Since our bold call to Canberra – “Wake up, Canberra: Ignoring eye health is costing Australians their sight” – Optometry Australia has continued to push hard for meaningful change to Medicare funding for eye care. Our message has been clear: reversing the 2014 Budget decision is vital to preventing avoidable vision loss in our communities.
Optometry Australia recently interviewed Hayley, a South Australian optometrist, and 21-year-old patient, Emily, about their experiences during a seemingly inconspicuous routine eye test.
Last year, we informed members that as part of the Federal Budget 2024-25, the Commonwealth Government would implement recommendations made by the MBS Review Taskforce relating to optometry items. These changes have been confirmed and come into effect from 1 March 2025.
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.
