Online Optometry Communities
As optometrists we are so lucky to have wonderful support networks in our profession. However you may not be aware of all the communities out there, so here’s a basic introduction to some of those groups. As always, before posting please obtain patient consent and if you are uploading any information make sure the patient’s personal details are blanked out.
YO Forum
Introducing our new forum for YO members! This is a safe space where optometrists and students alike can ask questions and advice without fear of judgement.This can range from “what’s this spot?” to “how urgent is this referral, or who should I refer to?”
https://www.facebook.com/groups/278043945991788/
SiCo Facebook Group
Started by ophthalmologists Simon Chen and Colin Chan this is an online Facebook group where founders often post OptoNerd challenges to get your brain moving. Users are able to post photos, questions or even comment!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/786571231362328/
AusOptom Mailing List
Originally started as a Bulletin Board System by Phil Anderton and Grant Sayer it has now grown into a community of over 400 optometrists and a handful of industry people and brand representatives. If you post a message to the following email address it will be relayed to everyone on the list immediately.
ausoptom-vision@explode.unsw.edu.au
Optom Online Forum
This is a great online, anonymous discussion forum for optometrists and optical dispensers alike. Members will only be recognised by their chosen username. With discussions from shoplifting to website building, lenses and frames you will find like-minded individuals with a plethora of knowledge here.
http://www.optomforum.com.au/forum/content/1-optometry-forum-australia
Myopia Profile
Are you interested in combatting or slowing down myopia? Then this is the group for you! This community is made up of an international collective of optometrists who can post and discuss myopia control, with their main focus being implementation this practice.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1811481585762285/
Vision Therapy Australia Support Group
This is a wonderful forum where people can access information about vision therapy and behavioural optometrists. The great thing about this group is it’s open to the whole community, therefore you get parents who often post about how rewarding the services have been for their child, or even confused patients asking how to perform certain home activities. This provides insight into your patients and echo similar difficulties they faced with therapy.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1519601988251742/?ref=group_browse_new
Don’t forget there is always real time help you can get, colleagues, mentors and ophthalmologists are normally only a door knock or phone call away. Optometry Australia have wonderful services (more information can be found here for how to get in touch http://www.optometry.org.au/contact-us/). Centre for Eye Health also have a Referrers/Clinical Questions Hotline (phone 02 8115 0777). We truly are so lucky as optometrists to have such amazing groups!
*Please note this list does not denote every community out there
