Optometry Australia

16/04/2026

OTas members, happening tonight.

If you have questions about the Strategic Future proposal, this is your opportunity to hear directly from leadership and get clear answers.

Make sure you are part of the conversation 👇
bit.ly/SF-OTAS-DROP-IN-SESSION

15/04/2026

Reminder: EOIs for the 50% subsidy to undertake the IAHA Training Community program close Friday 17 April.

Optometry Australia members can submit their expression of interest to national@optometry.org.au

A reminder that EOIs are still open for Optometry Australia members to apply for a 50% subsidy to undertake the Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) Training Community program, launching in May.

The practical, evidence-based program is designed to help health professionals build the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to create more culturally safe environments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.

Optometry Australia will subsidise training for up to 20 members, selected through an expression of interest process.

Members interested in participating are invited to submit a 150 to 200-word reflection outlining why they would like to take part and what they hope the training will bring to their clinical practice.

EOIs close Friday 17 April 2026
Send submissions to national@optometry.org.au

13/04/2026

Happening tomorrow, Tuesday 14 April. Join the conversation shaping the future of our profession.

Don’t miss the Strategic Future National Town Hall at 7:30pm AEST to hear the proposal overview and take part in a live Q&A with leadership.

👉 Register via the link below
https://bit.ly/SF-National-Town-Hall

Join the Strategic Future National Town Hall
📅 Tuesday 14 April
🕐 7:30pm AEST

Hear the Strategic Future proposal overview, including the case for change, member benefits, governance model and pathway to voting, plus a live Q&A with leadership.

The session will be live streamed via Zoom, with State Division drop-in sessions to follow. A recording will also be made available to members after the event via the Strategic Future Hub.

Visit the Strategic Future Hub in the member portal to get everything you need to know and register:
https://bit.ly/SF-National-Town-Hall

10/04/2026

A reminder that EOIs are still open for Optometry Australia members to apply for a 50% subsidy to undertake the Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) Training Community program, launching in May.

The practical, evidence-based program is designed to help health professionals build the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to create more culturally safe environments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.

Optometry Australia will subsidise training for up to 20 members, selected through an expression of interest process.

Members interested in participating are invited to submit a 150 to 200-word reflection outlining why they would like to take part and what they hope the training will bring to their clinical practice.

EOIs close Friday 17 April 2026
Send submissions to national@optometry.org.au

09/04/2026

Optometry Australia CEO, Mark Nevin and State Lead for Optometry Tasmania, Tori Halsey, joined discussions with Shadow Health Minister Sarah Lovell, Greens Health Spokesperson Cecily Rosol, and Chief Allied Health Advisor Kendra Strong to help shape the future of eyecare in Tasmania and ensure optometry continues to be heard.

Key areas of focus included reform of the Tasmanian Spectacle Assistance Scheme and the benefits of oral prescribing to improve patient access, support better outcomes and deliver long-term value to the health system.

We appreciate the opportunity to contribute to these important discussions and will continue advocating for the future of optometry.

09/04/2026

[UPDATE: Scheduled Website Maintenance]

We’re performing plugin and core system updates on the Optometry Australia website (WordPress) to support ongoing security and stability. No action is required from members.

📅 When: Friday 10 April 2026
🕚 Time: 10:30pm AEST (see local times below)

10:30–11:00pm – Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Hobart, Brisbane
11:00–11:30pm – Adelaide, Darwin
8:30–9:00pm – Perth

⚡ During this window, the website may be intermittently unavailable (up to 5 minutes between updates). Members will still be able to access Membership 360, however we ask 360 admins and WordPress admins not to make updates, changes, or send emails from the system during this time.

Thanks for your understanding, and apologies for any inconvenience.

08/04/2026

OA members get 40% off their EOFY shop with VistaPrint.

Stay organised through the EOFY rush with custom office essentials made for your practice, including notebooks, notepads, stamps, roll labels and sheet stickers.

Use code EARLYEOFY before 30 April.
T&Cs apply. Maximum discount of $200 AUD.
Link: https://vistaprintanzvcsprogram.sjv.io/o4BdmE

07/04/2026

Join the Strategic Future National Town Hall
📅 Tuesday 14 April
🕐 7:30pm AEST

Hear the Strategic Future proposal overview, including the case for change, member benefits, governance model and pathway to voting, plus a live Q&A with leadership.

The session will be live streamed via Zoom, with State Division drop-in sessions to follow. A recording will also be made available to members after the event via the Strategic Future Hub.

Visit the Strategic Future Hub in the member portal to get everything you need to know and register:
https://bit.ly/SF-National-Town-Hall

03/04/2026

Wishing all our members a safe, restful and well-deserved Easter break.

Whether you’re taking time to recharge, connect with loved ones, or simply enjoy a slower pace, we hope the long weekend brings you a chance to pause and reset.

Happy Easter from Optometry Australia.

02/04/2026

Today is World Autism Acceptance Day and it's a timely reminder about the importance of providing inclusive care for all Australians.

As optometrists, we’re in a unique position to create safer, more accessible experiences for neurodivergent patients from the very first interaction.

Optometry Australia's new Neuroaffirming care CPD module is designed for members, with practical, clinic-ready strategies you can implement straight away.

From pre-visit planning to sensory-aware adjustments and clearer communication, it’s all about making care work better for your patients (and your practice).

🧠 Real-world, case-based learning
👁️ Supports neurodivergent patients, which improves care for all
⏱️ Around 1 hour + assessment
🎓 1.5 CPD hours

Available now.
Access here: https://lms.optometry.org.au/course/view.php?id=997

Small changes. Big impact.

31/03/2026

Optometry students: applications are now open for Optometry Australia’s 2026 Student Leadership Program.

Build the leadership and soft skills you’ll need beyond the clinic, connect with established leaders in the profession, and take part in an in-person workshop at the Optometry Clinical Conference in Brisbane (travel and accommodation covered).

Applications close 5pm, 20 April 2026.
Find full details and how to apply via the Student Leadership Program page:
https://www.optometry.org.au/practice-professional-support/students/get-involved/national/

31/03/2026

Optometry NSW / ACT has appointed Thomas Ford as its new President.

Based in Griffith, New South Wales, Tom is a regional optometrist with a deep passion for advancing the profession’s future, while being a strong advocate for the clinical education of his peers.

Tom succeeds Mark Koszek, who stepped down from the role to focus on opening his optometry practice in Sydney’s Sylvania Waters.

Optometry Australia would like to extend congratulations to both Tom on his appointment as ONSW/ACT President, and to Mark on his new endeavour.

Read more:

Based in Griffith, New South Wales, Tom is a regional optometrist with a deep passion for advancing the profession's future while being a strong advocate in the clinical education of his peers.