Chance to Advocate on Workforce Supply

The survey, which is open until 18 March 2026, is designed to provide insights into the recruitment challenges and occupations that might be in shortage across the Australian labour market. Information collected helps ensure the next OSL is based on comprehensive evidence.

At a time when Australia is facing an oversupply of optometrists and an undersupply of optical dispensers in the workforce, submissions from industry employers, organisations, and other relevant stakeholders are particularly important to inform government of real-world clinical realities.

submissions from industry employers, organisations, and other relevant stakeholders are particularly important to inform government of real-world clinical realities

OA Voices Concern

Optometry Australia (OA) has made a formal submission to the OSL survey.

In a statement on its website, OA said it is seriously concerned about the workforce oversupply in Australia and the challenges being faced  by optometry graduates looking to secure employment.¹

“Our submission, consistent with our prior commentary, highlights concerns about a significant imbalance between optometry workforce supply and demand, while acknowledging the complex reality of workforce maldistribution,” Optometry Australia said.

“We note many available roles are filled through internal recruitment rather than public job postings, and the positions that are advertised often remain open for long periods due to geographic location challenges rather than a true shortage of optometrists.

“… the data tells a clear story: with an increase in the number of optometry schools in recent years, the number of registered optometrists in Australia has increased significantly, with a steady rise from 5,399 in 2017 to 6,977 in 2023. At the same time, the optometry workforce per capita is now higher than many comparable countries, with particularly high concentrations in metropolitan and larger regional areas.

“Concern regarding a looming oversupply is being felt across the profession, with new evidence of concerning workplace conditions and reports from members indicating increasing job competition, fewer permanent full-time opportunities, and a stagnation or decline in salaries. This is particularly evident for early-career optometrists, who are struggling to secure stable employment pathways.”

Opportunity to Increase Dispenser Supply

Meanwhile, the Australasian College of Optical Dispensers (ACOD) said the survey is an opportunity for optometry practice managers to draw attention to the current shortage of dispensers in Australia.

“Practices call me out of the blue, complaining that they can’t find dispensers in their area, and asking me for recommendations,” said James Gibbins, co-founder of ACOD.

“This OSL stakeholder survey is a hidden treasure for all of those practice managers – it is an opportunity to let the government know more needs to be done to encourage and support trainee dispensers into the workforce.

“Once the federal government recognises the critical shortage of skilled optical dispensers, state governments will start to take notice and ultimately, we hope to see a return of subsidies for training programs that are beneficial for practices and emerging dispensers.

“When practice managers recognise the difference that trained optical dispensers can make to patient outcomes, and when they promote optical dispenser roles as career opportunities that come with sponsored, structured training, everyone benefits – dispensers, patients, and business owners.”

Complete the 2026 Occupation Shortage List (OSL) stakeholder survey by 18 March 2026.

Reference

1. Optometry Australia takes action on workforce oversupply: Submission to the Occupation Shortage List survey. Available at: optometry.org.au/workforce/optometry-australia-takes-action-on-workforce-oversupply-submission-to-the-occupation-shortage-list-survey/#:~:text=Furthermore%2C%20we%20comment%20that%20the,known%20data%20and%20trend%20analysis [accessed Feb 2025].