Optometrists Could Prescribe Oral Medicines Under Proposed Plan, but RACGP Flags Safety Risks
28 Oct 2025
At present, optometrists are limited to prescribing only topical eye drops and ointments.
If approved, optometrists could prescribe from an approved list of oral medicines, including:
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Antibiotics for bacterial eye infections
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Antihistamines for allergy-related eye conditions
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Antivirals for viral eye infections
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Emergency treatment for acute angle closure, a serious eye condition that can cause blindness
The Board says the move will improve patient access, particularly in rural and remote areas, by reducing waiting times and out-of-pocket costs for GP consultations. Optometry Australia confirmed that no additional training would be required for those already endorsed to prescribe scheduled medicines.
RACGP Rural Deputy Chair Dr Rod Omond welcomed the potential convenience but warned of safety risks. “Many patients, particularly older adults, may be taking other medications that could interact with new prescriptions,” he said. “If the GP isn’t informed, there’s a risk of fragmented care.” Dr Omond emphasised that timely communication of prescriptions to a patient’s GP would be essential to maintain safety.
Currently, more than 7,000 optometrists are registered in Australia, with almost 80% already holding an endorsement to prescribe scheduled medicines. Under the proposal, that endorsement would extend to oral medications.
Optometry Australia CEO Skye Cappuccio said the reform recognises the profession’s expertise, streamlines care, reduces unnecessary referrals, and positions optometrists as an integral part of the healthcare workforce. The Board noted that initially these medications would not be funded under the PBS, though the association may seek to have them added in future.
Optometry Board Chair Stuart Aamodt said the change would give patients more options and reduce the need for multiple practitioner visits. “Australian-trained optometrists have been prescribing oral medicines safely in New Zealand for over a decade,” he said.
Public consultation on the proposal is open, with submissions closing on 24 December 2025.
Source: RACGP newsGP, October 2025
