Optometry Australia is claiming success in its campaign, Optometry matters, to get optometric issues onto the table ahead of the country’s upcoming general election.

It says

• over 4,000 pieces of communication have been delivered from its members to sitting federal parliamentarians
• more than 55 candidates contesting the federal election have personally responded to Optometry Australia’s President Darrell Baker
• positive acknowledgement of Optometry Australia’s policy priorities has been received from the Federal Coalition, Australian Labor Party and the Australian Greens.

The campaign was designed to support Optometry Australia’s key election policy priorities calling on the next government to support its vision for a sustainable and effective eye-care system accessible to all Australians, it said.

Baker said he was pleased with policy announcements from the three major political parties.

“We have welcomed the Coalition and Australian Labour Party’s bipartisan recommitment to lifting the freeze on optometry rebates from 1 July 2019 and responding to the recommendations of the Medicare Benefits Schedule review taskforce. We also welcome the Australian Labour Party’s commitment to appointing Australia’s first dedicated Commonwealth chief allied health officer if elected.

“We were further pleased to see the Australian Greens campaigning hard on preventative health, including responding individually to member communications with support for comprehensive eye examinations, particularly for children.,” he said.

Mr Baker complemented members’ efforts with a letter to each of the candidates contesting the election and has received more than 55 personalised responses, many praising optometrists and the role that optometry plays in the health of all Australians. “This has further highlighted to me the campaign’s impact and the broad, cross party support for improved eye health outcomes for all Australians. None of this would have been possible without the tremendous support and involvement of our members.”

Optometry Australia says it will continue to advocate to improve eye care for Australians and keep this momentum going after the federal election.