1:30min
Last month, Optometry Australia, together with advocacy placement students Maggie and Jasmine, took part in the 10th National Rural and Remote Health Scientific Symposium (10RRHSS) in Alice Springs, contributing to national discussions on strengthening Australia’s rural health workforce.
During the symposium, Maggie and Jasmine, supported by OA Strategic Program and Policy Manager Demi Gertig, presented a research poster titled, ‘Innovative Solutions to Address Maldistribution in Optometry: Responding to National Workforce Insights’.
The poster drew on findings from the Optometry Workforce Projections Study and analysis of maldistribution in the optometry workforce completed by Maggie and Jasmine during their two-week advocacy placement with OA. It explored how coordinated strategies are urgently needed to ensure a sustainable, resilient and motivated workforce capable of meeting Australia’s future eye care needs.
The challenge of rural workforce maldistribution
Earlier this year, Optometry Australia released the Optometry Workforce Projections Study showing that, based on current demand for eye care, Australia currently has an oversupply of optometrists. It also found that a significant proportion of Australians, including those living in rural and remote areas, are missing out on essential eye care – representing both a challenge and an opportunity. However, simply increasing overall graduate numbers will not fix localised issues in accessing optometric care or workforce maldistribution and we continue to oppose further expansion of optometry programs in Australia in the short term.
These challenges require smarter solutions and targeted strategies – Demi, Maggie and Jasmine’s work began the process of identifying these. Their poster called for the implementation of productive strategies to address the interconnected needs of both practitioners and patients. Within the context of oversupply of optometrists across Australia, many living in rural and remote communities continue to face barriers to timely, affordable eye care. At the same time, factors such as professional isolation, limited local support services and a lack of community connection can make it difficult for optometrists to establish or remain in rural practice.
Maggie and Jasmine’s findings reinforced that the most powerful enabler of long-term retention is social support, in addition to the traditional reliance on financial incentives. At the same time, innovative care models broaden patient access and enhance continuity of care. Together, these strategies will build a robust, future-ready optometry workforce and ensure all communities across Australia have easy access to equitable care.
These insights are now informing Optometry Australia’s broader workforce strategy. Optometry Australia has a responsibility to both the profession and the community to continue to address oversupply responsibly, improve workplace conditions and build community demand for eye care to better align with true community need. This is the pathway to a future where optometrists are respected, supported and valued, and where our communities have access to the quality eye care they deserve.
Working together for sustainable solutions
10RRHSS brought together health leaders, researchers and policymakers from across Australia to share practical, evidence-based approaches to improving health outcomes in rural and remote areas. Optometry Australia’s participation ensured the profession’s voice was represented in these discussions, reinforcing optometry’s essential role within Australia’s broader primary health system.
The discussions made clear that sustainable progress will rely on systemic reform in workforce conditions, targeted investment in retention strategies in rural and remote areas, meaningful support for practitioners in rural communities and coordinated action to meet growing eye care demand.
How you can contribute
In November, Optometry Australia is hosting a series of virtual ‘drop in’ sessions with our senior leadership team. These are an opportunity to hear more about how we are tackling workforce challenges and unmet community need – and to share your perspective.
- Monday 10 November, 7–8pm AEDT: Optometry Workforce Supply and Demand – Register here
- Tuesday 11 November, 7–8pm AEDT: Children’s Vision – Register here
- Wednesday 12 November, 7–8pm AEDT: Regional, Rural and Remote Optometry – Register here
We invite you to be part of these important discussions. Together, we can protect the profession, strengthen clinical practice, and ensure every Australian has access to the eye care they deserve.