Orthoptics Australia is a national organisation that vigorously represents its members and actively seeks and implements benefits and opportunities for members.

Structure 

With members in all states of Australia, New Zealand and other countries, the OA is managed by a Federal Council comprising the office-bearers (President, Vice President, President Elect, Secretary & Treasurer) and representatives from each State. 

The states of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia have formed State Branches, and the Council representatives from the Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania maintain contact and disseminate information to their members.

Contacts:    Federal Council  |  State Contacts  |  Committees & Reps  |  OA Office

Members are represented at Federal and State levels of government, allied health and other relevant organisations through Federal Council Committees and State Branches.

• Awards
• Classificaton
• Conference/Scientific
• Editorial (Australian Orthoptic Journal)
• Education
• Political
• PR & Development
• Professional Conduct
• Sponsorship
• Workplace Relations & Conditions

Orthoptics Australia maintains strong relationships and represents members at:

• International Orthoptic Association (IOA) - Orthoptics Australia members also receive membership of the IOA.
• Australian Orthoptic Board
• Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Ophthalmology (RANZCO)
• Research Partner of the RANZCO Eye Foundation
• Orthoptic training schools
• Vision 2020
• Allied Health Professions Australia (formerly HPCA)
• National Allied Health Classification Committee (formerly Casemix)
• Health Services Union of Australia
• Australian Rural and Remote Health Taskforce

(see Organisation Structure)

Orthoptic Awareness Week (OAW) is a federal activity that aims to promote and increase awareness and understanding of the profession of Orthoptics in both the public and related health arenas.  Each year focusses on an area of orthoptic practice and promotional materials are provided to members via their state organisation and distributed directly to the target audience.

The OA conducts a Workforce Survey at intervals. The Orthoptic profession is changing rapidly and as a professional group we are taking on a huge variety of roles both in the Public and Private sector.  It is vital for future planning, education, funding and advancement of our profession, that, as an Association, we know as much about the current workforce as possible. The results of the most recent survey will be published in 2007.

Communication with members is maintained through the federal Update newsletter (4 issues per annum), NSW and VIC newsletters, emailed items of interest, continuing education events, as well as this website recently been updated with a Member Only area which will continue to be developed.  Ordinary category members also receive the Australian Orthoptic Journal (2 issues per annum).

Participation 

All members are invited to participate via their State group and support the association in advancing the profession and consequent benefits to members. Being a profession that is small in number the OA relies on the honorary contribution of members. The OA employs the services of a secretariat for administrative support.

Involvement with state and federal activities and council is a professionally and personally rewarding experience.  If you are interested in becoming involved please do not hesitate to speak with your state representatives or the President and other office-bearers.