The final print issues will be published this month (November) and December, respectively.
According to Optometry Australia, the rising popularity of digital devices including smartphones and tablets, combined with members’ preference for digital communication, prompted the change.
National CEO Genevieve Quilty said the decision rested on making smarter use of membership fees, with digital communication offering greater efficiency and value over print communication.
“We have been reviewing the cost of production and distribution and have determined that print prices, combined with rising mailing charges, have made it too expensive to continue producing and distributing member news in this manner,” Ms. Quilty said in a statement released by the Association.
“Over the past two years, we have been introducing more digital channels to service our members and to keep them informed of news and events within our profession.”
Ms. Quilty said the Association’s eNews online news stream and social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn were examples of this. An Australian Optometry App being developed will be freely available and provide open access to Australian Optometry Online.
According to Optometry Australia, a mid-year survey of members showed that 68 per cent of respondents would read Australian Optometry newspaper if it were available as an online only and not in print.
