009). The top three perceived advantages of supervising a student were: opportunity to mentor early career development, opportunity to give back to the profession and future recruitment. The top three perceived disadvantages were: burden on time, decrease in number of patients examined and burden on support staff. Suggested incentives for supervising students were credit for continuing professional development and financial remuneration. There appears to be moderate support for extended clinical placement programs however, there are incentives that might engage a larger proportion of the profession in the future. These findings can inform the development of effective and sustainable clinical training programs for optometry students. Additionally, the findings might be used as evidence to seek Government support for clinical placement training in optometry.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.CLAE.2011.03.001
Abstract: To evaluate the relationship between compliance with replacement frequency (RF) and contact lens (CL)-related problems in silicone hydrogel (SiHy) wearers. 501 SiHy wearers from seven optometry offices completed surveys regarding their lens wear and any CL related problems which they may have experienced in the preceding 12 months. File review was subsequently conducted at their optometry offices to confirm the information provided. 49% of respondents were wearing 2-week replacement (2WR) and 51% 1-month replacement (1MR) SiHy lenses. 67% wore their lenses for longer than the manufacturers' recommended RF (MRRF) and 60% for longer than their optometrist's recommended RF (ORRF). The mean RF was 2.6× the MRRF for 2WR and 1.5× for 1MR wearers (p<0.001) with median values of 31 and 37 days, respectively. Twenty-three percent reported signs or symptoms consistent with potential complications relating to CL wear. This rate was significantly higher for wearers who were non-compliant with the ORRF than compliant wearers (26% versus 18%, p=0.028). It was also higher for those multipurpose solution users who reported never/almost never rubbing and rinsing their lenses when compared with those who did this every night (29% versus 17%, p=0.007). Two thirds of the SiHy wearers did not comply with the MRRF and 2WR wearers stretched the replacement interval of their lenses to a greater degree than 1MR wearers. Failing to replace lenses when recommended and failing to rub and rinse lenses were associated with a higher rate of patient-reported CL problems.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2009
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 02-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.CLAE.2018.11.005
Abstract: . To determine the extent of orthokeratology (OK) contact lens fitting worldwide and to characterize associated demographics and fitting patterns. . Survey forms were sent to contact lens fitters in 45 countries between January and March every year for 14 consecutive years (2004 - 2017, inclusive). Practitioners were asked to record data relating to the first 10 contact lens fits or refits performed after receiving the survey form. . Data were obtained for 295,044 contact lens fits, of which 2,702 were with OK lenses and 292,342 were with other lens types (non-OK). Overall, OK lenses represented 1.2% of all contact lens fits, with significant differences between nations (p < 0.0001), ranging from no fits recorded in Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Lithuania, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates, to 6.0% in The Netherlands. There has been a slight overall increase in OK lens fitting over the survey period (p < 0.0001). OK lenses were fitted to younger persons (OK, 25.0 ± 12.8 years vs. non-OK, 39.8 ± 14.9 years) (p < 0.0001). A higher proportion of males (55%) were fitted with OK lenses versus non-OK lenses (30%) (p < 0.0009). There was a skewed distribution towards OK lenses being fit with higher oxygen permeable materials (p < 0.0001) and on a planned replacement basis (p < 0.0001). . OK contact lens prescribing is a niche activity, with this lens type typically being fitted in high oxygen permeable materials on a planned replacement basis to younger males. The slightly increasing rate of OK fitting, albeit at a very low level, may be attributed to practitioner interest in the reported myopia control properties of this lens type.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-10-2016
DOI: 10.1111/OPO.12318
Abstract: Contact lens discomfort continues to be reported as the primary reason for soft lens discontinuation, regardless of new modalities and materials. The purpose of this analysis of comfort related data from a series of clinical studies was to review whether there was a difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic habitual lens wearers’ comfort responses over the course of the day. Data from five independent non‐dispensing clinical studies were pooled and analysed. Participants in these studies were assigned to one of two groups depending on whether they were classified as symptomatic or asymptomatic contact lens wearers according to a modified Subjective Evaluation of Symptoms of Dryness ( SESOD ) questionnaire. Masked participants were randomised to wear either a hydrogel or a silicone hydrogel contact lens and their ocular comfort was rated using a visual analogue scale on insertion and 2‐hourly during an 8‐hour period of a single lens wearing day. Data from 103 participants were used, 58 in the symptomatic group and 45 in the asymptomatic group as determined by the SESOD questionnaire. There was no effect of lens material on comfort ( p = 0.43). However, there was a significant interaction between symptoms and time. The difference in mean comfort between the symptomatic and asymptomatic group was significant at each time point ( p 0.05). However, comfort did not vary significantly over the day for the asymptomatic group ( p = 0.87), whereas, there was a significant decline in mean comfort ratings for the symptomatic group from 84.6 ± 13.2 (S.D.) at insertion to 73.0 ± 18.5 at 8 hours ( p 0.001). In our study, changes in contact lens comfort over a day were independent of lens material but not symptoms. Symptomatic lens wearers reported a progressive decrease in comfort, whereas asymptomatic wearers did not. Therefore, asymptomatic wearers should not be used when measuring contact lens comfort in clinical studies. The exclusion of asymptomatic lens wearers would likely increase the sensitivity of comfort ratings as a measure in contact lens research.
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
No related grants have been discovered for CRAIG WOODS.