Postcard from… Australia

As a full-time research fellow, Britten-Jones spearheads research investigating genetic changes that cause eye disease.

For the past eight years, she has also worked on a casual basis within the Australian College of Optometry’s contact lens clinics.

Britten-Jones noted that most of the patients she sees through the clinic require specialised contact lens care – including patients with keratoconus and high myopia, as well as those requiring lenses following a corneal graft.

“We are a public health optometry clinic, and a lot of our patients are from low socioeconomic backgrounds or have special visual needs,” the optometrist shared.

Britten-Jones added that the Australian College of Optometry also runs other dedicated clinics for glaucoma, paediatric and low vision patients, as well as functioning as a teaching clinic for optometry students.

“The clinic really does incredible work for people who need special vision care, and the optometrists who work here are genuinely dedicated to providing full-scope, public health-focused optometry,” she emphasised.

Problem solving in ocular genomics

Within her role as a research fellow, Britten-Jones explained that much of her work centres around trying to find a diagnosis for families who are currently without one.

“A lot of the time this feels like solving a puzzle. It’s challenging but incredibly exciting when we do find something,” she shared.

In her role, she works with families who live with progressive, untreatable conditions, such as retinitis pigmentosa.

“It’s motivating to know my work can make a difference, however big or small, and bring hope,” Britten-Jones reflected.

She added that currently only half of people with inherited retinal diseases can receive a diagnosis through genetic testing.

Britten-Jones highlighted that while genetics can provide many answers, there is still a lot left to understand.

“That’s one reason why I developed my ocular genetics research programme – the answer is there, we just need to find it,” she said.

The optometrist shared that she is able to work with many collaborators in her role – including ophthalmologists, geneticists, and other researchers.

“I’m constantly being challenged, constantly learning new things, and that really keeps me on my toes,” Britten-Jones said.

It’s motivating to know my work can make a difference, however big or small, and bring hope

The shifting scope of Australian optometry

Britten-Jones told OT that there has been “a big shift” in optometry over the past decade.

When Britten-Jones graduated just over 10 years ago, there were three optometry schools in Australia.

“Now that number has more than doubled. With more people entering the workforce, we’ve also seen significant changes across the profession,” she reflected.

Britten-Jones shared that research published this year has explored the working conditions of employed optometrists in Australia.

“We know that many optometrists are facing challenges around career progression, professional growth, income, practice scope, and levels of autonomy,” she said.

Britten-Jones noted that there can be limited progression pathways within optometry compared to other careers.

She added that many individuals who enter optometry are highly motivated, growth-oriented people who want to keep learning and developing throughout their careers.

“It can be challenging when the workforce structure does not always provide those opportunities as people progress professionally,” Britten-Jones said.

Within Australia, optometrists are able to diagnose and monitor eye disease – and in some cases co-manage conditions with ophthalmology.

Britten-Jones emphasised that, as a profession, optometry has “enormous potential” not only to help patients, but to support public health.

“I think it’s important that the capacity for full-scope optometry is more widely recognised – through compensation, professional recognition, and broader understanding – not only within optometry, but also by the public, policymakers, and other health professions,” she highlighted.

Asked what she is excited about for the future of optometry in Australia, Britten-Jones noted that there is an opportunity for optometrists to band together and drive change.

“I’d love to see us come together to have a stronger voice in public health and to make the role of optometry more visible, respected, and well understood,” she said.

She added that she would also like to see optometrists play a larger role in genetics by providing care for people with genetic conditions and collaborating with geneticists, genetic counsellors and ophthalmologists.

“I do think we are at a crossroads of change, and there is a real opportunity to shape what comes next, and I’m looking forward to seeing that develop,” Britten-Jones concluded.

Dr Ceecee Britten-Jones

Dr Ceecee Britten-Jones plays disc golf

Life outside of work

While many people picture endless sunny days when contemplating life in Australia, Britten-Jones told OT that Melbourne can have a more varied climate.

“I’d love to say it’s beachy and sunny, but I live in Melbourne, and it can get pretty rainy and windy in winter,” she said.

“We have amazing coffee, great food, and you'll always find a food, arts, or craft festival around the corner on any weekend,” Britten-Jones shared.

In her spare time, Britten-Jones plays disc golf – a past-time she has previously spoken to OT about.

“I do still play disc golf – although probably way less regularly since I’ve had my daughter,” she said.

Britten-Jones noted that while the walks and nature of Melbourne do not quite compare with New Zealand – where she is originally from – Melbourne lives up to its reputation as one of the world’s most liveable cities.

“We have a great lifestyle in Australia – truly,” she concluded.

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Postcard from… Dubai

Specialist optometrist, Zach Cairns, tells OT about establishing his own independent optometry practice within the United Arab Emirates