The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital

We are pleased to present The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital’s research publication Innovate 2023-2024. Innovate brings together articles on our research projects, partnerships, exceptional staff and the patients we serve. Focused on our strategic pillars, these stories highlight advancements and achievements that benefit patients locally, nationally and internationally. Featuring articles that highlight the works of researchers such as Professor Stephen O’Leary, Associate Professor George Kong, our Ocular Genetics Clinic and our research partners at the Centre for Eye Research Australia, it truly is a great read. You can find Innovate here: https://bit.ly/3OvANvW

The Eye and Ear’s “You said, We did!” initiative demonstrates tangible ways we act on patient feedback. Recently this meant making information on Support Services more accessible for visitors on our website. Do you have a suggestion? Let us know here: https://bit.ly/3LFUgaa

Glaucoma is a disease we often associate with adults, particularly older ones at that. However, it can affect children as young as three months old. Which is what Bailey was facing at the very beginning of his life. Within a day of presenting at hospital, Bailey was undergoing the first of what would be eight surgeries in his 14 years to-date. Childhood glaucoma is rare, yet it is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in children worldwide. When children are diagnosed with childhood glaucoma, surgery is one of the only options to save their sight . Bailey didn’t just require one surgery; this is a lifelong journey of ongoing monitoring and, when necessary, additional surgeries. A donation to the Eye and Ear this Christmas can help us provide this lifelong care and world-class specialist treatment for more kids like Bailey. Read his story and donate online today: https://bit.ly/4eLMKbJ or contact our Philanthropy and Fundraising team on 1800 808 137.

We’re committed to delivering the best care for our patients. Watch Dr Birinder Giddey, Executive Director, Medical Services, and Chief Medical Officer discuss our progress over the last year. To find out more click here: https://bit.ly/40quQpn If you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for our hospital, please email feedback@eyeandear.org.au.

Do your patients have an Advanced Care Plan? Advance Care Planning is the process of planning ahead for their future healthcare. It’s about considering the type of health care they would want to receive if they became seriously ill or injured in the future and were unable to participate in the discussion at that time. View this resource for patients on our website: https://bit.ly/3t3YS65

This week is Antimicrobial Awareness Week. With antimicrobials playing such an important part in healthcare every single day, it’s important for all healthcare professionals to come together to prevent antimicrobial resistance. The antimicrobial family includes medications many people have been exposed to, such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics. At the Eye and Ear, we advocate for the safe and optimal use of antimicrobials and support awareness of the risks of global antimicrobial resistance. The key messages are: · Fight antimicrobial resistance by using antimicrobials appropriately · Prescribe according to guidelines and local susceptibility data · Document reason for antimicrobial use and duration · Confirm and document a comprehensive allergy history By using these simple steps and spreading the word, together we can help prevent antimicrobial resistance in hospitals here and across the world.

Today is National Philanthropy Day, a chance to acknowledge the range of services provided by the nonprofit community across our country. Philanthropy has made a profound impact on the history of the Eye and Ear. Since our humble beginnings over 160 years ago, and right through to today, people have donated generously to the hospital, enabling us to continue our care, treatment and groundbreaking research to prevent and treat vision and hearing loss. Today and every day we are thankful for the impact these individuals have made and continue to make. If you’d like to support the hospital, please get in touch with our Philanthropy and Fundraising team by email to fundraising@eyeandear.org.au or call 1800 808 137. Photo: Eye and Ear supporters attending a recent morning tea event at the hospital.

**ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING RE-SCHEDULED** Due to an unforeseen delay in the hospital’s Annual Report being tabled in Parliament, we’ve had to take the decision to reschedule our 2023-2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM will now take place on Tuesday 10 December from 2pm-3pm. Please see updated details and how to register for the event here: https://bit.ly/3NHoZGD We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience that this late change may cause and are grateful for your understanding. We look forward to seeing you on 10 December.

Today we celebrate World Kindness Day. Below we asked one of our doctors what kindness meant to him, and his response embodies what World Kindness Day is all about.

On #rarecancerawarenessday, we announced we have been working closely with Western and Central Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service (WCMICS) to produce a patient education package on Plaque Brachytherapy, a common treatment for patients with Ocular Melanoma, a rare form of cancer affecting the eye. With the help of Eye and Ear specialists and consumers who have personally undergone this procedure, working with WCMICS and Lifebuoy Video we’ve created a video resource and fact sheet aimed at streamlining the information and alleviating the anxiety around the procedure. View the video resources here: https://bit.ly/3YZcMn2 View the fact sheet here: https://bit.ly/3ACx1he Receiving any type of therapy for cancer can be a daunting experience, but we hope this package can help support future patients on their treatment journey in Victoria and around the world.