1:30min
Optometry Australia takes the increasing concern about workforce oversupply in optometry very seriously. With new optometry graduates facing challenges in securing employment and growing evidence of an expanding workforce, we have again made a formal submission to the Federal Government’s Occupation Shortage List (OSL) survey.
Our submission, consistent with our prior commentary, highlights concerns about a significant imbalance between optometry workforce supply and demand, while acknowledging the complex reality of workforce maldistribution. We note many available roles are filled through internal recruitment rather than public job postings, and the positions that are advertised often remain open for long periods due to geographic location challenges rather than a true shortage of optometrists.
Furthermore, we comment that the data tells a clear story: with an increase in the number of optometry schools in recent years, the number of registered optometrists in Australia has increased significantly, with a steady rise from 5,399 in 2017 to 6,977 in 2023. At the same time, the optometry workforce per capita is now higher than many comparable countries, with particularly high concentrations in metropolitan and larger regional areas.
Concern regarding a looming oversupply is being felt across the profession, with new evidence of concerning workplace conditions and reports from members indicating increasing job competition, fewer permanent full-time opportunities, and a stagnation or decline in salaries. This is particularly evident for early-career optometrists, who are struggling to secure stable employment pathways.
To further strengthen our response, OA has commissioned an updated workforce supply and demand projections study, which is due to complete in early 2025. This study will provide a clearer understanding of the expected short- and medium-term workforce supply and demand balance, drawing on known data and trend analysis. It will also consider the supply-need balance, looking at areas of identified unmet eye care needs and opportunities for these to be addressed.
What else is OA doing to ensure a robust future for optometry, and optometrists?
OA is taking proactive steps to address these workforce challenges. We are:
- Actively opposing the establishment of new optometry schools and advocating against unnecessary increases in graduate numbers;
- Advancing our workforce planning initiatives, including drafting a response to the National Allied Health Workforce Strategy consultation, and commissioning an updated workforce projections study to better understand future needs and challenges;
- Promoting expanded optometry roles through our Advanced Practice Recognition Program, supporting members in working to their full clinical scope and advocating for better recognition of optometrists’ skills within the broader healthcare system;
- Driving policy change to increase demand for optometric services, including pushing for more frequent access to Medicare item 10910 and advocating for the integration of optometrists into hospital and public health systems;
- Engaging directly with decision-makers, including the health regulator, Ahpra, and major optometry employers, to ensure workforce conditions are improved as per our recently released position statement; and
- Launching targeted public awareness campaigns, such as the upcoming Myopia Awareness Campaign, aimed at identifying unmet need in order to increase community engagement with optometry services and ensuring Australians access timely eye care.
Looking ahead
Our advocacy efforts do not stop here. We continue to engage with key stakeholders and policymakers to ensure the true workforce realities of optometry are recognised. We will keep members updated as we progress these conversations and continue working to secure the best outcomes for the profession.
For more details on our submission or to share your experiences, please reach out to us at policy@optometry.org.au. Together, we will continue to champion the interests of optometrists across the country.