Eye-related news
28/04/20: MIGS Approved As Standalone Procedure
The Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC), an independent non-statutory committee established by the Australian Government has approved the new MBS item number. This is based o their ruling that MIGS has an acceptable safety profile and may delay or avoid the need for more complex and invasive surgery in some patients who are not adequately controlled with medical therapy.
A number of industry leading organisations have been arguing the case for MIGS as a standalone procedure for over two years, ever since approval for use of the goniotomy item number for MIGS use was revoked in May 2017. Since then, ophthalmologist's have had limited ability to use this new microsurgical technology as an option for controlling glaucoma.
The new item numbers will allow ophthalmologists to offer MIGS as an alternative to trabeculectomy in a number of suitable cases, thereby offering the widest and most modern range of treatment options.
24/10/18: $80 Million Investment in Eye Medication
The Morrison Government have announced that they will invest $80 million in eye medications through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), helping improve and preserve the vision of thousands of Australians and saving them up to $7,000 a year.
From 1 November 2018, patients will get new subsidised treatment options for a range of eye conditions including Ozurdex® (dexamethasone) for the treatment of blocked veins in the retina due to a condition known as retinal vein occlusion, which leads to varying degrees of vision loss.
Without this PBS listing, this medication would cost patients around $5,000 a year for treatment or more than $1,350 per script. This treatment is an injection in the eye and has the potential to improve a patient’s eye sight. This listing will mean an additional 1,200 patients a year will be able to access this medicine, which would cost up to $7,000 a year for treatment without PBS subsidy.
These conditions relate to forms of macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of legal blindness in Australia, and which is responsible for about 50 per cent of all cases of blindness.
From 1 November 2018, patients will get new subsidised treatment options for a range of eye conditions including Ozurdex® (dexamethasone) for the treatment of blocked veins in the retina due to a condition known as retinal vein occlusion, which leads to varying degrees of vision loss.
Without this PBS listing, this medication would cost patients around $5,000 a year for treatment or more than $1,350 per script. This treatment is an injection in the eye and has the potential to improve a patient’s eye sight. This listing will mean an additional 1,200 patients a year will be able to access this medicine, which would cost up to $7,000 a year for treatment without PBS subsidy.
These conditions relate to forms of macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of legal blindness in Australia, and which is responsible for about 50 per cent of all cases of blindness.
14/7/18: New National Diabetes Eye Screening Program to Prevent Blindness
Leading diabetes and eye health groups have welcomed the Australian Government funding announcement for a new national diabetes eye screening program to reduce vision loss and blindness in people with diabetes.
The Australian-first initiative program is a major step in the fight against diabetes related blindness and will enable early detection and treatment to protect the sight of over 1.2 million Australians living with diabetes.
The Australian Government has committed $1 million in funding for year one to commence development of the program outlined in a proposal put forward by leading diabetes and eye health groups.
The Australian-first initiative program is a major step in the fight against diabetes related blindness and will enable early detection and treatment to protect the sight of over 1.2 million Australians living with diabetes.
The Australian Government has committed $1 million in funding for year one to commence development of the program outlined in a proposal put forward by leading diabetes and eye health groups.
12/6/18: Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
For patients with glaucoma, reducing intra-ocular pressure becomes increasingly important with three main treatments available: drops, laser or surgery. Each of these treatments have their own merits, depending on personal circumstances. However, until recently surgical options were complex and invasive.
MIGS offers a less invasive surgical option for reducing pressure within the eye and is usually done at the time of cataract surgery. As an increasingly popular alternative, MIGS is seen as a major advancement in glaucoma management and include such devices as iStent, Hydrus and XEN Gel implant. The insertion of MIGS devices is Medicare rebateable when performed in conjunction with cataract surgery.
Talk to our surgeons to determine which is the right option for you.
MIGS offers a less invasive surgical option for reducing pressure within the eye and is usually done at the time of cataract surgery. As an increasingly popular alternative, MIGS is seen as a major advancement in glaucoma management and include such devices as iStent, Hydrus and XEN Gel implant. The insertion of MIGS devices is Medicare rebateable when performed in conjunction with cataract surgery.
Talk to our surgeons to determine which is the right option for you.
24/4/18: corneal cross linking - medicare rebates Now Available
Patients with keratoconus will finally be able to receive a Medicare rebate of $1,200 for corneal collagen cross-linking as a first line treatment to stop disease progression.
From 1st of May 2018, there will be a medicare rebate for cross linking.
This is a great result for thousands of Australians with keratoconus and a great achievement after years of lobbying by RANZCO, the Australian and New Zealand Cornea Society and Keratoconus Australia.
From 1st of May 2018, there will be a medicare rebate for cross linking.
This is a great result for thousands of Australians with keratoconus and a great achievement after years of lobbying by RANZCO, the Australian and New Zealand Cornea Society and Keratoconus Australia.