WRITER Cassandra Haines

As a passionate advocate for eye health in South Australia, it’s rewarding to reflect on the pivotal initiatives shaping our profession, writes Cassandra Haines.

With critical changes on the horizon, it's time to come together to address challenges, embrace and seize new opportunities, and advocate for the role of optometry in delivering accessible, high-quality eye care to all Australians.

Behind the scenes, we’re already laying the groundwork for the 2026 South Australian election, which is an important opportunity to spotlight and reinforce optometry’s value within the broader primary healthcare system. Advocacy planning is underway, and we’ll be calling on members to get involved in the coming months. Your voice is a powerful tool for keeping eye care on the policy agenda, so watch your inbox for opportunities to share your voice and contribute to the future of eye care in South Australia.

At the same time, we continue to meet with key departmental officials to discuss opportunities to improve access to much-needed initiatives like the GlassesSA programme, which plays a pivotal role in improving access to glasses for South Australians.

BUILDING A HEALTHIER FUTURE

Combating Myopia

Myopia is rising at an alarming rate, with projections suggesting that by 2050, half of Australia’s population will be affected, yet public awareness of this issue remains limited. Through its myopia awareness campaign, Optometry Australia is actively promoting three simple steps: “Off screens. Outside. Optometrist.”.

Our recent Vision Index survey revealed gaps in public awareness – 21% had never heard of myopia, and 85% were unaware of available management strategies. This underlines the urgency of our efforts. By fostering behavioural change and encouraging regular eye checks for children, we can significantly mitigate future ocular health risks, such as glaucoma and retinal detachment.

Advanced Practice Recognition

Another exciting initiative launched this year is Optometry Australia’s Advanced Practice Recognition (APR) programme, initially focussing on glaucoma management. This groundbreaking programme acknowledges advanced clinical skills, providing South Australian optometrists with a clear pathway for career growth and recognition.

The APR programme addresses our profession’s growth limitations by:

• Offering structured career progression,

• Promoting advanced optometrist-tooptometrist referrals, and

• Strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration.

Successful candidates will earn the credential ‘Optometry Australia Credentialled Advanced Practitioner – Glaucoma (OACAP-G)’, significantly enhancing professional opportunities and patient care standards.

Local Opportunities to Learn and Connect

Members have an opportunity to meet and connect with future graduates at the Flinders University Careers Expo on 8 July. Additionally, Adelaide Interactive will be held from 21 October to 1 November at the Adelaide Hills Convention Centre.

FITNESS TO DRIVE

Optometry Australia recently participated in the Fitness to Drive forum, facilitated by the Department of Infrastructure and Transport, as part of South Australia’s Road Safety Action Plan 2023–2025. The plan aims to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on the state’s roads, with vision testing playing a crucial role in ensuring driver safety. Optometry Australia continues to advocate for ongoing improvements to a streamlined and accessible vision testing process for practitioners and patients, along with clear interpretation of the standards, emphasising its importance in maintaining safe driving conditions across South Australia.

OPTOMETRY CLINICAL CONFERENCE

I’m thrilled to facilitate Optometry Australia’s flagship event, the Optometry Clinical Conference (OCC) 2025, themed ‘Today, Tomorrow, Together’ on 17–18 August in Melbourne. This conference represents our collective commitment to advancing optometry through shared knowledge, collaborative practice, and professional growth.

Expect an immersive experience with:

• Inspiring keynote addresses from renowned leaders including Professors Jamie Craig, Robyn Guymer, Celia Chen, Eric Papas, Blair Lonsberry, Associate Professor Zhichao Wu, and Richard Johnson,

• In-depth lectures and interactive workshops designed to refine clinical expertise, and

• A dynamic trade exhibition showcasing cutting-edge technology and solutions.

OCC 2025 will also provide invaluable networking opportunities, fostering connections that will strengthen our profession. Join us at the welcome reception overlooking Melbourne’s spectacular skyline and explore everything the city has to offer.

Embrace this opportunity to shape the future of optometry. Let’s advance eye care together, today and tomorrow.

Cassandra Haines is the State Lead for South Australia at Optometry Australia.