National President, Professor Trent Twomey mentioned the proposal mirrored a rising recognition that empowering certified well being professionals to practise to the total extent of their coaching delivered higher outcomes for sufferers and communities — significantly in rural and regional Australia.
“When patients can access the right care from the right health professional at the right time, everyone benefits,” Professor Twomey mentioned.
“This proposal aligns with the Guild’s long-held view that scope of practice reforms across health professions — including community pharmacy — are essential to strengthening Australia’s primary care system.”
The Guild famous the proposed adjustments would enable optometrists to prescribe oral medicines the place clinically acceptable, lowering pointless delays and serving to sufferers keep away from preventable issues, corresponding to imaginative and prescient loss.
Professor Twomey mentioned this collaborative, multi-professional strategy to healthcare mirrored the intent of the National Medicines Policy and National Strategy for Quality Use of Medicines — each of which emphasise protected, efficient, and accessible use of medicines.
“Optometrists, pharmacists, nurses, and other health professionals all play vital roles in delivering care closer to home.
“By supporting initiatives like this, governments can continue to build a more integrated and patient-centred health system. The outcome ultimately will be healthier Australian communities,” Professor Twomey mentioned.