Optometrist
An Optometrist examines eyes and visual systems, diagnoses refractive errors and eye diseases, and prescribes glasses, contact lenses, and therapeutic agents for Australian patients.
Full-time AUD, 2025 indicative. Wide bands reflect variation by employer, experience, and location.
High demand; optometrist shortages are acute in rural and regional areas.
Occupation list membership
Which Department of Home Affairs skilled lists this occupation currently appears on.
- MLTSSLMedium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List
Occupations eligible for permanent visas including Subclass 189 and 190.
- CSOLCombined Skilled Occupation List
The merged skilled list that consolidates previous MLTSSL and STSOL eligibility under the Skills in Demand program.
Assessing authority
The body that assesses skills for migration purposes for this occupation.
- OCAOCANZ
Visa pathways
Australian visa subclasses for which this occupation is currently eligible.
- 186Learn more →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 189Learn more →Skilled Independent visa
Permanent points-tested visa for workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state.
- 190Learn more →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 482Learn more →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 485Learn more →Temporary Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of Australian qualifications.
- 491Learn more →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- 494Learn more →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations
States and territories that currently nominate this occupation for skilled migration.
| Code | State / Territory | Details |
|---|---|---|
| VIC | Victoria | View nomination → |
| WA | Western Australia | View nomination → |
| SA | South Australia | View nomination → |
| TAS | Tasmania | View nomination → |
| NT | Northern Territory | View nomination → |
| ACT | Australian Capital Territory | View nomination → |
Key duties
- Conduct comprehensive eye examinations including refraction and ocular health assessment
- Diagnose and manage refractive errors, glaucoma, and macular conditions
- Prescribe spectacles, contact lenses, and therapeutic ophthalmic drugs
- Refer patients to ophthalmologists for surgical or complex medical management
Skills required
- Ocular examination techniques and refractive error management
- Therapeutic drug prescribing within scope of optometric practice
- Contact lens fitting and management
- AHPRA registration requirements and continuing education
Typical qualifications pathway
Bachelor of Vision Science / Master of Optometry (5-year program); AHPRA registration. OCANZ assesses qualifications for migration.
Visa & occupation list information
Listed on MLTSSL and CSOL, enabling subclasses 186, 189, 190, 482, 485, 491, and 494 For advice on which pathway suits your circumstances, consult a registered MARA migration agent.
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