Optometry Australia

02/12/2025

Oral prescribing matters because patients need timely, safe access to care.

Oral prescribing is within reach, but the current proposal keeps a restricted list that adds red tape and risks delays in care. Optometrists are trusted, trained clinicians. Recognition should match responsibility.

Share your voice:
• Got 5 seconds? Send your support
• Got 5 minutes? Send a quick submission
• Have more time? Send a detailed submission

Read more and take action: https://www.optometry.org.au/advocacy/secure-oral-prescribing-for-optometry/

29/11/2025

In Lightning Ridge, NSW, access to eye care looks different – which is why OA Rural COPE member Kyriacos Mavrolefteros makes the trip to support the community.

His experience reflects what so many rural and regional optometrists know well:
communities are diverse, presentations vary and strong local relationships shape every day of practice.

This National Rural Health Month, we’re recognising the optometrists who go the distance to ensure access to care – and the communities who trust them.

Stories like Kyriacos’ echo the insights of our Workforce Projections Study, which highlights where demand is growing, where access remains uneven and why supporting optometrists in rural and regional settings is vital.

Together, these experiences show the breadth of rural practice and the importance of strengthening access to eye care in every community across Australia.

If you’re curious about rural or regional practice, or want to explore pathways into it, our Help Desk is here to support you: OAhelpdesk@optometry.org.au or 1800 678 662.

28/11/2025

Join us for an informative webinar on oral prescribing for optometrists, a pivotal step in expanding the profession’s scope and enhancing patient care.

This live Q&A session will give you the opportunity to discuss the OptomBA's consultation into enabling optometrists to prescribe oral medications, Optometry Australia's position in response and any questions you may have.

We hope that attendees will gain clarity on how this important reform could streamline patient care, reduce unnecessary referrals, and recognise the critical role of optometrists in Australia’s health workforce.

When: 3 December 2025
Where: Online via Zoom (link will be sent upon registration)

Secure your spot today and be part of shaping the future of optometry in Australia.
Register here: https://www.optometry.org.au/institute-of-excellence/cpd-events/oral-prescribing-by-optometrists-qa/

26/11/2025

From hyper-local care to moments of neighbourly gratitude, Tom Ford’s experience as a regional optometrist, and OA Rural COPE group member, captures the depth and diversity of regional practice.

His reflections offer a glimpse into what makes regional communities unique: strong relationships, varied clinical presentations and a shared commitment to looking after one another. This National Rural Health Month, we’re recognising the optometrists who bring eye care to every corner of Australia.

If you’re curious about rural or regional practice, our Help Desk is here to support you: OAhelpdesk@optometry.org.au or 1800 678 662.

25/11/2025

For Queensland optometrist Jason Holland, oral prescribing is about improving patient- centred care.

“Patients could see me for tailored advice, topical treatment and, if needed, oral intervention — and it’s all done with me.”

A no-list model empowers optometrists to use their full clinical judgement, delivering efficient, evidence-based care that makes the best use of the health system.

👉 Want to help secure oral prescribing for optometrists? Find out more on our website: https://www.optometry.org.au/advocacy/secure-oral-prescribing-for-optometry/

24/11/2025

CPD deadline is almost here.

The 2024/25 CPD year wraps up on Sunday 30 November. If you still have hours to complete, now is the time to get them done.

✅ Catch up with our on-demand CPD library:
https://oa.optometry.org.au/login.aspx?redir=https://lms.optometry.org.au/my/

📰 Top up with CPD from OA publications:
https://www.optometry.org.au/institute-of-excellence/publications/optometry-connection/

If you are unsure about meeting your Ahpra requirements, our OA Help Desk can assist.
📧 OAhelpdesk@optometry.org.au | 📞 1800 678 662

21/11/2025

💬 “Thank you, Lyn, for your thoughtful and unexpected response. I’m truly grateful to both you and Dom.”
Behind every message is someone who genuinely cares — and takes the time to listen.
📩 OA members — reach out anytime for confidential, unbiased advice:
📧 OAhelpdesk@optometry.org.au
📞 1800 678 662
Thoughtful support is always just around the corner.

21/11/2025

The antibiotic needed, just out of reach.

Beenleigh, QLD: An optometrist identified significant blepharitis with ocular rosacea and explained that an oral antibiotic would reduce bacterial load and calm inflammation.

The patient had no contraindications to this medicine. But without authority to prescribe, care stalled while a GP appointment proved hard to secure for a patient working long, high-pressure hours. Weeks later, he still hadn’t seen his GP to receive the necessary prescription. The delay was avoidable.

If we secure oral prescribing, patients start treatment sooner, and care remains safe within optometry training and scope.

But this progress shouldn't come with unnecessary red tape.

A restricted list would still hold care back. Optometry Australia supports a no-list model – one that trusts optometrists’ expertise and puts patients first.

Take the next step:
Support OA's stance — 5 seconds
Send a fast submission — 5 minutes (template-ready)
Shape the detail — detailed submission

Start here: https://www.optometry.org.au/advocacy/secure-oral-prescribing-for-optometry/

20/11/2025

💬 “The surprising benefits of working remotely for me are better work–life balance and how easy it is to build that community connection.”

Lynn Qian, an optometrist in Stawell and a member of Optometry Australia’s Rural COPE group, shares how regional practice supports healthier balance, stronger community ties and deeper patient relationships.

As part of National Rural Health Month, we’re highlighting stories that show the breadth of rural and regional practice across Australia. These experiences sit alongside insights from our Workforce Projections Study, which outlines where care is needed most and the workforce distribution challenges facing the sector. Together, they help illustrate the diversity of roles across rural practice and the importance of supporting access to eye care in every community.

👉 Have questions about rural or regional practice?
Our Help Desk can assist — contact us at OAhelpdesk@optometry.org.au or 1800 678 662.

18/11/2025

You're invited to the OTas 2025 Regional Series final on 25 November in Hobart. Dr Robin Abell will discuss "Keratoconus – The Devil You Know," covering identification, progression, intervention timing, and current treatments.

Don't miss the chance to:
✅ Earn two therapeutic interactive CPD hours while enjoying the benefits of an in-person learning experience close to home.
✅ Participate in real-world, dynamic case discussions to promote practical learning and peer-to-peer exchange.
✅ Catch up with colleagues, expand your professional network.
✅ Enjoy dinner and drinks on us in a laid-back setting.

Register via: https://www.optometry.org.au/institute-of-excellence/cpd-events/hobart-regional-series-keratoconus-the-devil-you-know/

17/11/2025

At OCC 2026, you’ll experience learning that sticks — not just lectures, but hands-on skills sessions, real case-based discussions, and ideas you can take straight to practice.

Join hundreds of colleagues for two days of clinical learning, networking, and innovation — all at an exclusive discounted member rate.

📍 Brisbane | 9–10 August 2026
🎟 Register now: bit.ly/occ-2026

17/11/2025

Optometry Australia welcomes the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s endorsement of expanded prescribing rights for optometrists.

This cross-sector support shows the power of collaboration in primary care — recognising the expertise of each profession and the value of working together to deliver faster, safer and more accessible care for patients.

Read more here: https://www.guild.org.au/news-events/news/2025/guild-welcomes-move-to-expand-optometrists-prescribing-rights

Optoms – find out more about how you can send an email or support or submission here: https://www.optometry.org.au/advocacy/secure-oral-prescribing-for-optometry/

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.