The delivery of quality vision care in both Australia and New Zealand is facing many challenges. High on the list are the inequitable spread of optometrists between cities and rural regions and the well-documented health concerns of an ageing population.

The Australian and New Zealand University Schools of Optometry are working together to investigate potential strategies to address these service inadequacies through improvements to the undergraduate optometry education experience.

The one-year project is funded under a grant awarded to Associate Professor Barbara Junghans of the UNSW School of Optometry and Vision Science by the Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC).

The four schools of optometry are supported in undertaking the project by key stakeholders the Optometrists Association Australia and New Zealand Association of Optometrists. Major New Zealand optometry employer groups EYEPRO and Visique are also willing collaborators in project activities, alongside Luxottica and ProVision in Australia.

National surveys of optometrists are planned for release in partnership with the OAA in July 2009:

-Rural & Remote Optometry Services Survey
-Gerontology & Low Vision Survey

All optometrists throughout Australia are urged to participate and share thoughts and experience regarding graduate preparation for rural practice, and for delivering optometric services for elderly and low vision patients.

Please click here for the Project Web Page.

For further information, please contact the Project Officer Anna Palagyi.