Chedy Kalach, a director and senior teacher at the Australasian College of Optical Dispensing, is urging everyone in the optical sector to contribute to the 2026 Occupation Shortage List (OSL) Stakeholder Survey.
The OSL is used by Job and Skills Australia (JSA) to gain a picture of the Aussie workforce and highlight shortages in occupations around the country.
Numerous reports and surveys have highlighted shortages and gaps in the ophthalmic sector, especially in rural, regional and remote parts of Australia.
In emails to participants, JSA encouraged industry stakeholders to share the link to the survey with others in their sectors, to “further grow our understanding. The more groups that participate, the more valuable the data set is”.
Kalach supported that effort.
He said he was sharing the information and the link with his many contacts, and encouraged others in sector, including optical dispensers, optometrists, ophthalmologists, to do the same.
Those keen to know more and register for the survey can go to this link.
The survey closes on Wednesday, 18 March 2026 at 5pm (AEDT).
