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Our submissions for the optometry workforce

2023

Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce – Scope of Practice Review

Our submission to Australian Government, outlining the structural and systemic impediments that are holding back optometrists and other health professionals from practising to their fullest scope.

2019

Policy Options to Improve Access, Distribution and Quality of Rural Allied Health Services

Optometry Australia response to the National Rural Health Commissioner, August 2019

2018

Aged care workforce strategy

Our submission to the Australian Department of Health outlines key ways in which the aged care workforce can be strengthened to ensure it is able to meet the demands of complex health care; including through integrating the role of optometry effectively into the residential aged care space to ensure positive eye health outcomes.

2017

Skilled Migration List Review

Our submission to the Commonwealth’s review of the Skilled Migration List argued for removal of optometry from skilled migration lists, in recognition of evidence suggesting adequate national supply of optometrists.

Review of the methodology for assessing the Skilled Migration List

Our submission to the Department of Jobs and Small Business emphasised the need to consider established workforce data sets, and supply and demand projection studies.

2016

Commonwealth consultation regarding the Skilled Occupations List 2017-18

Our submission to the Commonwealth Department of Education and Training regarding the Skilled Occupations List for 2017-18 highlighted evidence of sufficient internal supply of optometrists to meet demand.

2015

Commonwealth’s review of the Health Workshop Scholarship Program

Our submission to the Department of Health’s consultation regarding the future of the Federal Government’s Health Workforce Scholarship Program, argued for targeted action to address workforce maldistribution.

Commonwealth consultation regarding the Skilled Occupations List 2016-17

Our submission to the Commonwealth Department of Education and Training regarding the Skilled Occupations List for 2016-17 recommended that optometry was removed from the list.

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Optometry Australia has launched its Members Book Club, a free-to-join social initiative, with four books selected per year and quarterly virtual catch ups to discuss selected texts. The book club will give  members the opportunity to connect with peers through shared literary interests and an enjoyment of reading. 
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OV/SA announces new LOOK Local Scholarship

A new OV/SA Looking Outward on Optometric Knowledge (LOOK) Local Scholarship has been established to facilitate Australian-based study tours for an OV/SA financial member. The Scholarship is intended to directly improve eye health of local communities throughout Victoria and South Australia.
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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.