Join Optometry Australia’s Advisory Group on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander eye care

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples bring deep cultural knowledge and strength to eye health and vision care, and eye health is an essential part of overall wellbeing. Many of the leading causes of vision impairment and blindness can be prevented through early detection and treatment, and there are already strong examples of community-led and culturally grounded programs making a real difference. 

Yet, systemic barriers continue to limit equitable access to eye care, highlighting the importance of expanding and strengthening approaches that privilege Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, expertise and leadership. 

Optometry Australia is committed to working in partnership to ensure all communities can access timely, affordable and culturally safe eye care.  

About the Advisory Group 

Established in 2008, Optometry Australia’s Advisory Group on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander eye health plays a vital role in shaping sustainable solutions that advance eye health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  

The Advisory Group informs and strengthens Optometry Australia’s advocacy by:

• Elevating the voices and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and leaders. 
• Driving systemic change such as through reforms to the Visiting Optometrists Scheme (VOS), to ensure long-term sustainability and responsiveness to community needs. 
• Advocating for national access and equity, including a consistent, subsidised spectacle scheme for priority populations. 
• Supporting the development of respectful, reciprocal partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and leaders, to ensure all work remains community-informed and culturally grounded. 
• Providing expert guidance on initiatives aimed at improving eye health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Membership 

Optometry Australia will appoint a maximum of ten members, plus the Chair, to the Advisory Group. The Advisory Group meets formally once annually, with additional meetings or input requested by email as required.  

Advisory Group members must commit to participate as members of Optometry Australia, not as representatives of other organisations or committees with which they may be involved. 

Expressions of interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander optometrists and optometry students will be given preference.  

How to express your interest 

To express your interest in joining the Advisory Group, please email policy@optometry.org.au by COB Sunday, 21 September 2025. 

In 500 words or less, please outline your experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye care, and highlight relevant experience in: 

• Delivering outreach-based optometry, practice-based optometry or hybrid models. 
• Multidisciplinary collaboration, including with ophthalmologists, GPs, ACCHOs and/or Visiting Optometry Scheme (VOS) fundholders. 
• Across geographic settings (urban, regional, rural and remote). 
• Providing strategic advice and/or developing policy. 

This is an important opportunity to contribute to collective efforts to advance eye health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. We look forward to receiving your expression of interest.