As the peak body representing orthoptists in Australia, we recognise the importance of our role in supporting and advancing the orthoptic profession and through this, facilitating the delivery of best-practice and equitable eye health care for all in our community. Our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan was developed around this vision.
In 2022, the Orthoptics Australia Board engaged an external consultant to facilitate the development of our new strategic plan. An initial phase of broad consultation included in-depth interviews with a diverse range of stakeholders both affiliated with Orthoptics Australia and within the broader eye care community including; industry, higher education and other professional groups. Through this consultation, current and future challenges and opportunities, were identified.
These ideas were further explored and built on during our strategic planning workshop held in August 2022. The externally-facilitated workshop was attended by members of the Orthoptics Australia Board, the Orthoptics Australia Executive Officer, and members of the Orthoptics Australia Board Advisory Forum that includes; representatives from States and Territories across Australia and of all Orthoptics Australia committees (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee, Professional Advisory Committee, Membership, Awards, Finance, Continuing Education and Public Relations). Based on this work, the Orthoptics Australia Executive Group and Board Members further refined the strategy to identify strategic priorities and initiatives to be undertaken.
Four key strategic priorities were developed to support the realisation of our vision that are centred on Connecting, Strengthening, Promoting and Growing. These priorities represent our commitment to:
· Further build a connected community of members through Orthoptics Australia and our strategic partnerships within the eye care sector and broader community
· Strengthen our evidence-base to advance our scope of practice and to provide a foundation for advocacy to promote excellence and equity in eye health care
· Increase awareness and recognition of the value, diversity and expertise of the orthoptic profession and,
· Grow our membership and advocate for growth of the profession in number, professional opportunities and influence across Australia
Our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan represents Orthoptics Australia’s goals and vision for the future of our organisation, the orthoptic profession and eye health care delivery in Australia. We look forward to working together with our committees, representatives and members to implement our strategic plan and deliver the initiatives set in these areas of strategic priority. The Orthoptics Australia Board will continue to oversee implementation of the plan and will regularly review our progress towards meeting our objectives over the next three years.
OA's 2023-26 Strategic Plan is available here.
Dr Amanda French
Orthoptics Australia President, 2023
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