Orthoptists and Prescribing in NSW, VIC and SA

Three state governments have now passed legislation that allows orthoptists REGISTERED with the Australian Orthoptic Board to refract and prescribe lenses (not contact lenses) as follows:

NSW

NSW orthoptists may prescribe spectacles only to patients who:

1. have had, within the previous six months, an ocular health examination conducted by an optometrist or a registered medical practitioner practising as an ophthalmologist; and
2. have been referred in writing by the optometrist or medical practitioner.

VIC and SA

In addition to that above, Victorian and South Australian orthoptists may prescribe spectacles (without referral) if employed by –

1.      a registered funded or recognised agency (e.g. public hospital, health centre or private hospital) within the meaning of the respective Victorian Health Services Act 1988 or South Australian Health Commission Act 1976; or

2.      a medical practitioner registered under one of these Acts who practises as an ophthalmologist; or

3.      (in Victoria only) a person or body as prescribed by the regulations.

As not all orthoptists are registered with the Australian Orthoptic Board, it is important that ophthalmologists only refer patients to orthoptists who are legally allowed to prescribe.