Optometry Australia is undertaking a Workforce Consultation with members and stakeholders to develop practical solutions that support and enable optometrists to reach the top of their professional scope, ensuring the future of optometry will be shaped by the profession itself.
Professor Algis Vingrys has been named the 20th recipient of the prestigious H Barry Collin Research Medal, recognising a distinguished career that has helped shape vision science, optometry research and clinical practice in Australia and internationally.
Changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) took effect from 1 September, including updates to PBS listings, restrictions and authority requirements. For optometrists prescribing medicines under the PBS, it’s important to check the current PBS listings, restrictions and item code before prescribing or submitting an authority application.
Optometry Australia has welcomed six newly elected Directors who will join the Inaugural Optometry Australia Board following the conclusion of the 2026 Director elections.
Congratulations to Fiona Moore on winning the Optometry Queensland Northern Territory (OQNT) Optometrist of the Year Award.
Developed through a collaborative co-design process involving 26 health profession colleges across Australia, the Framework provides practical guidance to help healthcare organisations reduce their environmental impact, adapt to climate-related challenges and continue delivering high-quality care.
Momentum is building for universal preschool vision screening in Victoria, with Government and Opposition parliamentarians joining eye health leaders at Parliament House late last month to hear the evidence for a reform that could help ensure every child starts school ready to learn.
The 2026–27 Queensland Budget handed down recently contains limited eye health-specific investment. However, it includes a notable commitment to children’s vision screening through the statewide expansion of the Healthy Kindy Kids program.
The Census, conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, is Australia’s largest national statistical collection. Held every five years, the next collection is on Tuesday, 11 August 2026. Optometry Australia encourages all optometrists to complete the Census with care to make our profession count.
Ahpra and the Optometry Board of Australia have released an advance copy of the revised Supervised practice framework, designed to make it simpler, quicker, and cheaper for internationally qualified health practitioners to work in Australia.
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.
