The Australian optometric workforce 1995

摘要

Background: The Australian optometric profession was surveyed to provide updated information on the constitution and activities of the workforce.Methods: A survey form was sent to all registered optometrists in Australia, asking them to provide details about themselves and their professional activities. Statistical information on the Australian population and optometric consultations were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Health Insurance Commission.Results: In mid‐1995 there were 2,695 optometrists registered in Australia. Of these, 2,235 were in active clinical practice. This was equivalent to 2,060 full‐time optometrists. One‐third of active optometrists were female. The average population per equivalent full‐time optometrist was 8,950 and the average caseload was 1,271 initial consultations per year. The proportions of female practitioners, part‐time practitioners and optometrists who do not provide optical dispensing services have all increased.Conclusions: Although the population per optometrist has fallen since the previous survey, changes in optometric practice and increasing utilisation of optometric services have resulted in slightly increased caseloads, suggesting that the workforce is adequate to meet current demand for optometric eye care.(Clin Exp Optom1996; 79: 6