Legislative changes in Montana and West Virginia, set to take effect in July 2025, will bring the total number of US states granting optometrists laser privileges to fourteen. This significant shift underscores a widening gap in scope of practice between the US and Australian optometrists.
In early May, Optometry Tasmania (OTas) welcomed Tori Halsey as its new State Lead, succeeding Karen Garner-Hamilton. Tori brings a wealth of experience as a Tasmanian-based optometrist, having previously served on both the OTas and Optometry Australia Boards.
Nominations are now open for Optometry Victoria South Australia’s 2025 Rising Star, Optometrist of the Year and Life Member Awards. These Awards shine a light on OV/SA members who go above and beyond for their patients, their peers, and their profession. Nominate someone you know before 21 July 2025. And yes, you are invited to self nominate!
In 2025, OQNT provided four Rural Scholarship for Queensland University of Technology final year optometry students to complete their placements in a rural setting. Two recipients, Kelvin Hui and Chanaah Thevasagayam have finished placements and here, share their experiences.
As our national Myopia Awareness Campaign ‘Off Screens, Outside, Optometrist’ continues to build momentum across the country, we’ve released a new clinical resource to support our members in delivering confident, evidence-based myopia care.
The Federal Government’s 2025–26 Budget has committed to banning non-compete clauses in most employment contracts. Optometry Australia’s legal partner, ILG, has prepared a detailed summary of the proposed changes.
Optometry Australia invites Expressions of Interest for our new Myopia Management Community of Practice and Education (COPE) Group, launching mid-June 2025 to coincide with our National Myopia Awareness Campaign. Apply by 26 May 2025.
Optometrists aren’t just making a difference in the practice room – they’re making waves in cinemas too.
Deakin University’s Christopher Law shares some handy digital health and AI tips for optometrists, as well as his thoughts on embedding digital health into optometry clinics.
Optometry Australia extends a sincere thank you to all members who expressed interest in the inaugural open round of our Advanced Practice Recognition (APR) Program – Glaucoma.
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.
