- Consultations
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Current consultations
There are no open consultations at this moment.
Previous consultations
2024 Fees Consultation
We consulted on the proposed annual practising certificate (APC) fees for the 2024/2025 practising year. The Board had to increase its fees to ensure it has the necessary resources to continue to meet the high level of regulation. This consultation closed on 31 October 2023.
The Board received eight applications – three from organisations and five from individual practitioners (all optometrists). The Board considered each submission at its meeting of 16 and 17 November 2023, and approved the APC fees increase for 2023/24, and the updated fees schedule. Click here to read the Summary report. Please go to our Fees page.
The revocation of Registration pathways 2 and 3 for registration in the Optometry scope of practice
We consulted on the revocation of Registration pathways 2 and 3 for registration in the Optometry scope of practice, as there is no demand for it and to simplify the registration process. This standardisation will make it easier for the Board to be assured about applicants’ qualifications and competence to practise. This is in the interests of public health and safety, which is the principal purpose of the HPCA Act.
This consultation closed on 29 October 2023.
The Board received five submissions – for from organisations (three Australian and one New Zealand based) and one individual (optometrists). The Board considered each submission at its meeting of 16 and 17 November 2023, and approved revocation of Registration pathways 2 and 3 for registration in the Optometry scope of practice, and the updating of the Registration pathways document. Click here for the new Registration pathways document.
Inclusion of the University of Western Australia, Doctor of Optometry, in the list of accredited programmes for registration in the Optometry scope of practice (Registration Pathway 1 - Optometrist)
We consulted on the inclusion of the accredited University of Western Australia's Doctor of Optometry programme in the list recognised for registration in the Optometry scope of practice (Registration Pathway 1 – Optometrist).
The consultation was open from 21 December 2022 and 31 January 2023. The consultation is now closed. We received one submission. The Board will consider the submission at its next Board meeting and the outcome will be communicated with the sector.
2023 APC Fees Consultation
We consulted on proposed annual practising certificate (APC) fees, and an updated fees schedule for the 2023/2024 practising year.
The consultation was open from 3 November to 21 December 2022. The consultation is now closed. We received seven submissions. The Board consider all submissions and approved the APC fees increase for 2023/24, and the updated fees schedule. Please go to our Fees page.
Consultation to revoke RMIT University’s Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing as an accredited and prescribed qualification with the Board
We consulted on a proposal to revoke Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University’s Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing as an accredited, and prescribed qualification.
This consultation is now closed.
One submission was received in support of the proposal. On 18 July 2022, the Board approved the proposal. The Gazette notice was submitted on 19 July 2022 and came into effect 15 September 2022.
Consultation on the draft Revised Clinical Standards for Dispensing Opticians
We consulted on our draft Revised Clinical Standards for Dispensing Opticians
This consultation is now closed.
We received seven submissions for this consultation. All submissions were considered by the Board and approved on 17 October 2022, it was approved and will came into effect on 1 December 2022. It has been uploaded on the Standards and Guidelines page
Consultation on draft Telehealth Standards
We consulted on our draft Telehealth Standards for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians.
We received five submissions for this consultation. On 12 July 2022 the Board approved the draft Telehealth Standards (and revised Statement of on Internet and Electronic Communication). Both came into effective on 12 July 2022, and have been uploaded on the Standards and Guidelines page.
Consultations on the proposal to introduce a new Specialist Optometrist Scope of Practice to include Ophthalmic laser surgeries
We consulted on the proposal to introduce a new Specialist Optometrist Scope of Practice – Ophthalmic laser surgeries.
This consultation is now closed.
We received 23 submissions for both consultations: the proposal to introduce a new Specialist optometrist scope of practice – Ophthalmic Laser Surgeries, and the proposal to introduce a prescribed qualification for those who wish to train and be registered in the Specialist optometrist scope of practice – Ophthalmic Laser Surgeries.
We approved the proposal for the new Specialist optometrist scope of practice – Ophthalmic Laser Surgeries.
View the summary report of combined responses below:
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Consultation on the proposal to introduce a prescribed qualification for those who wish to train and be registered in the Specialist optometrist scope of practice – ophthalmic laser surgeries
We consulted on a proposal to introduce a prescribed qualification for those who wish to train and be registered in the Specialist optometrist scope of practice – ophthalmic laser surgeries.
This consultation is now closed.
We received 23 submissions for both consultations – the proposal for a new Specialist Scope of Practice to include ophthalmic laser surgeries, and the proposal for a prescribed qualification for the Specialist Optometrist Scope of Practice – ophthalmic laser surgeries.
We approved the proposal for a prescribed qualification for the Specialist Optometrist Scope of Practice – ophthalmic laser surgeries.
View the summary report of combined responses below:
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Consultations on Standards of Cultural Competence for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians
The Board consulted on a proposal of its revised Standards of Cultural Competence and Cultural Safety for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians.
This consultation is now closed.
Seven submissions were received. After careful review the Board made some modification, mostly related to the preamble/background, and to include “cultural safety”. A few cosmetic edits were made to enhance usability. The standards will be effective 1 January 2022. It has been uploaded on the Standards and Guidelines page.
Consultation on Accreditation Standards for Optical Dispensing Education Programmes
We consulted on Accreditation Standards for Optical Dispensing Education Programmes.
This consultation is now closed. We received four submissions. The Accreditation standards and its associated guidelines document have been approved and will be effective 1 January 2022. It has been uploaded on the Standards and Guidelines page.
Consultation on revised Standards of Ethical Conduct for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians
We consulted on a proposal to revise the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians.
This consultation is now closed.
It has been uploaded to the Standards and Guidelines page.
Consultation on a proposal to include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the recertification programmes for dispensing opticians and optometrists
We consulted on a proposal to include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the recertification programmes for dispensing opticians and optometrists.
This consultation is now closed.
At its May 2020 meeting, the Board approved that the CPR requirement be included in the recertification programme for both professions. This requires practitioners to complete any first aid course based on NZQA unit standards 6401 and 6402. This had to be completed by 1 April 2022.
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the Board extended this deadline in November 2021. All practitioners who wish to apply for an annual practising certificate must now meet this requirement by 1 April 2023.