title: Optometry Australia Scope of Practice Survey 2015.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This paper presents results from the inaugural Scope of Practice Survey of Optometry Australia members conducted in October 2015. The survey gathered information related to confidence in detecting and diagnosing key ocular conditions, grading diabetic retinopathy, prescribing scheduled medicines, access to equipment, confidence using equipment, incidence of patients requiring therapeutic management, referral practices and services provided.
  
  
  METHODS
  The survey was developed, piloted, modified and administered to members of Optometry Australia (excluding student and retired members), who had a current email address. Results were collated and analysed using Microsoft Excel.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 587 optometrists in clinical practice who responded, 254 (43 per cent) had therapeutic endorsement of registration. The majority of respondents practised in a major city or surrounding suburbs (63 per cent). Independent practice was the most frequently cited practice type (58 per cent). The estimated average number of patients seen in a week was 48; there was a steady decrease in the number of patients per week with increasing age, from 53 for optometrists in their 20s to 27 for optometrists aged over 70. There was very high confidence (over 93 per cent) in ability to grade diabetic retinopathy and diagnose a range of ocular conditions. Confidence in performance of more advanced techniques was higher for endorsed than non-endorsed optometrists. Approximately 12 per cent of patients required a Schedule 4 therapeutic prescription. The most frequently recommended over-the-counter medications were for dry eye for both endorsed and non-endorsed optometrists. The most frequently prescribed Schedule 4 medications were anti-inflammatories. The most challenging conditions to prescribe for were glaucoma, microbial keratitis and uveitis. Approximately one in six therapeutically endorsed optometrists reported unexpected side effects of medications they had prescribed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Information from the survey will guide Optometry Australia in the design of continuing professional development programs and other materials.
authors.affiliation: Optometry Australia, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Patricia M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Kiely
authors.affiliation: Optometry Australia, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Skye
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cappuccio
authors.affiliation: Primary Health Care Research & Information Service, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: McIntyre
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D019468:Disease Management; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D000072162:Optometrists / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009907:Optometry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016730:Program Development; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: glaucoma; optometrist; survey; therapeutics