You are here: Home > Practice & professional support > Coronavirus (COVID-19) – what optometrists need to know

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – what optometrists need to know

  • This page contains specific advice to support Optometry Australia members and their patients.
  • We will continue to monitor the situation and provide members with state-specific information via SMS or direct email as soon as possible.
  • The current status of the COVID-19 virus in Australia, advice and resources can be found at the Department of Health website and updates on each state government health website.
  • Rules are changing all the time – the very latest information will always be found on the respective state and territory government websites – click through via the link in the relevant row & column.
  • Even if mask wear is not mandated by a state or territory government, the wearing of P2/N95/KN95 respirators (masks) is strongly recommended for optometrists & practice staff.

Last updated 09/01/23

Mask Requirements*Mandatory VaccinationMandatory Isolation
for optometrists and stafffor patients (over 12)for optometrists and staff in private practicefor COVID +ve Optoms & Staff
VicNo but strongly encouraged
No but strongly encouragedEmployer to decide based on risk assessment.No, but >=5 days recommended
NSWNo but strongly encouragedNo but strongly encouragedEmployer to decide based on risk assessment.No, but 7 days recommended
ACTNo but strongly encouraged No but strongly encouraged Employer to decide based on risk assessment.No, but stay home if symptomatic
NTNo but strongly encouragedNo but strongly encouragedEmployer to decide based on risk assessment.No, but stay home if symptomatic
WANo but strongly encouragedNo but strongly encouragedEmployer to decide based on risk assessmentNo, but should not return to work for 7 days
TASNo but strongly encouragedNo but strongly encouragedEmployer to decide based on risk assessment.No, but stay home if symptomatic
SANo but strongly encouragedNo but strongly encouragedEmployer to decide based on risk assessment.No, but 5-7 days or longer recommended
QLDNo but strongly encouraged - see Traffic Light AdviceNo but strongly encouraged - see Traffic Light AdviceEmployer to decide based on risk assessment.No, but at least 7 days recommended

Staffing, HR and financial support

For employees, employers & locums

Staffing, HR and financial supportStaffing, HR and financial support

Clinical FAQ

Clinical FAQClinical FAQ

Telehealth Information

Telehealth InformationTelehealth Information

Infection control video updates

Infection control video updatesInfection control video updates

COVID-19 Clinical Advice

Includes: urgent care, PPE, infection control,
telehealth, contact lenses

COVID-19 Clinical Advice COVID-19 Clinical Advice

Supporting your mental health

Supporting your mental healthSupporting your mental health

Other helpful resources

Other helpful resourcesOther helpful resources

Support for our members

We realise this is a difficult and uncertain time for all of us. Optometry Australia’s optometry advisor helpdesk offers our members dedicated experienced optometrists ready to provide confidential support.

Optometry Australia’s advisor helpdesk
Email: national@optometry.org.au
Phone: (03) 9668 8500
Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm AEST

Other contacts

Australian Department of Health – National Coronavirus information Hotline
Website: Here
Phone: 1800 020 080
Hours: Operates 24/7

Australian Department of Business
Website: Here
Phone: 13 28 46
Operating hours: Seven days a week, 7.00am to 11.00pm AEST

You might be interested in

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.