2025 Federal Election

In November 2024, Optometry Australia launched its 2025 Federal Election ‘Eyes on Medicare’ campaign, calling on the Federal Government to reinstate Medicare-subsidised eye exams every two years for all Australians under 65.

Over 500 optometrists across the country have sent more than 5,500 emails to their federal representatives, calling 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.   

Together, we called for this to be addressed as a matter of urgency – but the responses we’ve received in the last week from the key political parties are cause for concern. 

• The Australian Labor Party (ALP) has referred us to the Medicare Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) rather than committing to fixing the issue. You can read Minister Butler’s full response here, and our response to the Minister, here. 
• The Australian Greens have provided only a general commitment to Medicare, focused on dental rather than eye care, and  
• The Coalition has yet to respond at all. 

This lack of action is unacceptable. Without strong political commitment, Australians will continue to face barriers to accessing timely eye care. We need optometrists to get involved now and use our political advocacy tool to email the candidates standing for election in your electorate.

Evidenced by the media coverage below, Optometry Australia is intensifying our campaign, calling for eye care to be prioritised.  

1. Use our simple advocacy tool to email your federal representatives today. Every action strengthens our collective voice.  
2. 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.  
3. 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.  

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.  

News and Media