Optometry Australia

24/04/2026

Today we pause to remember the courage and sacrifice of all Australians who have served, and those who continue to serve.
Lest we forget.

24/04/2026

From our CEO, Mark Nevin on what our Strategic Future means for you.

When change is proposed, it’s natural to ask what it means for you as a member.

The core services you rely on will remain the same. You will continue to have access to high-quality CPD, advocacy, professional advice and professional indemnity insurance. The support you receive day to day does not change.

What the proposed Strategic Future does is improve how we work behind the scenes. By moving to a unified national model, we can reduce duplication and costs, and direct more of your membership towards the areas that matter most. This means stronger advocacy on scope of practice, Medicare and workforce, and more consistent support wherever you practise.

Your voice remains central to how the organisation operates. State advisory bodies will ensure local issues, advocacy and member connection continue to be represented. Members will also directly elect the majority of the national Board, strengthening the link between you and the leadership of your association.

With health promotion charity status, the organisation will also be in a stronger financial position. This opens up access to funding, reduces operating costs and delivers greater overall value for members.

This is your profession and your association. The future direction will be shaped by your voice.

Visit the Strategic Future Hub to learn more and have your say.
https://www.optometry.org.au/about-us/strategic-future/

21/04/2026

In a federated structure with significant overlap, a lot of time goes into internal deliberations: who does what, who pays for what, or how six organisations align on a single position. That is not a good use of member dollars.

We need a fit-for-purpose structure that puts that time and energy back into supporting and consulting members and advancing the profession.

Visit the Strategic Future Hub to find out more: https://www.optometry.org.au/about-us/strategic-future/

21/04/2026

A message from our CEO, Mark Nevin.

After spending time listening to members across the country, one message is clear: there is a strong desire for a more unified, effective association that better supports you in practice.

The proposed Strategic Future brings together our current structure into a single national organisation — designed to reduce duplication, lower costs and ensure more of your membership is invested where it matters most. This includes stronger advocacy on scope of practice, Medicare and workforce challenges, more consistent services nationwide, and clearer pathways for members to contribute to policy and decision-making.

This proposal is about building an association that is more responsive, more efficient and better equipped to represent the profession into the future.

Importantly, this decision sits with you. Your voice will determine the path forward.

Visit the Strategic Future Hub to learn more and have your say.
https://www.optometry.org.au/about-us/strategic-future/

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