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Optometry Australia Board member Theo Charalambous recently met with his local Federal MP Dr Katie Allen (pictured above) to drive important discussions around increasing optometric scope of practice in Australia.

‘I had a great meeting with Katie Allen, and we sat down to discuss the vital role optometry plays in community eye health in Australia,’ Theo said.

‘We spoke about the barriers that are currently preventing Australians from accessing timely and affordable eye care – and how implementing practical and reasonable changes in policy can help begin to break down those barriers.’

Theo encourages members to participate in Optometry Australia’s advocacy campaign by meeting with their local MPs to ignite conversations around how optometrists can be better utilised to enhance eye care in the Australian community.

‘I received support from Optometry Australia’s advocacy team when I reached out to my MP. And their policy platform, as well as their election platform, helped me relay the message of how investing more into optometry and eye care will ultimately lead to better eye health outcomes for our community.

‘It ended up being a very constructive conversation, and, after the meeting, Katie Allen said she will help me set up a meeting with Minister for Health Greg Hunt to ensure these discussions are ongoing.’

Will you join our advocacy campaign?

As important local members of the community, optometrists have the power to make their voices heard and help move the profession forward.

Optometry Australia’s online advocacy tool makes it easy for you to lend your support to our advocacy campaign by contacting your local Federal MP and inviting them to meet to discuss why optometry matters.

To get involved, find tips on meeting with your Federal MP here.

See also: Victorian optometrist Mina You met with her Federal MP Michael Sukkar to advocate for the optometry sector and put eye health on the agenda.

Filed in category: Advocacy & government, General news, Scope of practice
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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.