The Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board (ODOB) is seeking feedback and comments on the inclusion of the accredited University of Western Australia's Doctor of Optometry programme in the list recognised for registration in the optometry scope of practice (Registration Pathway 1 – Optometrist).

There are seven accredited optometry programmes in Australia and New Zealand currently recognised as such:

• Deakin University, bachelor of vision science/master of optometry (3.5 years)
• Flinders University, bachelor of medical science (vision science)/master of optometry (3+2 years)
• Queensland University of Technology, bachelor of vision science/master of optometry (5 years)
• University of Auckland, Bachelor of Optometry (5 years)
• University of Canberra, bachelor of vision science/master of optometry program (3+2 years)
• University of Melbourne, doctor of optometry (OD) (4 years)
• University of New South Wales, bachelor of vision science/masters of clinical optometry (5 years).

Feedback should be submitted by 5pm on 31 January 2023, after which the board will consider all submissions received. Subject to consideration of any submissions in response to this proposal, the UWA Doctor of Optometry Programme would be added to the list from 1 March 2023.

Submissions can be emailed to registrar@odob.health.nz or submitted via post to:

The Registrar
Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board
PO Box 9644
Wellington 6141