Eye health must remain a priority in national health policy discussions and the 2025 Federal Election

As part of Optometry Australia’s ‘Eyes on Medicare’ campaign, optometrists continue to take action to advocate for much-needed reforms in primary eye care. Recently, optometrists Sophie Koh, Director – Professional Services (Member Engagement), and Kerryn Hart, Clinical Policy Manager, met with Assistant Minister Ged Kearney, Federal Member for Cooper, to discuss the growing issue of childhood myopia and the importance of reinstating two-yearly Medicare-subsidised eye examinations. 

Their meeting was an important step in ensuring that eye health remains a priority in national health policy discussions. 

Why advocacy matters 

The decision to reach out to Assistant Minister Kearney was driven by deep concerns about childhood myopia and the broader issue of access to timely and affordable eye care. 

‘We have seen a significant drop-off in initial comprehensive eye examinations for Australians under 65 years of age,’ said Kerryn.  

‘This is concerning because early detection is critical in preventing avoidable vision loss. Ensuring two-yearly Medicare-subsidised eye exams would help address this gap and improve long-term eye health outcomes.’

Childhood myopia, in particular, is a growing public health concern. The discussion highlighted the need for policy changes that support better access to regular eye examinations and increase public awareness about myopia management strategies. 

Meeting with Ged Kearney: A receptive audience 

In preparation for the meeting, Kerryn and Sophie reviewed key talking points from the ‘Eyes on Medicare’ campaign, gathered relevant data, and coordinated their messaging to present a strong, united case. 

‘We wanted to make sure we were well-prepared with evidence-based arguments. We focused on demonstrating how early intervention in eye health leads to better outcomes and reduced long-term healthcare costs.’

During the meeting, Assistant Minister Kearney was highly engaged and expressed a keen interest in the issues raised.  

‘She showed interest in Optometry Australia’s ‘Off Screens. Outside. Optometrist’ myopia awareness campaign slogan, particularly taking note of the evidence that increasing outdoor play is effective in addressing  childhood myopia,’ commented Sophie. 

‘But most importantly, she committed to raising these concerns with Health Minister Mark Butler, a promising step toward broader discussions at the federal level.’

Optometrists have a role to play in health policy 

This advocacy effort reaffirmed that by engaging with policymakers, optometrists can influence decisions that directly impact their profession and the well-being of their patients. 

‘Optometrists have a duty to advocate for change. Our voices matter, and when we engage with policymakers, we can drive real improvements in public health,’ Kerryn said. 

Encouraging others to take action 

For those who may be hesitant about engaging in advocacy, the message is clear: your voice can make a difference. 

Sophie echoed calls for optometrists to get involved. ‘Advocacy isn’t just for politicians—it’s for healthcare professionals who care about their patients. If we don’t speak up, we risk missing opportunities to improve access to essential eye care services. Policymakers want to hear from us, and we need to take every opportunity to ensure they do.’

Get involved 

Optometry Australia continues to call for urgent action to reverse the 2014 Budget decision to reduce Medicare subsidised initial comprehensive eye examinations for under 65s from once every two years to once every three years.  

Without strong political commitment, Australians will continue to face barriers to accessing timely eye care. We need every optometrist to get involved today.  

1. Visit the Optometry Australia 2025 Federal Election page for campaign updates.  
2. Use our simple advocacy tool to email your federal representatives today. Every action strengthens our collective voice.  
3. Once you’ve used the tool, schedule a reminder for yourself to follow up in two weeks – you can even ask for a meeting to discuss this issue further! The Optometry Australia team is here to help you prepare. Contact us today, at policy@optometry.org.au.  
4. Help spread the word about the campaign! Use our ready-to-go social media assets, including captions, graphics and practice posters, to engage your network and encourage colleagues to join in. We love seeing our members take part – snap a photo of your poster in action and share it with us at community@optometry.org.au. 

We aren’t backing down – and we need your voice. Together, we can ensure eye care is a priority in this election and beyond.  

Looking for more information? Contact the Optometry Advancement team at policy@optometry.org.au.