The Australian optometric work‐force

Abstract

The Australian optometric work‐force was surveyed in June 1990. The primary aim of this survey was to update previously published information on the constitution and activities of the optometric profession. Major findings of this study were that 1729 optometrists were in active practice, 25.4 per cent of active optometrists were female, the ratio of equivalent full‐time optometrists to population was 1:10821, and the average case‐load of equivalent full‐time practitioners was 1245 patients a year. Analysis of the data showed that the current optometric work‐force is sufficient to provide a satisfactory level of optometric care.

Key words:

• manpower
• optometrists
• practitioner‐to‐population ratio
• case‐load