Regulatory Bodies in Australian Eye Health

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Australia's eye health profession is governed by a number of regulatory and professional bodies that work together to ensure safe, high-quality care for the public. 

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) regulates registered health practitioners across Australia. Working in partnership with the National Boards, AHPRA ensures practitioners are appropriately trained, qualified, and fit to practise.

AHPRA's primary role is to protect the public by maintaining professional standards and overseeing practitioner registration.

Learn more: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/

The Optometry Board of Australia is the national regulatory authority responsible for the registration and regulation of optometrists. The Board sets professional standards, registration requirements, and guidelines that all registered optometrists must meet.

The Board's role includes:

• Registering optometrists and students
• Developing professional standards and codes of conduct
• Approving continuing professional development (CPD) requirements
• Regulating endorsement for prescribing scheduled medicines
• Protecting public safety through professional regulation

Learn more: https://www.optometryboard.gov.au/

To maintain registration, optometrists must comply with a range of standards established by the Optometry Board of Australia. These standards cover areas such as:

• Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Professional indemnity insurance
• Recency of practice
• Criminal history checks
• Endorsement for scheduled medicines

These standards ensure optometrists maintain the knowledge, skills, and professional competence required for safe practice.

Learn more: https://www.optometryboard.gov.au/Registration-Standards.aspx

Registered optometrists are required to undertake ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities to maintain and enhance their clinical knowledge and skills.

CPD requirements support lifelong learning and help ensure practitioners remain up to date with advances in eye care and patient management.

Learn more: https://www.optometryboard.gov.au/Registration-Standards/CPD.aspx

Optometrists who wish to prescribe certain medicines must obtain an endorsement for scheduled medicines. This endorsement recognises additional qualifications and training that allow optometrists to prescribe approved therapeutic medications within their scope of practice.

Learn more: https://www.optometryboard.gov.au/Registration-Standards/Endorsement-for-scheduled-medicines.aspx

 AHPRA supports improved health outcomes and workforce participation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through dedicated programs and partnerships. 

Optometrists who wish to prescribe certain medicines must obtain an endorsement for scheduled medicines. This endorsement recognises additional qualifications and training that allow optometrists to prescribe approved therapeutic medications within their scope of practice.

Learn more: https://www.optometryboard.gov.au/Registration-Standards/Endorsement-for-scheduled-medicines.aspx

AHPRA's Engagement and Support team provides culturally informed assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners and students throughout their registration and professional journey.

Learn more: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/About-Ahpra/Aboriginal-and-Torres-Strait-Islander-Health-Strategy.aspx