The diffusion of ophthalmic laser in Australia

This paper demonstrates the diffusion of ophthalmic laser into the Australian health care system. Australian ophthalmologists were quick to adopt the use of laser. Argon laser was introduced three years after its first use in the USA; YAG laser the same year as its use in the USA and Dye laser two years after its introduction in the USA. In the years 1975-84 there had been a gradual introduction of laser into ophthalmic practice growing from three to 39 in that period. From the end of 1984 to June 1986 the number increased by 68, an increase so sharp as almost to defy the classical S curve. The rapid rise can be attributed to its increased use in diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular disease, senile macular degeneration, glaucoma and to perforate thickened posterior capsules.