As Members will no doubt have seen, we are in full swing of informing Members about the upcoming vote to unify into one national organisation. We need a fit-for-purpose new structure that will kick goals for Members. That is what optometrists deserve.
From 1 July 2026, the Australian superannuation system will change substantially. Known as Payday Super, all employers will be required to pay their staff’s superannuation guarantee (SG) contributions at the same time they pay their salary and wages.
Nominations are now open for the inaugural Optometry Queensland Northern Territory’s Optometrist of the Year and Rising Star Awards. These Awards shine a light on OQNT members who go above and beyond for their patients, peers, and profession. Nominations close 7 June 2026.
Optometry practices across Queensland that provide services to children must now comply with the Child Safe Standards introduced under the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024, which came into effect on 1st January 2026. Most optometry practices will be captured by the new requirements if they see children as patients, even occasionally.
QIMR Berghofer has announced that its Genetics of Glaucoma Clinical Trial is now open for recruitment. The trial aims to evaluate the clinical utility of a genetic test for individuals with both a high genetic risk score and a family history of glaucoma.
As optometry evolves, keeping up with new knowledge is essential, particularly understanding how to apply that new knowledge into clinical practice. That’s where interactive, case-based CPD comes in. Unlike traditional lecture-style learning, case-based education places optometrists in realistic clinical scenarios.
Optometry NSW/ACT has appointed Thomas Ford as its new President. Based in Griffith, New South Wales, Tom is a regional optometrist with a strong focus on the profession’s future and on advancing peer education.
The initiative coincides with National Close the Gap Day on Thursday, 19 March, recognising the ongoing inequities in health outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.
Recent changes to Queensland driver licence medical forms have raised concerns among optometrists, particularly around the visibility of optometry within the driving assessment process.
Optometrists are being urged to remain vigilant following reports of eye infections affecting Australian rules football players in the Northern Territory.
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.
