Oral therapeutics update

In late 2025, the Optometry Board of Australia consulted on proposed changes to the Registration Standard: Endorsement for Scheduled Medicines and associated guidelines that would enable endorsed optometrists to prescribe oral medicines for eye conditions, in addition to topical medicines. Optometry Australia through its advocacy, generated a high volume of submissions that are currently being reviewed by the Board to develop its recommendation to Health Ministers.

If approved by Ministerial council, it would be a significant milestone and an important step forward for optometry. The proposal reflects many years of sustained advocacy by Optometry Australia and would represent strong recognition by regulators and government of the important role optometrists can play in delivering timely, accessible and integrated eye care.

Optometry Australia continues to actively advocate for timely implementation that makes best use of the expertise, training and accessibility of Australia’s optometric workforce. Since consultation closed, we have continued engagement with governments, regulators, Ministerial offices and key stakeholders to reinforce the patient, workforce and system benefits of optometric oral prescribing.

A key focus of this advocacy has been promoting a contemporary prescribing framework that enables endorsed optometrists to work to full scope. While the consultation proposed a list-based prescribing model, Optometry Australia continues to advocate for a more flexible no-list approach that better reflects professional capability, supports responsiveness as clinical evidence evolves and reduces unnecessary administrative burden. At the same time, we have proposed practical mechanisms to streamline updates should a list-based approach ultimately proceed.

Importantly, this reform aligns with broader national policy direction supporting full-scope, multidisciplinary and integrated primary care and presents a significant opportunity to improve patient access to timely treatment — particularly in regional and underserved communities where optometrists are often the most accessible eye care provider.

Optometry Australia remains committed to ensuring implementation occurs in a way that is practical, evidence-based and delivers the greatest benefit to patients, while strengthening collaborative models of care. We will continue to keep members updated as this work progresses and welcome ongoing feedback and case studies to support advocacy efforts.