With an election likely to take place in May, OA has launched a campaign calling for all sides of government to support its plans for a sustainable, accessible and effective eyecare syst.The organisation hopes to drive its campaign into the offices and devices of national policymakers with a digital lobbying tool, which can be used by mbers to send tailored – but consistent – correspondence to their local federal politicians.“To help spread this message, we are asking our mbers to join our campaign by sending an electronic communication directly to the inbox of their local federal Mber of Parliament and Senator,” OA president Mr Darrell Baker said.
{{quote-A:R-W:400-I:2-Q:“We are hoping to generate thousands of pieces of correspondence – all repeating our key messages – that politicians Australia-wide will receive.” -who:OA president Darrell Baker.}}“We are hoping to generate thousands of pieces of correspondence – all repeating our key messages – that politicians Australia-wide will receive.”Although the organisation has asked mbers to assist in a grassroots campaign previously, it will be the first time that OA will lobby in this way.
Baker added: “We must work together to ignite our collective voice if we want key influencers and decision makers to not only hear our messages but respond positively by working with us to create the change we need to meet a fast-evolving scope of practice.”OA’s ‘2019 election platform’ has adopted four key principles, including, ensuring the relevant recommendations of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Review are implented, including the reinstatent of two-yearly rebates for examinations for middle-aged Australians, and reassessing scheduled fees for MBS optometry its so primary eyecare services are sustainable and accessible.The organisation also wants to increase awareness of the importance of comprehensive eye examinations in early childhood, and support advancent in primary eyecare, including investment into applied research into new models of care.
