Glaucoma Treatment – Technology, Risks and Benefits
Glaucoma in most cases is a chronic condition that cannot be cured. It requires a long-term team approach to slow the progression of the disease.
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World Glaucoma Week 2018
6 things you should know about Glaucoma
Orthoptist Position Available
NQ Eye Specialists is a locally owned and operated solo ophthalmic surgeon run practice in North Queensland. We strive to stay at the forefront of ophthalmic science and technology to provide the very best outcomes in eye care for our patients. We treat a wide variety of conditions ranging from cataract, pterygium, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, macula degeneration, paediatric visual problems, as well as plastic/cosmetic ophthalmic concerns.
Our practice is looking to create a new role within our clinical team of Full Time Orthoptist. The successful candidate must:
- Have a Bachelor of Health Science Degree / relevant Orthoptics qualification;
- The ability to work well in a multidisciplinary clinical team involving medical, nursing and optometry staff; and
- Be flexible and willing to assist in all areas of the practice as required.
Recent graduates are welcome to apply as on the job training can be provided.
Although not essential, it would be desirable if a candidate had dual qualifications in optometry and/or prescribing rights.
If you’d like to discuss this role further please contact Danielle Goodwin, Practice Manager via email Danielle@nqeyespecialists.com.au providing your contact number and best time for a call back to discuss.
Ophthalmology Rural Outreach Clinics
One of NQ Eye Specialists main objectives is to provide outreach ophthalmology services in rural areas. Dr Goodwin started Ophthalmology to endeavour participating in such opportunities. Over the last month he has been very busy working along-side Dr Bill Glasson and Professor Denis Stark providing care to patients in Western Queensland. During this time, he has visited many places including Blackall, Barcaldine, Longreach and Winton. He participates every year to ensure patients in rural areas have direct access to affordable ophthalmic services. Travelling long distances for treatment can be daunting for rural patients. These services range from general consultations to ongoing diabetic retinopathy treatment, along with cataract and glaucoma detection. We believe early detection is vital in maintaining and achieving quality eye health. During his time in Western Queensland he was fortunate enough to see quite a lot of rain, whilst eating dinner with some of the locals under the stars at their stations.
JulEYE Week 1
The Eye Surgeon’s Foundation started JulEYE to help raise awareness for eye health within the community. The main objectives of JulyEYE are to:
- Increase community awareness of eye disease.
- To raise funding for vision research projects, such as finding causes and cures for vision impairments related to Glaucoma and Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
- To provide support both within Australia and internationally to develop eye health projects.
JulEYE
Encourages Australians to have regular eye checks. Up to 75% of vision loss is preventable or treatable if detected early. Vision loss can occur at any age and can be a slow change. Most people do not notice changes until there is irreversible damage. If you have a family history of an eye condition, it is imperative to have routine eye examinations as this can place you at a higher risk of vision loss.
You can help support JulEYE by donating to The Eye Surgeon’s Foundation by clicking donate now below:
World Glaucoma Week 12-18 March 2017
This week is world Glaucoma week to raise awareness for Glaucoma. A condition where the optic nerve at the back of the eye is damaged resulting in permanent vision loss. In the early stages of Glaucoma there are often no symptoms. It is not until the late stages of the disease do those with Glaucoma start to show symptoms. These may include vision loss including a restricted visual field, car parking accidents, decreased contrast detection and an overall decrease in vision that cannot be corrected with spectacles, contact lenses or surgery. It is therefore, highly recommended that the general population receives regular eye examinations to diagnose the disease early before severe visual impairment is reached. Early treatment can significantly reduce the rate and amount of vision loss.
For more information visit Glaucoma Australia.
Normal visual field
Glaucoma visual field
What’s new in Glaucoma
Dr Goodwin recently presented to Townsville’s optometrists on the latest in Glaucoma diagnosis and management at NQ Eye Specialists. Dr Goodwin is one of the only surgeons in North Queensland offering MIGS (Micro-Incisional Glaucoma Surgery) . Book an appointment at NQ Eye Specialists to find out if MIGS can help with your Glaucoma.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a chronic disease of the eye which can slowly steal our peripheral vision. In most cases this happens so slowly that we don’t even know its happening. It is important to have regular eye health checks with your local optometrist. The optometrist will screen for Glaucoma and will be able to tell if you have the disease in its early stages. By the time you notice the effects of Glaucoma, the disease is likely very severe.
Does Glaucoma run in the family?
Up to 50% of people suffering with Glaucoma will have a family member who also has the disease. Often the family member won’t know they have it. If you have Glaucoma, you should encourage your family to get screened for Glaucoma as well.
What can be done about Glaucoma?
Today we can manage Glaucoma with an increasing number of treatment options . At NQ Eye Specialists we offer medical and laser therapy as well as the latest addition, Micro-Incisional Glaucoma Surgery to treat Glaucoma.
What is MIGS?
MIGS, or Micro-Incisional Glaucoma Surgery, involves that latest available surgical techniques to implant an extremely small device into the Glaucoma drainage part of your eye. The Microstents create better drainage of the fluid from the eye and decrease the pressure inside the eye. In some patients this even means we can do away with Glaucoma eye drops.
How do I find out more about my Glaucoma?
You can find out more about your specific type of Glaucoma and what can be done to help you by making an appointment with NQ Eye Specialists or by phoning us on 1300 856 074.
