When an optometrist lands on a remote airstrip or drives hours along an unsealed road to reach a small community clinic, they are doing far more than delivering an eye examination.
Outreach represents a commitment to equity, connection and the belief that every Australian deserves the chance to see clearly, regardless of where they live.
As the Visiting Optometrists Scheme (VOS) marks its 50th year, we are reminded of the legacy of this work and the national responsibility we share to ensure it endures.
The impact outreach optometrists describe extends well beyond the clinic room. For many rural and remote communities, visiting optometrists are the only pathway to timely, culturally safe and locally-delivered eyecare. Barriers such as cost, transport, geography and limited local services mean that without outreach eyecare, people can go years without a routine eye exam or treatment.
The effects can be profound. A missed prescription may lead to someone losing their driver’s licence or being unable to work safely. Delayed diagnosis of conditions such as diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma can result in irreversible vision loss. For children, uncorrected refractive error can limit literacy, confidence and educational opportunity.
Outreach optometrists protect against these risks by bringing care directly to communities that would otherwise be missed. Importantly, their services are delivered in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, local health workers and trusted community leaders, which supports culturally informed care and strengthens patient willingness to seek help.
What outreach gives back
Outreach eyecare is usually described in terms of community benefit, yet it also enriches the clinicians who participate.
Optometrists tell us that outreach reconnects them to purpose and to the core values that drew them to the profession. They value the autonomy, the clinical breadth and the chance to work in multidisciplinary teams.
Many describe outreach work as the reset they need from time to time. They develop adaptability, enjoy immersing themselves in the local communities, build cultural understanding and make a genuine and lasting difference. These are experiences that stay with clinicians throughout their careers.
Visiting optometry services also strengthens professional solidarity. Optometrists return from these trips with a deeper appreciation of the realities their regional colleagues face. This insight helps build shared understanding of workforce challenges.
The impact of outreach extends far beyond individual communities or practitioners. It strengthens our national health system in three important ways.
Firstly, it reduces avoidable blindness. People living in remote areas face higher rates of preventable vision loss. Outreach helps ensure early detection and timely treatment, which reduces downstream costs to the health system and improves quality of life.
Secondly, it supports First Nations-led eye health. Locally designed and culturally informed care, delivered in partnership with the community, is essential to closing the gap in vision outcomes, but more sustainable investment and system reform is required.
Lastly, it helps balance the workforce. Very remote areas have only 3.5 fulltime equivalent optometrists for every 100,000 people, compared with 22.7 in metropolitan areas. Outreach is one of the few mechanisms that directly bridges the gap.
Challenges, a turning point
Despite its value, the sustainability of outreach is under growing pressure. Rising travel and accommodation costs, workforce turnover and inconsistent access to locum support create strain for practitioners and fundholders. The Optometry Australia (OA) national member survey shows that while providers are strongly committed to the purpose of the scheme, only 16% felt the funded activities accurately reflect the reality of their outreach work.
Only 21% considered the current remuneration adequate.
The scheme will enter a new funding cycle in July 2026. The government is open to reviewing the Service Delivery Standards. This provides an important opportunity to modernise the program so that it reflects real service delivery costs, strengthens support for the workforce and embeds First Nations leadership in future design.
This is a key Federal Budget ask in OA’s December 2026 submission.
OA believes that the future of outreach eyecare relies on several priorities:
• Sustainable funding that reflects real service costs.
• Strong cultural leadership and partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and First Nations organisations.
• Improved alignment with population needs.
• Innovation in care models and pathways that support outreach teams.
• Workforce incentives and support, ensuring reliable access to optometrists who are willing and capable to provide outreach support.
Outreach reflects the very best of our profession. It is driven by equity, compassion and the determination to ensure no one is left behind.
As we mark 50 years of the VOS, we must look ahead with clarity and purpose.
The next chapter of outreach eyecare is ours to shape. With the right investment, partnerships and vision, this legacy can continue to grow for generations to come.
About the author
Name: Demi Gertig
Qualifications: Director, Strategy and Policy at Optometry Australia
Affiliations: None
Location: South Australia
Years in industry: 11
