Christchurch

2026–27 Federal Budget: what it means for optometry

Earlier this year, Optometry Australia submitted its 2026–27 Federal Budget Submission to the Australian Government, outlining a series of practical, evidence-based reforms aimed at improving access to eye care and better utilising the skills and expertise of Australia’s optometry workforce. While the Budget did not include direct funding commitments relating to Optometry Australia’s proposals, several measures are relevant to the profession and broader eye care sector.

E-referrals in optometry: Improving referral visibility, efficiency and patient care

Secure e-referral systems are helping optometrists replace fax, post and email with more reliable and traceable communication with ophthalmologists, GPs, hospitals and other specialists. A pivotal example is underway in Tasmania, where Primary Health Tasmania and the Tasmanian Department of Health are leading the rollout of eReferrals in optometry.

Entries open for the 2026 Peter Swann photography prize

Entries for the 2026 Professor Peter Swann Photography Prize competition are invited between 20 May and 5 July 2026. The prize celebrates outstanding ocular images and honours the legacy of Professor Peter Swann, who was a faculty member at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) for over 37 years.