19/07/2026
There is always a choice and independence is a good choice to make. Independent Optometrists do not turn our patients away to maintain KPI sales figures... Most of us walked away from those pressures a long time ago.
Recent media coverage has highlighted serious concerns about inadequate consultation times, excessive workloads, reduced professional autonomy and inappropriate commercial expectations in parts of the optometry sector.
These conditions are unacceptable where they compromise practitioner wellbeing, ethical practice or the quality of patient care.
Optometrists are healthcare professionals first. Their clinical judgement must never be compromised by sales targets, financial incentives or other commercial pressures.
Australians can continue to have confidence in their optometrists, who remain strongly committed to safe, responsive and high-quality care, often while navigating significant workplace pressures.
Optometry Australia will soon launch a workforce strategy consultation to better understand these challenges and work with members and stakeholders on practical solutions.
Read Optometry Australia’s full statement:
https://www.optometry.org.au/workplace/optometry-australia-statement-on-workplace-pressures-and-clinical-autonomy/