Increasingly rapid change, associated with technological, economic, political and demographic influences, is disrupting tried and true optometry practice models, working conditions, patient eye care, and clinician training requirements and communication. Change isn’t always positive, yet it brings opportunity if it can be embraced and channelled.
Optometry 2040 project, launched in 2018, used proven futures studies techniques – and broad consultation with our members, optometrists across the country and key sector stakeholders – to identify key trends shaping the future of eye health and eye care; the preferred and plausible futures for optometry; and key steps to realising these futures.
In 2023, we recognised that the scenarios developed in 2018 needed to be refreshed if they were to remain relevant and useful. Refreshing Optometry 2040 recognised that some change assumptions have progressed faster than expected, others slower or not at all. Moreover, further development of the backcasting, the process of identifying the steps and milestones needed to achieve the scenario by 2040, was required.
The refreshed, preferred scenario for 2040, is based on a vision of optometrists’ participation in collaborative multidisciplinary health services, an expanded scope of practice working in partnership with other specialists, validated, shareable data on workforce supply and demand, and on patients and health outcomes, full uptake of digital technology and training, a more diverse and culturally trained workforce, and optometrists as key players in eye health research.
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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.