Optometry Australia will unify into one new single national entity after overwhelming support from voting members across every State Division.

Following an 18-month consultation period with divisional boards and members across all states and territories, the proposal was endorsed nationwide: Optometry Victoria South Australia (97%), Optometry New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory (86%), Optometry Queensland Northern Territory (95%), Optometry Western Australia (81%) and Optometry Tasmania (100%).

Optometry Australia CEO Mark Nevin said the decisive result reflected members’ desire for a stronger peak body built for the future. “Optometrists deserve a peak body that will excel. With this vote, a resounding majority of members have decided that we need a highly effective single entity with expert professional leadership overseeing dedicated teams, all rowing in the same direction. Unification will deliver lower fees consistently and we will unleash the potential of our profession.”

Under the new model, members will be represented by a single unified organisation, with direct elections for the national board, State Advisory Bodies and committees, with staff located across the country to continue local engagement and support.

Nevin said the profession now has the structure it needs to meet future challenges and opportunities. “Most of the policy, regulatory and funding levers to advance optometry are national. A unified peak body can apply real, coordinated pressure where it matters most. One profession. One voice. One future.”