The Optometry Board of Australia (OBA) has released long-awaited public consultation documents on its proposal that endorsed optometrists be approved to prescribe topical and oral medicines for common eye conditions.
OBA said if the proposal goes ahead, “endorsed optometrists would treat common eye problems like infections, allergies, and short-term pain using both topical and oral medicines within the limits of their skill and training”.
Medicines that optometrists are qualified to prescribe would be published on the Board’s website and “updated in a timely way, while keeping the necessary safety checks in place”.
endorsed optometrists would treat common eye problems like infections, allergies, and short-term pain using both topical and oral medicines within the limits of their skill and training
Pivotal Moment
Optometry Australia said the public consultation “marks a pivotal moment for the profession and for the patients optometrists care for every day” and is urging optometrists to submit feedback before 24 December 2025.
The peak body has long advocated that therapeutically endorsed optometrists must be able to prescribe oral medicines for the purpose of practising optometry, in line with international best practice.
“Optometrists already carry the responsibility for identification and diagnosis of eye conditions, and this reform gives them the authority to complete management. It streamlines care, reduces unnecessary referrals, and positions our profession as a key part of the health workforce solution,” said Skye Cappuccio, CEO of Optometry Australia.
The consultation documents recognise that Australian optometrists are already highly trained, with no additional training required for therapeutically endorsed optometrists to prescribe oral medications for the purpose of practising optometry.
Could Go Further
While welcoming the announcement, Ms Cappuccio cautioned that maintaining a regulated list of ‘approved’ medicines that optometrists are qualified to prescribe would ensure optometry remains out of step with contemporary regulation of other professions, and is inconsistent with the approach taken internationally, including in New Zealand.
“A scheduled list slows access to contemporary treatments, adds unnecessary red tape, and risks patient care during medicine shortages. Optometrists are highly-trained, trusted health professionals and should be empowered to prescribe any appropriate medicine within scope – safely, effectively, and for the benefit of every patient.”
Ms Cappuccio said although a prohibition on Schedule 8 and restricted Schedule 4 medicines is appropriate, a broader list is outdated and unnecessary.
“Overall, this reform is a crucial step toward modern recognition of optometrists’ role, and toward further workforce reforms that match the professions’ clinical responsibilities,” she said.
Optometry Australia’s Position Statement on Prescribing of Medicines reinforces this stance, outlining clear evidence that oral prescribing is safe, effective, and essential to improving a regulated list of ‘approved’ medicines would ensure optometry remains out of step with contemporary regulation of other professions, and is inconsistent with the approach taken internationally, including in New Zealand.
Calling on the Profession
Optometry Australia will reach out to members in the coming days with tools and resources to support submissions.
“We have advocated for this change over many years,” Ms Cappuccio said. “Now we need the profession to unite and make its voice heard – for patients, for the profession, and for the future of Australian eye care.”
The consultation closes on 24 December 2025. Find out more on the Optometry Board website.
