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Allied health professionals and optometrists

Did you know Australian optometrists possess a range of clinical skills and can perform the following procedures including, but not limited, to:

  • Refraction – measuring the optics of the eye
  • Binocular vision tests – testing the coordination of the two eyes as a team
  • Ophthalmoscopy – internal examination of the eye
  • Slitlamp biomicroscopy – external examination of the eye
  • Tonometry – measuring the pressure of the eyeball
  • Anaesthetics to perform tonometry
  • Mydriatics – dilated ocular fundus exams
  • Cycloplegics
  • Optical dispensing – supply and management of spectacles and contact lenses

Additionally, therapeutically endorsed optometrists can prescribe ophthalmic medicines – in the form of topical eye drops – such as anti-inflammatory and corticosteroid drops to treat eye diseases such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, uveitis and glaucoma.

As an allied health practitioner, you can refer your patients to an optometrist for many aspects of primary eye care, including, but not limited to:

  • Eye disease diagnosis, treatment and management, including red eye
  • Diabetic eye exams
  • Glaucoma medication repeats
  • Colour vision
  • Low vision
  • Children’s vision
  • Vision therapy
  • Workplace occupational health and safety
  • Myopia control
  • Home-based care or home visits

Effective collaboration between allied health practitioners and optometrists can enhance patient care, reduce hospital waiting lists and allow patients to receive care without the need for travel.

Allied health practitioners are welcome to:

  • Participate in our CPD events to learn more about eye health issues
  • Connect with your local optometrist today and help your patients avoid long wait lists
  • Recommend our Good vision for life website to your patients
  • Contact us if you’d like to learn more about optometry and collaborating with optometrists

Resources for allied health practitioners

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Roman Serebrianik: Finding new purpose through optometry

When Roman Serebrianik graduated in 2003, he thought he had a clear idea of what his optometry career would look like. What he didn’t realise at the time was that his optometry training had set him up for more than clinical care. It also taught him how to think critically, work closely with other health professionals and understand how healthcare systems work – all skills that would serve him well far beyond the consulting room.
Roman Serebrianik: Finding new purpose through optometry View

Help strengthen the Visiting Optometrists Scheme — Share your insights 

Optometry Australia is inviting all members involved in the Visiting Optometrists Scheme (VOS) to take part in a national survey to help shape the future of this vital program. The VOS plays a critical role in improving access to eye care for Australians living in rural and remote communities, as well as for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Help strengthen the Visiting Optometrists Scheme — Share your insights  View

Acknowledgement of Country

In the spirit of reconciliation Optometry Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.