Help secure oral prescribing for optometrists
Optometry Australia’s long-running advocacy has brought oral prescribing a step closer to reality – and with it, the opportunity for increased recognition of the profession’s critical role in Australia’s health workforce.
The Optometry Board of Australia is currently consulting on it’s Review of the Registration Standard for Scheduled Medicines – a pivotal moment for the profession, for optometrists and for your patients.
Proposed changes
The Optometry Board of Australia is proposing to:
- Expand the scope of prescribing for endorsed optometrists to include oral medicines used for common eye conditions; and
- Remove the reference to the scheduled list of medicines from the endorsement – but maintain a restrictive, regulated list of approved oral medications deemed in scope.
No additional training would be required for therapeutically endorsed optometrists to prescribe oral medications for the purpose of practising optometry.
Our position
Optometry Australia welcomes progress to enable therapeutically endorsed optometrists to prescribe oral medications, noting it represents long-overdue recognition of the profession’s expertise and leadership in primary care.
Optometrists already carry the responsibility for identification and diagnosis of eye conditions and this reform gives them the authority to complete management. It streamlines care, reduces unnecessary referrals, and positions optometry as a key part of the health workforce solution. By aligning regulatory frameworks with optometrists’ training and day-to-day responsibilities, this reform helps reduce duplication, streamline patient care, and reinforce the profession’s leadership in primary care delivery.
However, maintaining a scheduled list of endorsed medicines would ensure optometry remains out of step with contemporary regulation of other professions, and is inconsistent with the approach taken internationally, including in New Zealand. While a prohibition on Schedule 8 and restricted Schedule 4 medicines is appropriate, a broader list is outdated and unnecessary.
Why this matters
This reform isn’t just about expanding prescribing – it’s about trust, autonomy and recognition. It will ensure the optometry workforce can practise to its full capacity, and meet patient and community eye care needs.
Optometrists are already responsible for diagnosing and managing a wide range of eye conditions. The ability to prescribe oral medications is the logical, safe next step — one that aligns with your training, expertise and responsibility as primary care providers.
A restrictive list undermines that trust. It keeps optometry out of step with other professions and with international best practice.
How you can help
Oral prescribing is within reach, but it won’t happen without you. The Optometry Board of Australia needs to hear directly from you: Australia’s frontline eye care providers.
Add your voice by choosing the option that works best for you:
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