Oral prescribing consultation opens: What optometrists need to know

Optometry Australia’s long-running advocacy has brought oral prescribing a step closer to reality – and with it, the opportunity for increased recognition of the profession’s critical role in Australia’s health workforce. 

Today, the Optometry Board of Australia opened its public consultation on the Review of the Registration Standard for Scheduled Medicine – a pivotal moment for the profession, for optometrists and for your patients.  

Proposed changes 

The Optometry Board of Australia is proposing to:  

• Expand the scope of prescribing for endorsed optometrists to include oral medicines used for common eye conditions; and
• Remove the reference to the scheduled list of medicines from the endorsement – but maintain a restrictive, regulated list of approved oral medications deemed in scope.

No additional training would be required for therapeutically endorsed optometrists to prescribe oral medications for the purpose of practising optometry.  

Optometry Australia’s position 

Skye Cappuccio, Optometry Australia CEO, welcomed progress to enable therapeutically endorsed optometrists to prescribe oral medications, noting it represents long-overdue recognition of the profession’s expertise and leadership in primary care.  

‘Optometrists already carry the responsibility for identification and diagnosis of eye conditions and this reform gives them the authority to complete management. It streamlines care, reduces unnecessary referrals, and positions our profession as a key part of the health workforce solution,’ Ms Cappuccio said.  

However, she cautioned that maintaining a scheduled list of endorsed medicines would ensure optometry remains out of step with contemporary regulation of other professions, and is inconsistent with the approach taken internationally, including in New Zealand.  

‘A restrictive list slows access to contemporary treatments, adds unnecessary red tape and risks patient care during medicine shortages. Optometrists are highly-trained, trusted health professionals and should be empowered to prescribe any appropriate medicine within scope – safely, effectively and for the benefit of every patient. 

‘Our stance is clear: we support an evidence-based, no list model. Therapeutically endorsed optometrists must be able to prescribe oral medicines for the purpose of practising optometry. This reform is a crucial step toward modern recognition of optometrists’ roles. We are committed to providing ongoing education to our members to support the delivery of best practice care.’ 

Ms Cappuccio adds that while a prohibition on Schedule 8 and restricted Schedule 4 medicines is appropriate, a broader list is outdated and unnecessary. 

Why this matters for the profession 

Oral prescribing isn’t just about new medications – it’s about recognition, autonomy, and ensuring the optometry workforce can practise to its full capacity. Removing outdated restrictions strengthens optometry’s position in future advocacy around sustainable funding models, remuneration, and further scope-of-practice reform.  

By aligning regulatory frameworks with optometrists’ training and day-to-day responsibilities, this reform helps reduce duplication, streamline patient care, and reinforce the profession’s leadership in primary care delivery. 

What happens next 

Over the coming days, Optometry Australia will release resources to make it simple for members to respond to the consultation and show their support. We will notify you as soon as these resources are ready.  

In the meantime, members can access the consultation document here and are encouraged to contact policy@optometry.org.au with any questions.