Optometry Australia

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Optometry Australia is the peak professional body for optometrists. Optometry Australia is the national peak body for optometry in Australia.

We represent and support optometrists at every stage of their careers and work to advance the profession and the community’s eye health. All Australians deserve the best in primary eye health and vision care. Our purpose is to promote the prevention and control of eye conditions, and to lead, promote and engage in community eye health and the practice of optometry. Around 12 million Australians have reported long-term eye conditions, yet 90% of all vision impairment is preventable or treatable. We encourage all Australians to see their optometrist for regular eye examinations. We are a not-for-profit organisation and a registered health promotion charity, which means all of our profits are reinvested into services for our members and into our work to improve community eye health. Following the unification of our former state divisions, we are now one national peak body, supporting optometrists in every state and territory under a single organisation and one consistent national voice. Guided by our purpose, we:

- provide clinical education and professional support to optometrists, including a dedicated clinical help desk
- set professional standards and produce codes, guidelines and policies for the profession
- publish leading optometry and vision science journals and clinical resources
- run public campaigns to raise awareness of eye health and the importance of regular eye examinations
- hold clinical education conferences and training
- advocate on the issues that matter to optometrists and the role of optometry in the health system

We do this in a way that reflects our values: forward thinking, integrity, respect, responsiveness, accountability, strategic vision, teamwork and collegiality.

14/10/2026

Championing the value of optometry and exploring new ways optometrists can contribute across the health system were central to OA’s involvement at Parliament House in Canberra over the past two days. Proudly supporting Vision 2020 and the broader eye health and vision care sector, OA CEO Mark Nevin, Head of Policy and Advocacy Shellye Hanson and OA President Theo Charalambous joined eye health stakeholders, parliamentarians and department officials to advance this shared focus.

From discussions on diabetes-related eye care, prevention and digital health to the Parliamentary Friends of Eye Health and Vision Care reception, the two days highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation and accessible eye care.

Thank you to Vision 2020 for bringing the sector together to advance better eye health outcomes and support greater participation for all Australians.

13/10/2026

Today is Allied Health Professions Day, recognising the contribution allied health professionals make to healthier communities across Australia.

This year’s theme, “Allied health: For everyone, everywhere,” reflects the role allied health professionals play in supporting accessible care across diverse communities and settings.

As part of Australia’s allied health workforce, optometrists play an important role in protecting vision, supporting eye health and connecting patients with the care they need throughout their lives.

Optometry Australia is proud to celebrate our profession alongside the broader allied health community.

13/10/2026

Give your practice a spring refresh! 🌼

Boost your visibility and encourage patient bookings with 15% off patient recall cards and window decals through our partner, VistaPrint.

Simply use code OASPRING at checkout to enjoy the discount until 31 October 2026.

Refresh your practice and make the most of this limited-time offer! 💙

🔗 Shop now: https://vistaprintanzvcsprogram.sjv.io/9V3jBY

12/10/2026

Your OA membership comes with peace of mind.

With premium Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) provided by Avant, OA members benefit from up to $20 million in individual cover, $0 excess and access to expert medico-legal support, including 24/7 emergency assistance.

Plus, eligible members can access Public Liability Insurance at no additional cost.

Want to learn more about your coverage or download your PII policy or certificate of currency?
Explore your member benefits here: https://www.optometry.org.au/member-benefits/relax-weve-got-you-covered/

Coverage is subject to policy terms and eligibility.

07/10/2026

Today is World Sight Day and we’re joining the global eye health community in encouraging everyone to .

World Sight Day is an opportunity to put eye health in focus and raise awareness of the importance of accessible, available and affordable eye care.

Optometry Australia encourages members to get involved and help amplify the message within their communities. The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) has a range of resources and activities available, including pledging to get your eyes checked, sharing an eye health story, taking part in the Global Challenge and entering the World Sight Day Photo Competition.

Explore the campaign and find out how you can participate: https://www.iapb.world/world_sight_day

06/10/2026

At Optometry Australia, we’re committed to supporting members with practical guidance, workplace resources and access to legal support when issues arise.

We’re hearing growing concerns from members about annual leave requests being unreasonably refused, including during workplace blackout periods. While employers can set blackout periods, leave requests still need to be considered fairly and in line with workplace entitlements.

Our latest member resource explains what optometrists, managers and employers should know about annual leave and blackout periods.

OA members can also access initial legal advice through our HR legal service, in partnership with Industry Legal Group, if you need support understanding your individual situation.

Read more:
https://www.optometry.org.au/workplace/know-your-protected-workplace-rights-annual-leave-and-blackout-periods/

29/09/2026

Meet your Optometry Australia Board 👋

Following our transition to a unified national organisation, Optometry Australia has confirmed its Board Office Bearers and the terms of office for its elected Directors.

Theo Charalambous will serve as President, Kristin Guppy as Vice President and Ramy Aziz as Treasurer, working alongside elected and transitional Directors to guide OA’s strategic direction and governance.

Together, the Board brings a breadth of experience and perspectives from across the profession, helping shape this next chapter for Australian optometry.

Swipe through to meet the Directors and hear, in their own words, what they’re looking forward to contributing.

Read more about the Board, Office Bearers and Director terms: https://www.optometry.org.au/appointments/optometry-australia-confirms-board-office-bearers-and-director-terms/

28/09/2026

That’s a wrap on Tasmania’s Lifestyle Congress 2026!

It was fantastic to bring the optometry community together in Hobart for two days of learning, connection and conversation, with 70 delegates, 9 speakers and 7 exhibitors and sponsors joining us across the weekend.

A big thank you to everyone who attended, presented, exhibited and supported TLC 2026, including our Silver Sponsors BOC Instruments, Hilco Vision and Optos, Bronze Sponsors ProVision and Rodenstock, Barista Sponsor Hobart Eye Surgeons, and Lions Eye Health Program.

Swipe through for a few moments from the weekend.

25/09/2026

Registrations are now open for Adelaide Interactive 2026!

Join us in Glenelg on 13–14 November for two days of quality CPD, expert insights and valuable connections with the optometry community.
Whether you’re looking to build your knowledge, connect with colleagues or finish the CPD year strong, Adelaide Interactive is a great opportunity to learn together, face to face.

And there may be another reason to join us… 👀 Adelaide Interactive delegates will be among the first to hear what’s coming for Optometry Clinical Conference 2027 in Adelaide, with a special opportunity to register early. Stay tuned!

📅 13–14 November 2026
📍 Stamford Grand Hotel, Glenelg

Secure your place now:
https://www.interactive.optometry.org.au/adelaide-interactive-register

25/09/2026

Your October CPD lineup is here.
Save this post, choose your sessions, then register.

What’s coming up:
✅ 10–11 October: Optometry Virtually Connected – Virtual Conference (up to 14 CPD hours)
✅ 13 October: Regional Series, Horsham VIC – Dry Eye Disease: Updates and Practical Management Considerations (2Ti)
✅ 14 October: Regional Series, Toowoomba QLD – Red Eye Rundown: The Squeeze-In Nightmare! (2Ti)
✅ 19 October: Regional Series, Dubbo NSW – Interactive Ocular Disease Grand Rounds (2i, including 1.5Ti)
✅ 20 October: Regional Series, Orange NSW – Interactive Ocular Disease Grand Rounds (2i, including 1.5Ti)
✅ 20 October: CPR Refresher Course, Carlton VIC

Save • Plan • Register
Find CPD events near you and view the full program via our website:
https://www.optometry.org.au/institute-of-excellence/cpd-events/

Address

Melbourne, VIC

Website

http://www.optometry.org.au/

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