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Optometry Australia has welcomed Tasmanian Premier, Jeremy Rockliff MP’s renewed commitment to delivering the state’s 20-Year Preventive Health Strategy and investing in it from the 2026–27 State Budget.
In its 2025 submission to the Tasmanian Government, Optometry Australia called for eye health to be embedded throughout the Strategy, emphasising that good vision is fundamental to lifelong health, education, employment and wellbeing.
‘Optometrists are on the front line of preventive care,’ said Tori Halsey, Tasmania State Lead.
‘With 90% of blindness and vision loss preventable or treatable if detected early, optometry has an essential role to play in keeping Tasmanians healthy and independent.’
The organisation’s submission outlined key reforms needed to strengthen community eye care, including expanding paediatric vision screening, funding public awareness campaigns on myopia and supporting innovative collaborative care models that reduce pressure on the hospital system.
Optometry Australia also urged the government to prioritise eye health in rural and regional Tasmania, where workforce maldistribution and long wait times mean vulnerable communities face barriers to care.
Recommendations included supporting outreach programs, improving the Tasmanian Spectacles Assistance Scheme for Aboriginal Tasmanians, and funding culturally safe, community-led models of care.
The submission further called for workforce reforms such as recognising advanced optometry practice and granting prescribing rights for oral medications, bringing Tasmania in line with international standards.
Premier Rockliff reaffirmed in a recent letter that the government remains committed to rolling out the Strategy, noting its focus on shifting from reactive care to prevention:
‘Good health is shaped by far more than clinical care. It’s influenced by employment, education, housing, transport, food security and community connection. By focusing on prevention, we can build a healthier, more resilient Tasmania for generations to come.’
Optometry Australia said it looks forward to seeing the final Strategy released early next year and remains ready to support its implementation.
‘We’re encouraged to see prevention placed at the centre of Tasmania’s health future,’ Ms Halsey said.
‘By integrating eye health across the life course, from early childhood through to older age, the Strategy can make a genuine difference to the wellbeing of Tasmanians.’
Optometry Australia will continue to keep members updated on developments and positive outcomes for the profession and community eye health.
You can access Optometry Australia’s Healthy, Active Tasmania 20-Year Preventive Health Strategy submission in full here.