The 2026–27 Tasmanian Budget delivers a strong focus on fiscal restraint, preventive health and community-based care, but contains no direct investment in eye health, optometry or blindness prevention. While eye health was not specifically referenced in the Budget Papers, several priorities align closely with Optometry Australia advocacy agenda.
Secure e-referral systems are helping optometrists replace fax, post and email with more reliable and traceable communication with ophthalmologists, GPs, hospitals and other specialists. A pivotal example is underway in Tasmania, where Primary Health Tasmania and the Tasmanian Department of Health are leading the rollout of eReferrals in optometry.
Optometry Tasmania and the Tasmanian Optometry Foundation (TOF) are proud to support the next generation of Tasmanian optometrists through the Tasmanian Optometry Foundation Scholarship, with applications now open for 2026. The scholarship enables optometrists, students and researchers to pursue professional development opportunities that advance the profession and improve patient care in Tasmania.
In early May, Optometry Tasmania (OTas) welcomed Tori Halsey as its new State Lead, succeeding Karen Garner-Hamilton. Tori brings a wealth of experience as a Tasmanian-based optometrist, having previously served on both the OTas and Optometry Australia Boards.
Optometry Australia (OA) continues to advocate for improvements in referral pathways, ensuring optometrists can deliver seamless patient care. OA State Lead – Tasmania Karen Garner-Hamilton and Optometry Advancement Advisor, Nicola Mountford recently met with Primary Health TAS (PH TAS) in Hobart to explore opportunities to enhance e-referrals.
Optometry Tasmania (OTas) is pleased to welcome Karen Garner-Hamilton, who has replaced Jonathan Jones as the Tasmanian State Lead. Karen brings a wealth of experience and genuine passion for supporting optometrists across the state.
Optometry Australia is inviting expressions of interest from members in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania to join the State Advisory Committee. This is a unique opportunity to have input into the work of the association and contribute to the future of optometry and eye care in these regions.
Optometry Australia will run Advocacy Upskilling Workshops in February and March for members in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. Develop your advocacy toolkit and learn how to promote optometry and establish relationships with key decision makers.
Members in the southern states will now receive a tailored newsletter with updates on the national online CPD calendar and in-person events in their local area
Optometry Tasmania (OTas) is gauging interest in a program designed to improve the referral pathways for children screened for eye health in Tasmanian kindergartens.
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.
