For Queensland optometrist Jason Holland, working in a collaborative care setting has offered a glimpse into the future of optometry – one where oral prescribing is seamlessly integrated into everyday care. As Optometry Australia calls on the Optometry Board of Australia to review and contemporise the Guidelines for the Use of Scheduled Medicines to enable optometrists …
Continue reading “Jason Holland on the policy that’s failing patients”
With a conversation kicking off about expansion to the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) scheme, led by Dr Monique Ryan, Senator David Pocock and our colleagues at Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA), Optometry Australia is calling for optometry students to be included. Stories like Jessie’s highlight why extending this support to optometry students will help ease placement-related financial pressures and strengthen the profession’s workforce.
Independent optometrists are set to take an important step forward in digital health, with the latest Optomate software update introducing electronic prescriptions (e-scripts) for the first time within independent optometry practice management systems.
We’re excited to announce a new clinical benefit for all Optometry Australia members. You now have free access to eMIMS – Australia’s most trusted and comprehensive medicines information resource.
To improve and streamline referrals to public ophthalmology departments, most states and territories have now produced guidelines or criteria on what conditions should and shouldn’t be referred, as well as what is mandatory or highly desirable to include in referrals. To assist members, Optometry Australia has developed a concise summary on the Victorian State-Wide Referral Criteria for glaucoma.
Following extensive consultation with Optometry Australia and other key eye care stakeholders in South Australia, new Ophthalmology Clinical Prioritisation Criteria (CPC) for frequently referred ophthalmology conditions have now been published on the SA Health website.
Optometry Australia is seeing increased concern from members about leave requests being unreasonably denied and approved requests being cancelled. These actions may breach legal entitlements. We are working closely with members and the employment law team at Industry Legal Group to address these issues when they arise and help ensure you’re treated fairly at work.
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.
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.
We’re strengthening our frontline Optometrist Advisor Help Desk with two key legal services, ensuring all members receive expert legal advice when it matters most.
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.
