Exploring a new future for Optometry Australia
Optometry Australia and the five state organisations are actively discussing a proposal to enhance services for members and reduce member fees, by reforming the structure of the association.
Dry eye in pharmacy
A member recently reported to Optometry Australia that they had noticed a local pharmacy advertising dry eye disease (DED) diagnosis and IPL treatment. The diagnosis of DED requires specialised ocular assessment, clinical oversight, and eye health practitioner expertise that falls outside the scope of pharmacy practice. Optometry Australia strongly opposes this provision of device-based (DED) diagnosis and therapy, particularly as these services are being provided by pharmacy ‘technicians’.
Tagged as: Dry eye
Finalists for the OV/SA 2025 Rising Star Award announced
We congratulate the finalists of the OV/SA 2025 Rising Star of the Year Award: Simi Sarin and Dr Ching Yi Wu. From Ching Yi’s groundbreaking discovery of a new immune cell to Simi’s pioneering work in equitable access to eye care and advanced glaucoma management, their innovative approaches and commitment to mentorship are forging a dynamic future for optometry in Australia.
Tagged as: early career optometrist, OV/SA Awards
Half a century of sight: Strengthening the Visiting Optometrists Scheme for the future of outreach eye care
Last week, as National Rural Health Month approached, Optometry Australia (OA) hosted a celebration at Parliament House in Canberra to mark the VOS’s 50th anniversary. But amid the celebration came a note of urgency. The VOS, which reimburses essential outreach costs such as travel, accommodation, and equipment transport, is facing mounting funding pressures.
Members win inaugural Retina Australia Awards
Optometry Australia congratulates two members, Professor Michael Kalloniatis and Dr Sena Gocuk, who were recently named as the inaugural recipients of the Retina Australia Awards. Professor Kalloniatis received the Hall of Fame Award for his lifelong global contributions, while Dr Gocuk was honored with the Emerging Scientist Award, recognising her outstanding early career achievements in inherited retinal disease research.
Tagged as: Awards - honours - grants
South Australian eye care professionals unite to champion universal pre-school vision screening
Leading South Australian eye health professionals have joined forces to call for the implementation of universal pre-school vision screening across the state, following the successful launch of the campaign in Adelaide earlier this week.
Tagged as: Advocacy & government
Oral prescribing consultation opens: What optometrists need to know
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.
Tagged as: Patient management, Therapeutics
Optometry Australia welcomes commitment to Tasmania’s 20-Year Preventive Health Strategy
Optometry Australia has welcomed Tasmanian Premier, Jeremy Rockliff MP’s renewed commitment to delivering the state’s 20-Year Preventive Health Strategy and investing in it from the 2026–27 State Budget.
Advocacy update: Universal pre-school vision screening in SA
With the March 2026 South Australian State Election fast approaching, South Australian State Lead Cassandra Haines is partnering with local eye health leaders to drive advocacy that puts children’s eye health firmly on the agenda.
Finalists announced for the OV/SA 2025 Optometrist of the Year Award
Congratulations to the finalists of the OV/SA 2025 Optometrist of the Year Award: Ahmed Azzam; Janelle Scully and Chamini Wijesundera. Meet each of these outstanding optometrists and discover how they have made invaluable contributions to our profession.