Scopes of Practice
These are services that optometrists and dispensing opticians are legally allowed to offer as health practitioners regulated under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCA Act) .
On this page: Scopes of Practice | Optometrist Scopes of Practice | Specialist Optometrist Scopes of Practice | Dispensing Optician Scopes of Practice
Scopes of practice protection
If there is any indication that a practitioner may be performing any task that is not within their registered scope, we will take appropriate action to ensure the protection of the public.
Scopes of practice
We define the scopes of practice for optometrists and dispensing opticians in Aotearoa New Zealand, describing what the practise covers and what qualifications you need to become registered in these professions.
There are different scopes of practice for each profession
There are three scopes of practice for optometrists and one scope of practice for dispensing opticians. You’ll find a brief summary of each here.
Optometrists Scopes of Practice
Provisional Optometrist Scope of Practice (time-limited)
Practitioners registered in the Provisional Optometrist Scope of Practice work under a supervisor and there will be certain tasks they will not be able to perform, such as the prescribing of therapeutic medicines. They will also be enrolled in Board-accredited therapeutic medicines training.
This scope of practice is usually time-limited to three years. They will need to complete a board-accredited therapeutics qualification and can then apply to register as in the Optometrist Scope of Practice.
View the Gazette notice here:
Scopes of Practice for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians 2020
Optometrist Scope of Practice
An optometrist registered in the Optometrist Scope of Practice provides evidence-based comprehensive eye health and vision care. This may include:
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prescribing any ophthalmic appliance, optical appliance, or ophthalmic medical device
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assessing, diagnosing, treating and managing conditions affecting the eye and its appendages
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prescribing medicines
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reporting or giving advice in an ophthalmic capacity
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signing any certificate required for statutory purposes, such as driver licensing eyesight certificates
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non-clinical practice such as teaching, research, optometric or eye health management, in hospitals, clinics, general optometric practices and community and institutional contexts, whether paid or voluntary.
View the Gazette notice here:
Scopes of Practice for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians 2020
Specialist Optometrist Scope of Practice – Ophthalmic Laser Surgeries
An optometrist registered in the Specialist Optometrist Scope of Practice – Ophthalmic laser surgeries is authorised to perform specified procedures below the mucous membrane or surface of the skin. Specifically, they are authorised to perform:
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neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy; and/or
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neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser peripheral iridotomy in an approved hospital setting.
View the Gazette notices here:
- Scopes of Practice for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians 2020
- Specialist Optometrist Scope of Practice – Ophthalmic Laser Surgeries for the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board in 2022
- Prescribed Qualification for the Specialist Optometrist Scopes of Practice—Ophthalmic Laser Surgeries for the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board in 2022
Dispensing Opticians Scope of Practice
A dispensing optician registered in the Dispensing Optician Scope of Practice can interpret and dispense optical prescriptions for spectacle lenses, spectacle frames (including their fitting), contact lenses, and any other optical device intended for correction of a defect of sight.
View the Gazette notice here:
Scopes of Practice for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians 2020