GPs key to preventing avoidable vision loss, new AJGP issue highlights

The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) is highlighting the vital role GPs play in protecting Australians’ sight, with the July 2026 issue of the Australian Journal of General Practice (AJGP), themed ‘Ophthalmology’, focusing on the early recognition and management of eye conditions in primary care. 

With Australia’s population ageing, conditions such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration are becoming increasingly common, while vision-related driving impairment is also expected to rise. Early recognition and timely referral can prevent disease progression, irreversible vision loss and significant impacts on patients’ quality of life. 

 RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said GPs are uniquely placed to identify patients at risk and coordinate their care. 

"Our eyesight is something many of us take for granted until it begins to deteriorate, but for many serious eye conditions, early detection can make all the difference," he said. 

“GPs are often the first health professionals patients turn to when they notice changes in their vision. We may not provide the definitive diagnosis, but we play a critical role in recognising the early signs of eye disease, assessing risk, and ensuring patients receive timely care from optometrists and ophthalmologists. 

"General practice is uniquely positioned to change the trajectory of under-recognised causes of irreversible vision loss. Our strength lies in vigilance and continuity of care.” 

The July AJGP issue explores common and serious eye conditions encountered in general practice, including glaucoma, retinal detachment, thyroid eye disease, ophthalmic trauma, and age-related macular degeneration. It also examines GPs' responsibilities in assessing patients' fitness to drive according to visual standards. 

"As Australians live longer, preserving vision will become increasingly important for maintaining independence, wellbeing and the ability to safely undertake everyday activities, including driving,” Dr Wright said. 

Additional topics featured in this issue include supporting general practice supervisors, preventing supervisor burnout, enhancing consultations with veteran patients, expanding Medicare access for opioid dependence treatment, and the role of GPs in responding to Australia's housing crisis. 

The AJGP provides evidence-based, peer-reviewed information to support GPs in delivering high-quality care across diverse clinical and community settings. As an open access publication, AJGP is available to clinicians, researchers, educators, students and the wider healthcare community. 

~ENDS