1:30min
By Kirsty Machon
Journalist
More than 600 members have responded to Optometry Australia’s first scope of practice survey.
Data from the survey will provide an indispensable and current picture of the important role optometry plays in primary care and population eye health.
The online survey sought comprehensive information about how optometry is practised across the nation, asking questions relating to equipment, practice skills, therapeutic practice, and how optometrists work with other health practitioners.
Optometry Australia national policy manager Skye Cappuccio said Optometry Australia was analysing the data and would report back to members once this had been completed.
The survey was produced in collaboration with Flinders University’s Centre for Clinical Change and Health Care Research, which helped develop a strong research instrument and will collect and de-identify members’ responses to ensure anonymity.
‘This will be information that can be shared with government, optometry regulators, policy-makers and other health professions to make sure they are all aware of the breadth and depth of optometry’s contribution to the eye health of Australians,’ Ms Cappuccio said.