IN what may feel like a familiar refrain to pharmacists, doctors' peak bodies have spoken out against the expansion of prescribing rights for optometrists beyond topical treatments to include oral medicines such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and other systemic agents.
The Optometry Board of Australia proposed changes to prescribing rules for optometrists late last year (PD 28 Oct 2025), with people living in rural and remote areas, older people and people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds set to benefit from better access and affordability.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia welcomed the proposal, recognising it as another positive step towards improving patient access to timely, affordable, and effective care.
However, peak bodies including the Australian Medical Association (AMA), the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) and the Royal Australian College of GPs have warned against the proposal.
The AMA said the move poses unacceptable risks to patient safety, and optometrists lack the extensive medical training required to safely manage the systemic risks associated with oral medicines.
AMA Vice President Associate Professor Julian Rait said using workforce shortages to justify expanding non-medical prescribing is reckless and puts patients at risk.
"Patient safety must come first and the Board needs to recognise that inappropriate prescribing of these medicines can have very significant consequences for patients," he said.
Associate Professor Rait added that a clear distinction between medical and non-medical roles is needed "to ensure prescribing remains the responsibility of those with appropriate training and accountability".
The ASO also spoke out against the proposal, saying it is "deeply concerning and risks undermining safe patient care".
"We note that some of the medications the Optometry Board proposes that optometrists prescribe are associated with serious adverse events including renal failure, electrolyte disturbances, liver injury, cardiac complications, and life-threatening allergic reactions," the ASO stated.
"Recognising and managing these risks early can be the difference between full recovery and permanent harm."
Meanwhile, the RACGP reiterated its position that prescribing by non-medical practitioners "should only occur as part of a medically led team-based model of care where prescribing occurs under the direction and supervision of a medical practitioner".
Consultation closed on 24 Dec. KB
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