Optometry Australia (OA) will unify into a new single national entity after what the organisation said was overwhelming support from voting members across every state division.
In a media release, OA said the vote marked a historic milestone for the profession and paved the way for stronger advocacy, lower consistent fees and a more effective, streamlined member structure.
The proposal was endorsed nationwide, with 97% of voting members in Optometry Victoria South Australia, 86% in Optometry New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory, 95% in Optometry Queensland Northern Territory, 81% in Optometry Western Australia, and 100% in Optometry Tasmania, voting in favour of unification.
The result follows an 18-month project to develop a model for unification in partnership with divisional boards, followed by comprehensive member engagement across all states and territories, including town halls, divisional sessions and direct member feedback.
OA CEO Mark Nevin said the decisive result reflected members’ desire for a stronger peak body built for the future.
“Optometrists deserve a peak body that will excel,” he said. “With this vote, a resounding majority of members have decided that we need a highly effective single entity with expert professional leadership overseeing dedicated teams, all rowing in the same direction.
“Unification will deliver lower fees consistently and we will unleash the potential of our profession.”
The media release said the outcome provided a clear mandate to move forward with unification.
Under the new model, members will be represented by a single unified organisation, with direct elections for the national board, state advisory bodies and committees, with staff located across the country to continue local engagement and support.
The new organisation is also registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) as a Health Promotion Charity (HPC) – a status that reflects the public benefit work optometrists already do, and opens new opportunities for funding and community impact.
HPC registration brings opportunities to apply for grants and funding streams not previously available, creating new capacity for OA to engage communities, promote eye health and deliver programs that extend the reach of the profession, while helping to keep member costs down.
Nevin said the profession now had the structure it needed to meet future challenges and opportunities.
“Most of the policy, regulatory and funding levers to advance optometry are national.
“A unified peak body can apply real, coordinated pressure where it matters most. One profession. One voice. One future.”
OA said member services, including high-quality CPD, events, professional support, premium professional indemnity insurance and advocacy, would continue throughout the transition, with a focus on improving efficiency and reducing duplication.
The transition to the unified entity will now begin, with further updates communicated to members in the coming months. This will include opportunities for member involvement in governance and the next phase of implementation.
