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Membership benefits for students

Optometry students are the future of our profession. At Optometry Australia, we will foster your career and enable you to reach your full potential.

We are also looking ahead, to ensure a thriving optometry profession where your career is sustainable, fulfilling and rewarding. Having a membership with us means you are part of Australia’s largest community of optometry professionals and because of this, you are never alone. We provide the networks, tools, support and guidance for your professional success.

Student membership is free and provides many benefits including:

  • Complimentary advice on employment options, including understanding and negotiating your first job or contract.
  • Step-by-step guidance on how to register with Ahpra or obtaining a Medicare and PBS provider number.
  • A thriving Jobs Board which gives you access to the largest and most diverse range of employment opportunities across Australia, including face-to-face access to a range of potential employers.
  • Monday-Friday access to our member hotline for support and guidance across all aspects of the profession – from Medicare billing, to handling complaints and challenging clinical cases.
  • Access to all online resources and information including clinical guidelines, practice information and much more.
  • Excellent networking opportunities with peers and future colleagues as well as heavily discounted rates on registration costs for conferences with international speakers.
  • Opportunities to join a national pre-career community and contribute to the future direction of your profession.
  • Complimentary Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) cover for final-year students under our premium policy.
  • Member-only e-newsletters such as Your Launching Pad with tailored advice to help you launch into clinical practice safely and efficiently.
  • Member-only e-newsletters broadcasting professional and leadership opportunities.
  • Opportunities to participate in our annual Student Leadership Program – an initiative designed to give students the skills they need to become future leaders within the optometry profession.

To become a member and join growing our community, sign-up here!

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A parliamentary inquiry into diabetes has highlighted the essential role of optometry and optometrists in the management and treatment of diabetic eye disease. Optometry Australia is pleased to see our submission has been included in the final report, which acknowledges the importance of eye health and vision in diabetes care. 
Optometry recognised as essential in diabetes care View

Madeline Baker awarded inaugural OV/SA LOOK Local Scholarship

The inaugural OV/SA Looking Outward on Optometric Knowledge (LOOK) Local Scholarship has been awarded to Victorian member, Madeline Baker. She will use her scholarship to investigate the factors behind the prevalence of mental ill-health in the optometric workforce, then develop a comprehensive mental health and wellbeing framework.
Madeline Baker awarded inaugural OV/SA LOOK Local Scholarship View

Meet 2023 OV/SA Student Award winner, Anna Reid

Meet the 2023 OV/SA Student Award winner for The University of Melbourne, Anna Reid. OV/SA awards are given to students, as selected by their university faculty, who demonstrate both academic excellence and commitment to patient care and professionalism.
Meet 2023 OV/SA Student Award winner, Anna Reid 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.