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.
