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The law & regulations

As a registered health care practitioner and/or business owner of a regulated health care service such as optometry, you have a number of obligations regarding advertising and privacy under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009. Optometrists should also be aware of consumer rights and their responsibilities in relation to those rights.

We have developed guidelines, checklists and FAQs to help members understand their responsibilities.

Advertising regulations

Advertising regulationsAdvertising regulations

Consumer rights & refunds

Consumer rights & refundsConsumer rights & refunds

Patient privacy

Patient privacyPatient privacy

Working with children

Working with childrenWorking with children

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Australian optometry has earned international recognition, with three Australian researchers receiving major awards at the American Academy of Optometry’s 2026 Annual Meeting in Anaheim, California, on 2 October. This recognition highlights the significant contribution Australian optometrists are making to eye health research and innovation on the global stage. 
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Ahpra issues new guidance on financial and commercial conflicts of interest

New interim guidance from Ahpra reinforces the importance of independent clinical judgement and warns employers about commercial pressures that may compromise patient care. The guidance is particularly relevant to optometrists working in environments where commercial or financial incentives may intersect with clinical decision-making. 
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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.