Global Perspectives

Tell us about your background.

I was born and raised in the inner northern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. My upbringing had a strong emphasis on reaching my potential and caring for others and my community. I developed myopia at a young age and had frequent visits to my local independent optometrist, which gave me my first taste of optometry.

I was always a science kid; I thoroughly enjoyed studying biology and physics. Within optometry I found the perfect combination of the stimulating sciences and being of service to others. I found it to be a profession where I could challenge myself cognitively and empathetically, while also having the chance to engage with many different people.

What training did you receive in Australia to become an optometrist?

I graduated from optometry school at Deakin University in Geelong, Australia, in 2016. The course was accelerated in a trimester system that emphasized independent learning and research combined with supportive, hands-on practical experience. I was in the second cohort to complete the degree.

Tell us about your practice.

I work at a new and rapidly growing practice in Melbourne. I am the sole full-time optometrist along with a practice manager and four part-time staff members who keep me on my toes and working at my optimum. Our patient demographic is varied and broad, with most patients falling into the 25- to 35-year-old age bracket. Strong relationships with other local optometrists and ophthalmologists help us maximize patient-centered care. My day starts with a big bottle of water and a reminder to keep a positive and compassionate attitude for the busy day ahead. I do my best to treat each patient as an individual bonding and learning experience.

What is the state of health care and eye care in Australia?

Australian optometry can be divided into two sectors: a small public sector, including hospital, college, centers, and outreach branches; and a much larger private sector of corporate and independent practices. All optometry consultations, both domiciliary and in practice, are completely subsidized by Medicare, the publicly funded universal health care insurance organized by the Australian government. We are limited to a selection of 32 billable item codes, from standard eye examinations to foreign body removals. Optometrists have the option to bill privately for any additional tests or procedures such as OCT scans or specialty contact lens fittings. When it comes to optical aids, patients pay out of pocket unless eligible for subsidies at government authorized providers. Patients may use their elected private health insurance, if they have it, to cover a portion or all costs of spectacles and contact lenses. In my work, my employer receives all revenue, and I am paid a salary.

What is your scope of practice?

The predominant services that I provide are the provision of vision aids such as glasses and contact lenses. I also prescribe visual hygiene practices, patching, vitamins, and topical medications. I treat various conditions including glaucoma, infections, uveitis, dry eye, blepharitis, abrasions/traumatic injuries, and myopia, as well as perform diabetic screening examinations. All patients requiring surgical intervention are referred to an ophthalmologist and I comanage postoperative checks.

You do some outreach eye care trips with Eye Health 4WD. Can you tell us more about this?

Performing outreach trips are some of the most rewarding experiences of my optometry career. I have traveled to remote indigenous communities with the Brien Holden Vision Institute, providing full scope optometry services to those in need (Figure 1). Aboriginal support workers team up with optometrists and traverse the vast landscape of central Australia in the famous Eye Health 4WD van (Figure 2). COVID-19 has thrown a spanner in the works of many of these outreach plans; however, the distance makes the heart grow fonder.

I have also had the humbling opportunity to take part in voluntary optometry work in Papua New Guinea on board the Youth With A Mission Medical Ships Australia and Papua New Guinea (Figure 3). I worked collaboratively with several other health care professionals from all over the world, including physiotherapists, dentists, psychologists, nurses, and doctors to achieve holistic care in remote communities. I believe this is one of the best ways to travel and see the world.

What are some technological advances you find particularly exciting?

Optometrists are capable health care providers and should be expanding their offerings into the areas of advanced ocular disease management and comanagement, and cosmetic and laser eye health and vision correction procedures. All of which I work to develop with my fellow board members of the Early Career Optometrists Victoria/South Australia organization (ECOV/SA), an auxiliary of our not-for-profit national body, Optometry Australia. Obtaining rights to prescribe oral medications and performance of intraocular injections are some of the many advancements in the pipeline for Optometry Australia in helping to realize these goals. COVID-19 has provided an unexpected addition to the scope of practice; Australian optometrists can now administer COVID-19 vaccinations.

What are some fun facts about you?

I take pride in supporting up-and-coming optometrists and helping create continuing professional development (CPD) events with the ECOV/SA committee. I love keeping my mind and body active by playing sports and maintaining my fitness. I enjoy exploring the natural world with my loyal dog Ava, and geeking out to podcasts and documentaries on the topics of health, technology, history, and philosophy. I can speak Italian and various Italian dialects.