Optometry Australia

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Optometry Australia

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 ha

ve 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.

29/08/2026

Tasmania’s Lifestyle Congress is bringing together practical clinical learning, real-world insights and the chance to reconnect with your optometry community in Hobart this September.

On the program:
👁️ Zoe Duexberry explores collaborative paediatric vision care, strabismus assessment and management
⚖️ Luke Arundel shares lessons from real patient complaints, Medicare investigations and practical ways to reduce professional risk
🥂 And when the sessions finish, the conversations continue with drinks, canapés and a social activity at Mövenpick, followed by an optional casual dinner in Hobart.

Come for the learning. Stay for the connections, conversations and a weekend in Hobart.
📍 Mövenpick Hotel Hobart
📅 19–20 September 2026

TLC is getting close. Are you coming?
Register now: www.tlc.optometry.org.au/register2026

28/08/2026

A unified Optometry Australia creates a stronger platform to represent and support the profession nationally.

In his latest update to members, CEO Mark Nevin reflects on the opportunities unification provides to better coordinate advocacy, research, member support and stakeholder engagement across the country.

While unification will not resolve the profession’s challenges overnight, it reduces duplication, strengthens Optometry Australia’s national voice and allows resources to be focused on members’ priorities.

With the transition now underway, the focus is on building a more coordinated organisation that can respond effectively to the issues shaping optometry and create greater impact for members and the profession.

OA members can read the full update by searching their inbox for “CEO update: Workforce pressures, funding reform and what comes next.”

26/08/2026

Optometry Australia’s National Professional Services Adviser Lyn Hsieh recently spoke to The Sydney Morning Herald about the rise in dry eye presentations and why choosing the right eye drops matters.

While over-the-counter drops can provide quick relief, Lyn cautions that some may cause a rebound effect and recommends seeing an optometrist for advice on the most suitable option.

OA’s Vision Index also found that, among Australians who had experienced dry or irritated eyes, 55% said the issue began in 2020 or more recently, highlighting how dry eye has become an increasingly common concern.

Read the full article: https://bit.ly/OA-SMH-DryEye

24/08/2026

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

What’s coming up:
• 1 September: Regional Series, Wangaratta VIC – Dry Eye Disease: Updates and Practical Management Considerations (2Ti)
• 7 September: Regional Series, Modbury SA – From Clinical Prioritisation Criteria to Clinical Practice (2Ti)
• 8 September: Webinar | Therapeutics – The ABC’s of Treating Corneal Disease (1T)
• 18 September: Regional Series, Palm Cove QLD – Red Eye Rundown: The Squeeze-In Nightmare! (2Ti)
• 19–20 September: Tasmania’s Lifestyle Congress, Hobart TAS (up to 12 CPD hours - Quality Assurance TBC)
• 21 September: Regional Series, Canberra ACT – Interactive Ocular Disease Grand Rounds (2i, including 1.5Ti)

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

22/08/2026

Future leaders took centre stage at the 2026 Optometry Clinical Conference (OCC), with Optometry Australia proud to host two key events for emerging leaders in the profession.

The Early Career Optometrist (ECO) Think Tank is OA’s annual forum where early-career optometrists come together to discuss industry challenges, advocate for their peers and help shape the future of optometry.

The OA Student Leadership Program, in partnership with the Australian School of Entrepreneurship (ASE), equips optometry students with essential soft skills, leadership training and professional networking opportunities beyond the clinic.

Congratulations to all 2026 participants. The future of our profession is in safe hands!

21/08/2026

A sustainable optometry workforce requires workplace pressures to be addressed and more. It also requires appropriate funding for professional services and recognition for the care optometrists provide.

In his latest update to members, Optometry Australia CEO Mark Nevin outlines the broader work needed to strengthen the profession’s future, including pursuing new funding pathways, continuing to advocate for Medicare reform and improving recognition of optometry across the health system.

This work will also be shaped by members. Optometry Australia’s first major consultation as a unified organisation will focus on workforce strategy, bringing together member perspectives with input from employers, universities, other health professions, policymakers and workforce stakeholders.

The aim is to develop coordinated measures that address workforce pressures while supporting a sustainable profession and access to quality eye care.

OA members can read the full update by searching their inbox for “CEO update: Workforce pressures, funding reform and what comes next.”

20/08/2026

Optometry Australia has endorsed the national Climate Framework for Health Profession Colleges, joining the broader health sector in supporting a more sustainable, resilient and high-quality healthcare system.

Developed in collaboration with 26 health profession colleges, the Framework outlines practical actions to reduce emissions and waste, adapt models of care and support the health workforce to respond to climate change.

Read more about the Framework and OA’s position on climate action and sustainability in optometry:
https://www.optometry.org.au/advocacy_government/optometry-australia-endorses-national-climate-framework-for-health-profession-colleges/

18/08/2026

Congratulations to Si Huan Chen, winner of the 2026 Peter Swann Photography Competition!

Si Huan’s winning image captured Granular Corneal Dystrophy Type I on a Pixel 10 smartphone through a Frey Slit Lamp SL100 at 30× magnification.

He was presented with his award at OCC 2026 in Brisbane last Sunday.

Swipe through to see Si Huan’s winning entry and celebrate the fantastic work submitted by this year’s entrants.

Congratulations again to Si Huan, and thank you to everyone who took part in the 2026 Peter Swann Photography Competition.

17/08/2026

Day 2 of the Optometry Clinical Conference 2026 brought the conference to a close with another day of learning, lively discussion and connection across the profession.

Across the two days, 373 delegates, 31 speakers, 92 exhibitor representatives and 14 student volunteers helped bring the conference to life, with conversations continuing from the session rooms to the exhibition floor.

A standout on Day 2 was the Advocacy Workforce Workshop, where members actively shared ideas and perspectives on the future of the workforce and how we can continue strengthening the profession together.

The program also featured practical clinical insights, a sponsored breakfast session, plenty of opportunities to connect with exhibitors, and a future-focused closing presentation from Richard Johnson on the evolving scope of optometry in Australasia.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Brisbane, and to our Event Partner HOYA and all our sponsors for their valued support in making Optometry Clinical Conference 2026 possible.

15/08/2026

Tasmania Lifestyle Congress 2026 is calling!

Join us in Hobart for two days of quality CPD, practical takeaways and great connections, with a program featuring expert speakers and clinically relevant sessions.

👁️ Dr Dean Cudgley
Acute anterior uveitis – patterns, pitfalls, pearls and predictions
Sharpen your approach to diagnosis, treatment and management with practical clinical pearls for acute anterior uveitis.

👁️ Dr Nathan Nielsen
Glaucoma update – some interesting glaucoma cases
Explore typical and atypical glaucoma presentations, with updates on diagnosis and current medical and surgical management.

❤️ CPR Refresher for OA members in Tasmania
Complete a CPR Refresher Course through the Australian Red Cross on Friday 18 September, ahead of the conference.

📍 Mövenpick Hotel Hobart
📅 19–20 September 2026

Registrations are now open. Secure your place at TLC 2026.
https://www.tlc.optometry.org.au/register2026

Address

Melbourne, VIC

Website

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

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