Optometry Australia

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. 

16/11/2025

What’s in the November Optometry Connection (OC)?
• 2025 Ophthalmic Medicines Resource Guide + TGA/PBS updates (new)
• Atropine: a practical prescribing guide
• Falls prevention: enhancing safety & wellbeing
• IPL for DED: risks, red flags, contraindications
• Helpdesk Q&A: dual PII—what happens if you hold both?
• Case Report & Clinical Image Award: voting now open

Start CPD (5T clinical hours):
https://lms.optometry.org.au/course/view.php?id=948
Download here: https://bit.ly/oc-nov-25

15/11/2025

On 31 October, State Lead for Tasmania, Tori Halsey, met up with 14 local optometrists in Ulverstone for a highly engaging ‘Caffeinate & Collaborate’ morning.

Over coffee, critical issues were discussed, such as oral prescribing, the removal of optometry from the occupation shortage list, and our recent submissions to the Tasmanian Government regarding the DAMA.

It was a valuable opportunity to hear grassroots concerns, share ideas, and strengthen local professional relationships and interprofessional referral opportunities.

14/11/2025

💬 “It was great to hear another perspective – made me think about important things before committing.”
Our advisors help you pause, reflect, and move forward with confidence.
📩 OA members — reach out anytime for confidential, unbiased advice:
📧 OAhelpdesk@optometry.org.au
📞 1800 678 662
Sometimes all it takes is a second voice to see things clearly.

14/11/2025

From art supplies gifted by patients to tennis matches with new friends, regional practice has given Austin Tang, an optometrist and member of OA’s Rural COPE group, a true sense of connection and purpose.

Stories like Austin’s remind us why rural and regional optometry matters – it’s about care, community and the people who make both thrive. This National Rural Health Month, we’re celebrating our Rural COPE members and the optometrists delivering essential eye care across regional Australia.

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

14/11/2025

Our professional services team has noted an increase in queries around regarding expansion of service provision within optometry practices into non-surgical cosmetic procedures over the last few years.

These new Ahpra guidelines apply to any registered health practitioner working in this area.

Our member-only Optometrist Help Desk is always happy to workshop any questions in this area from a legal, regulatory compliance, off-label prescribing or risk management perspective.

Read guidelines:
https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Cosmetic-surgery-hub/Cosmetic-procedure-guidelines.aspx

Contact us here:
📧 OAhelpdesk@optometry.org.au
📞 1800 678 662

13/11/2025

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/

13/11/2025

Optometry Australia (OA) has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to cultural safety through the release of a new Commitment Statement to Supporting the Development of a Culturally Safe Optometry Profession.

This milestone Commitment Statement outlines how OA will continue to listen to, partner with and act on the advice of, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, organisations and communities to build a profession where every person can access eye care that is culturally appropriate, respectful, and grounded in self-determination.

Read more:https://www.optometry.org.au/indigenous-eye-health/optometry-australias-commitment-to-supporting-a-culturally-safe-profession/

11/11/2025

Three appointments for one script.

This Adelaide case is not a one-off. An optometrist diagnosed preseptal cellulitis, ruled out orbital cellulitis red flags, and knew oral antibiotics were needed. Without authority to prescribe, the patient was pushed to urgent care, lost time, and felt anxious. That delay was avoidable.

If we secure oral prescribing, patients start treatment sooner and eye care stays safe within optometry’s training and scope.

But this progress shouldn’t come with undue limits. A restricted list would still hold care back, especially in times of medication shortages. Optometry Australia supports a no-list model – one that trusts optometrists’ expertise and puts patients first.

Act today. Pick one:
➤ Send your support — 5 seconds
➤ Send a quick submission — 5 minutes, pre-filled
➤ Send a detailed submission — add your expertise

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

10/11/2025

November's Optometry Connection (OC) is live. What's inside?
• Ophthalmic Medicines Resource Guide 2025 + new TGA & PBS updates for 2025
• Practical guide to atropine prescribing
• Falls prevention: the optometrist’s role
• IPL for dry eye: risks and contraindications
• OA Helpdesk Q&A: holding dual PII policies
• Case Report & Clinical Image Award — voting opens
…and more.

Launch the CPD course (5T clinical hours):
https://lms.optometry.org.au/course/view.php?id=948
Download issue now: https://bit.ly/oc-nov-25