You are here: Home > GPs & health care professionals > Ophthalmologists

Ophthalmologists and optometrists

Did you know Australian optometrists possess a range of clinical skills and can perform the following procedures including, but not limited, to:

  • Refraction – measuring the optics of the eye
  • Binocular vision tests – testing the coordination of the two eyes as a team
  • Ophthalmoscopy – internal examination of the eye
  • Slitlamp biomicroscopy – external examination of the eye
  • Tonometry – measuring the pressure of the eyeball
  • Anaesthetics to perform tonometry
  • Mydriatics – dilated ocular fundus exams
  • Cycloplegics
  • Optical dispensing – supply and management of spectacles and contact lenses

Additionally, therapeutically endorsed optometrists can prescribe ophthalmic medicines – in the form of topical eye drops – such as anti-inflammatory and corticosteroid drops to treat eye diseases such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, uveitis and glaucoma.

As an ophthalmologist, you can refer your patients to an optometrist for many aspects of primary eye care, including, but not limited to:

  • Patient co-management
  • Diabetic eye exams
  • Glaucoma medication repeats
  • Colour vision
  • Low vision
  • Children’s vision
  • Vision therapy
  • Workplace occupational health and safety
  • Myopia control

Effective collaboration between ophthalmologists and optometrists can enhance patient care, better utilise valuable ophthalmology time and reduce public hospital waitlists.

Resources for ophthalmologists 

  • Opportunities to promote your expertise to optometrists
  • Connect with your local optometrist now and reduce your patient’s wait time today
  • Optometry Australia seeks to collaborate with Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmology (RANZCO) in the development of resources to improve patient outcomes – contact us for more information on networking with optometrists.

You might be interested in

Roman Serebrianik: Finding new purpose through optometry

When Roman Serebrianik graduated in 2003, he thought he had a clear idea of what his optometry career would look like. What he didn’t realise at the time was that his optometry training had set him up for more than clinical care. It also taught him how to think critically, work closely with other health professionals and understand how healthcare systems work – all skills that would serve him well far beyond the consulting room.
Roman Serebrianik: Finding new purpose through optometry View

Help strengthen the Visiting Optometrists Scheme — Share your insights 

Optometry Australia is inviting all members involved in the Visiting Optometrists Scheme (VOS) to take part in a national survey to help shape the future of this vital program. The VOS plays a critical role in improving access to eye care for Australians living in rural and remote communities, as well as for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Help strengthen the Visiting Optometrists Scheme — Share your insights  View

Jason Holland on the policy that’s failing patients

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"

Jason Holland on the policy that’s failing patients View

Acknowledgement of Country

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.