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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.

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Dry eye in pharmacy

A member recently reported to Optometry Australia that they had noticed a local pharmacy advertising dry eye disease (DED) diagnosis and IPL treatment. The diagnosis of DED requires specialised ocular assessment, clinical oversight, and eye health practitioner expertise that falls outside the scope of pharmacy practice. Optometry Australia strongly opposes this provision of device-based (DED) diagnosis and therapy, particularly as these services are being provided by pharmacy ‘technicians’.
Dry eye in pharmacy View

Finalists for the OV/SA 2025 Rising Star Award announced

We congratulate the finalists of the OV/SA 2025 Rising Star of the Year Award: Simi Sarin and Dr Ching Yi Wu. From Ching Yi's groundbreaking discovery of a new immune cell to Simi's pioneering work in equitable access to eye care and advanced glaucoma management, their innovative approaches and commitment to mentorship are forging a dynamic future for optometry in Australia.
Finalists for the OV/SA 2025 Rising Star Award announced 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.