GPs retain right to prescribe eye drops after PBAC U-turn
30 Apr 2026
The original proposal would have limited prescribing of these medicines to eye specialists, following a review of usage and government spending. The plan was discussed after PBAC’s November meeting.
However, after concerns were raised by the RACGP, the committee reconsidered its position during its March meeting.
The RACGP had argued that GPs regularly manage patients with severe dry eye disease, particularly in rural and remote communities where access to eye specialists can be limited.
PBAC acknowledged this concern and accepted that restricting access could create barriers to treatment for some patients. It also recognised the role of GPs in providing accessible care.
As a result, the committee reversed its earlier recommendation and advised that current prescribing arrangements should remain in place for now.
RACGP Expert Committee – Quality Care Chair Professor Mark Morgan welcomed the outcome, saying it supports patient access to care.
He said GPs are often the first and most accessible point of contact in the health system, especially for patients who may face long waiting times or higher costs when seeing specialists.
The committee also noted rising use of preservative-free eye drops and increased government spending on these medicines in recent years.
Further decisions on pricing and prescribing rules will depend on future negotiations between the Government and suppliers.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: newsGP / PBAC