Stars and their eyes Henry Stallard
British ophthalmologist Henry Stallard (1901–1973) was a multi-talented eye surgeon with an Olympic medal to his name.
Staff reporters1 min read
Optometry Features
Book review Crashing Through, by Robert Kurson
A world-record-holder for speed in downhill skiing, a CIA analyst, a fundraiser who generated almost US$7 million to produce the world’s first laser turntable for music and the founder of a company that developed Sendero, the first accessible GPS for people who are blind and visually impaired – thes
Reviewed by Drew Jones5 min read
HOPS 2025 consent, care and connection
In September, I had the privilege of chairing the third annual Hospital Optometrist Peer-Support (HOPS) Conference at the Rydges Wellington Airport Hotel. The event opened on a beautiful spring morning, the sort that makes you pause and take in the crisp air and bright skies before stepping inside.
Sandhya Mathew5 min read
ADONZ's first low vision workshop
I recently had the privilege of joining 15 of our members as well as MSO’s Olivia Ashley, at ADONZ’s first dedicated low-vision workshop in Auckland. Over two full days, we shared knowledge, challenged our thinking and enjoyed plenty of laughs, making this an event that will be remembered for a long
Courtney Chellew5 min read
Silmo Next - get ready for a changing future
This year, artificial intelligence (AI) was the central theme of Silmo Next, with its Futurology space and new Village Tech area inviting visitors to experience the future of optics via connected eyewear, automated examinations, virtual reality, intelligent store-management systems and more.
Susanne Bradley5 min read
Anti-presbyopia drops - are we there yet?
When I wrote a review of anti-presbyopia drops in December 2021’s issue, I felt sure we were soon to be swamped with myriad pharmaceuticals – real and cloned – to rid us of one of life’s greatest inconveniences: the dreaded presbyopia. Strangely, that does not appear to have happened – I have not he
Naomi Meltzer5 min read
How to avoid a hot mess at Xmas
Christmas parties are a hotbed of entertainment for HR consultants to write their memoirs on ‘the stupid things people do’, so here are some top tips to avoid earning a starring role.
Lisa Mackay4 min read
Winning back the progressive quitters
“I’ve tried progressives before – they just didn’t work for me.” It’s a sentence many dispensing opticians (DOs) have heard before, often delivered with a sense of finality. But what if a past failure doesn’t need to be the end of the story? With the right approach, tools and product knowledge, it’s
Eva Walker5 min read
Mysterious and spooky: The ADONZ Family
Clinical and cultural insights were plentiful at Halloween-themed ADONZ conference in Christchurch...
Susie Hill14 min read
Stars and their eyes Tim McMullan
British actor Tim McMullan (62), perhaps best known for playing Atticus Pünd in the BBC mystery dramas Magpie Murders and Moonflower Murders, has blepharophimosis syndrome, a rare genetic condition giving him distinctive-looking eyes.
Staff reporters2 min read
SCC2025 Focusing on the detail
The 2025 Specsavers Clinical Conference (SCC2025) was a glitteringly green affair, attracting nearly 1,000 optometrists from across Australia and New Zealand, from inside and outside Specsavers, to the Grand Hyatt Melbourne.
Lesley Springall7 min read
How to run the race
With so many aspects of managing a health practice to juggle in your busy day, it can be difficult to know what to prioritise. First and foremost is the clinical component – ensuring your patients receive the highest quality of care. Alongside this come the myriad operational responsibilities: makin
A/Prof Moira McInerney5 min read