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Pharmacists 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 a pharmacist, you can direct your customers to an optometrist for many aspects of primary eye care that optometrists provide, including, but not limited to:

  • Eye disease diagnosis, treatment and management, including red eye
  • 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 pharmacists and optometrists can enhance patient care, better utilise valuable ophthalmology time and reduce public hospital waitlists.

Pharmacists are welcome to:

  • Use our ‘Find an optometrist‘ search to connect with your local optometrist
  • Participate in our CPD events to learn more about eye health issues
  • Recommend our Good vision for life website to your customers
  • Contact us if you’d like to learn more about optometry and collaborating with optometrists

Resources for pharmacists

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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.