Media Releases

Optometry Australia is intensifying its election campaign following
underwhelming responses from key political parties, warning that Australia is sleepwalking
into an eye health crisis.

As part of Optometry Australia’s efforts to realise its preferred future for optometry in 2040, significant steps have been taken towards establishing an Advanced Practice Recognition (APR) program in optometry, aiming to recognise and credential optometrists with demonstrated expertise in particular clinical areas, starting with glaucoma management.

Optometry Australia has lodged its Pre-Budget Submission for the 2024-25 Federal Budget.

Optometry Australia is concerned about the mental health and wellbeing of its members, in light of recent findings from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra), and studies conducted before and during COVID-19.

Optometry Australia has commended the Federal Minister for Health, Mark Butler, on the Strengthening Medicare initiatives that have been announced ahead of the 9 May Federal Budget.

Optometry Australia is reminding the public to take precautions to protect their eyesight during the upcoming solar eclipse on Thursday 20 April in Ningaloo, Western Australia.

Monday 6 February 2023 – Optometry Australia has welcomed the new Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Report and Minister for Health, Mark Butler’s recent public commitments to ensuring best use of Australia’s skilled health workforce.

With Medicare indexation well below CPI and inflation, Optometry Australia will press to discuss fairer Medicare indexation with Mark Butler, Federal Minister for Health.

With a looming eye health crisis on the horizon that has the potential to impact the eyesight of millions of Australians, Optometry Australia will appeal to the new Labor Government to escalate eye health reform as part of its overarching health agenda.

O=MEGA23 in partnership with the 4th World Congress of Optometry will be held in Melbourne from 8 – 10 September 2023, following a partnership between the Optical Distribution & Manufacturers Association of Australia (ODMA), Optometry Victoria South Australia (OV/SA) and the World Council of Optometry (WCO).