Optometry Queensland Northern Territory (OQNT) recently met with the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to seek clarification on the changes to the Medical Certificate for Motor Vehicle Driver Form F3712 and to reinforce the critical role of optometrists in assessing visual fitness to drive.
OQNT was thrilled to support QUT Master of Optometry student Olivia Almond, who completed her rural placement in Yeppoon and Rockhampton. Here’s her reflection on the experience.
In 2024, OQNT launched its inaugural Rural Student Placement Scholarship to support local optometry students to undertake a rural placement opportunity in either Queensland or the Northern Territory. OQNT is excited to continue the program in 2026, applications for which are now open.
Optometry Australia welcomes the announcement of the Healthy Kindy Kids program, established as part of the 2025 State Budget by Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, the Honourable Tim Nicholls MP. This landmark initiative will provide free health checks, including vision screening, for up to 60,000 kindy-aged children across Queensland, helping to ensure that potential health and developmental issues are identified early.
Optometry Australia is calling for expressions of interest from members to join the inaugural term of the Queensland State Advisory Committee (Q-SAC). Q-SAC will play a vital role in shaping the work of Optometry Australia by providing Queensland-specific advice and input to the CEO and Secretariat staff. The Committee will consider and provide feedback on a wide range of issues relevant to optometry, optometrists, and community eye health.
Optometry Australia member and Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the QUT Centre for Vision and Eye Research, Dr Rohan Hughes, has secured significant funding from the American Academy of Optometry Foundation (AAOF) to investigate the early warning signs of myopia in Australian children.
In 2025, OQNT provided four Rural Scholarship for Queensland University of Technology final year optometry students to complete their placements in a rural setting. Two recipients, Kelvin Hui and Chanaah Thevasagayam have finished placements and here, share their experiences.
As part of Optometry Australia’s ‘Eyes on Medicare’ campaign, passionate optometrists are stepping up to advocate for policy changes that will benefit both their profession and the broader community.
As the 2025 Federal Election looms, OA’S ‘Eyes on Medicare’ campaign is gaining traction, thanks to passionate members like Nancy Atkinson, President of OQNT, who recently met with her local MP, Elizabeth Watson-Brown to champion the sector’s call for the reinstatement of two-yearly Medicare-subsidised eye exams for Australians under 65.
Optometry Australia is delighted to announce the establishment of the Northern Territory Advisory Committee (NTAC).
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.
