MALINDA HALLEY OPTOMETRIST

19/11/2025

NOVEMBER 2025: Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. Glucose is our body’s energy source. Insulin is a hormone produced by our pancreas which allows glucose to enter our cells. In people with diabetes, either insulin is not produced, not enough is produced or the body does not use it well, causing the glucose to stay in our blood leading to high sugar in the blood.

Over time, this can harm blood vessels and nerves, leading to problems with the heart, kidneys, eyes, and feet.

In Australia:

1,500,000 people live with diabetes.
120,000 new diagnoses are made every year.
400,000 are at risk of diabetes.

How does diabetes affect the eyes?

There are two main types of diabetic-related eye conditions:
- Diabetic retinopathy - small blood vessels leak in the retina
- Diabetic macular oedema - small blood vessels in the macula area (centre of the retina) leak and cause the retina to swell

However diabetes can increase the risk of developing:
- Cataracts - 2 to 5 times more likely, and at a younger age.
- Glaucoma - risk is doubled.

How do I manage my diabetes and eyes?

Maintain blood sugar levels - stay active, have a balanced diet, limit processed sugars
Schedule regular eye examinations - comprehensive dilated annual (sometimes more!) exams are recommended to help detect any diabetic-related conditions

If there has been a recent diagnosis of diabetes, or you’re due for your annual diabetes exam, please call us or book via HotDocs.

More reading:
Prevent Blindness: https://preventblindness.org/2024-diabetes-awareness-month/
Diabetes Australia: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/

--
Annie Tran
BSci MClinOptom GradCertAdvCL

We want a future where diabetes can do no harm and we are leading the fight against Australia’s biggest health crisis. It’s time to unite in the fight for change.

01/10/2025

World Sight Day
October 9th



https://www.iapb.world/world_sight_day

Eye care starts with ourselves .. when was your last eye exam?

Book online or via phone on 42618855

On Thursday, 9 October 2025, you are invited to and help make the case for eye care that is accessible, available, and affordable for everyone, everywhere.

25/09/2025

Spring, the time for allergic hay fever eyes.
Start with simple remedies:

🌻 don’t rub

🌻 lubricant eye drops

🌻 allergy eye drops.

If you get stuck and can’t solve the itch, see us for more powerful prescription eye drops.

You don’t have to put up with the itch!

BOOK VIA PHONE 42618855 or HOT DOC

WE TAKE SAME DAY URGENT APPOINTMENTS

🌸💐🌺🌷🌻

16/09/2025

We stock MDEyes with zeaxanthin.
Available in store as 1 pack (6 pack bonus price).

25/08/2025

We serve as a designated collection point for used glasses donations on behalf of the Lions Club.

Please drop off at the front desk!

22/08/2025

August is Children’s Eye Health & Safety month !

Children’s vision problems are often preventable, treatable and manageable! Programs such as the STEPS screen during pre-school aim to catch gross problems early. In the school years, annual eye exams are recommended.

Conditions that are commonly seen in early childhood are amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye turn), myopia (blurred distance vision), hypermetropia (near vision stress), astigmatism (blurry or strained vision at all distances.

The type of symptoms your child may demonstrate are:
• squinting or tilting the head while reading
• rubbing, poking, touching eyes.
• closing one eye
• complaints of headaches or tired eyes.
• holding reading or iPads close to the eyes.
• below grade level performance at school

The solution?
Annual eye exams for school children! An easy way to remember is the month of their birthday.

More reading on the impact of vision on learning can be provided at your appointment.

Book to see myself or my colleagues at the practice here:
https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/dapto-NSW-2530/malinda-halley-optometrist/doctors/dr-annie-tran

Dr Annie Tran
Clinical Optometrist

01/07/2025

😵‍💫 JULY 2025 is … UV Safety Awareness Month ⚡️

Although it is winter, being sun smart and protecting ourselves from ultraviolet (UV) is very important as Australia experiences some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world!

When it comes to eye health, too much UV can lead to:

Cataracts – a leading cause of vision impairment
Macular degeneration – which affects central vision and is not curable
Photokeratitis – a painful, temporary "sunburn" of the eye
Pterygium – a growth on the eye often called "surfer’s eye”
Skin cancers around the eyes and eyelids

UV damage is cumulative so everyday protection is essential, even during winter. Remember the SunSmart message from Cancer Council:

SLIP SLOP SLAP SEEK SLIDE!

What can you do?

SLIP on a shirt
SLOP on sunscreen, avoid the area around the eyes
SLAP on a hat, wide-brimmed ones help reduce UV reaching the eyes
SEEK or stay in shade and avoid peak UV hours
SLIDE on close-fitting, wraparound sunglasses that meet Australian Standards UV protection
Check the UV Index daily
Book in for an eye test to monitor any eye conditions related to UV exposure

With Australia’s high UV environment, UV Safety Awareness Month is a timely reminder to protect your eyes and skin every day, helping to prevent long-term damage and maintain healthy vision for life.

If you would like further advice, book and speak to one of our optometrists!
--
Annie Tran
BSci MClinOptom GradCertAdvCL

27/06/2025

11/06/2025

Spare pair before end of financial year!

We know accidents happen, and losing or breaking your glasses during a holiday can be a real 'sightmare'.

Before you jet off to your next destination, toss an extra pair of glasses into your suitcase – it's like insurance for your vision!

05/06/2025

We are able to provide CASA eye exams for pilots - book via phone or online
https://www.casa.gov.au/licences-and-certificates/aviation-medicals-and-certificates/medical-and-eye-examiners on HotDoc

Use our directory to help you find a designated aviation medical examiner or designated aviation ophthalmologist.

02/06/2025

JUNE 2025: CATARACT AWARENESS MONTH

A cataract is a clouding or opacity of the normally clear lens inside our eye. There are different types. They grow at different speeds (mostly slowly but less commonly, fast!). Various health conditions (diabetes, metabolic disease, injury, myopia) can increase the onset of cataracts.

In Australia, around 50% of people between 65 and 75 years old and about 75% over 75 years, have cataracts.

The most common symptoms associated with cataracts are:
- reading gets harder despite new glasses
- driving tasks such as seeing signs or reading text on the TV gets harder
- difficulty with glare from lights
- colours can seem different or dull

SO WHEN DO I NEED SURGERY FOR CATARACT REMOVAL?

Start thinking seriously about cataract surgery when limitations of your vision start to impact activities of daily life:
- Difficulty to read books or road signs
- discomfort from glare while driving at night
- you are unable to enjoy your hobbies anymore.

WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

If you’re having trouble with your vision or concerned about cataracts, book in an appointment with our optometrists!
Book using this link:
https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/dapto-NSW-2530/malinda-halley-optometrist/doctors

Additional reading:
https://www.mdfoundation.com.au/about-macular-disease/other-conditions/cataracts/
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-cataracts
--
Annie Tran
BSci MClinOptom GradCertAdvCL

Additional reading:
https://www.mdfoundation.com.au/about-macular-disease/other-conditions/cataracts/
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-cataracts

Call now to connect with business.