Hundreds of Australian optometrists have signed up to the Health Services Union (HSU) in the past few months, according to Phoropter Free Fridays (PFF) – a grassroots forum wanting to unionise optometry.
According to organisers, members have been enticed not only by the promise of collective bargaining on consult times and KPIs but also by the union’s lower-cost, bundled professional indemnity and public-liability cover.
“The surge signals growing unrest over shrinking consult times, sales-driven KPIs and mounting burnout – and gives the HSU the numbers it needs to press employers for enforceable safeguards on clinical autonomy, fair workloads and patient-centred care,” PFF said in a statement.
So far, the HSU’s early work with PFF support, has delivered workplace advice, individual support and initial collective bargaining in practices with majority union membership.
“By growing our numbers, we can trigger formal negotiations, enforce the Charter and secure system-wide reform,” HSU/PFF stated.
HSU and PFF members have drafted a Charter for Change, which enshrines enforceable rights such as legal, regular breaks, fair compensation for overtime, and reasonable leave periods. It also references clinical autonomy and protected patient-care time, and a career framework that values skill over sales
“The first few items reinforce basic legal protections often overlooked by employers,” the HSU/PFF statement said.
“Subsequent points focus on clinical standards – reducing burnout and improving patient outcomes ultimately benefits both clinicians and businesses. The final goals set a broader vision for the profession’s future.”
Full-time fees are $48-$60 per month (approximately $600–$700 annually), depending on the state/territory.
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