Media release

26 Sep 2013

The Optometry Board of Australia announces that online renewal of registration is now open.

Renewal of registration for optometrists due soon

The Optometry Board of Australia (the Board) announced today that the 2013 renewal of registration campaign for optometrists is now open.

Over 4,500 optometrists with general or non-practising registration are due to renew their registration with the Board by 30 November.

Last year over 90 per cent of all health practitioner registration renewals due by 30 November were submitted online.

‘This was a fantastic result and it shows how quick and easy online renewal is,’ Optometry Board Chair Colin Waldron said.

Anyone who experiences difficulties using the online renewal service can phone the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) Customer Service Team on 1300 419 495 and a team member will talk them through the process.

Mr Waldron reminded optometrists to carefully read the Optometry Board’s registration standards which specify the requirements for practice before applying for renewal of their registration.

‘Make sure you understand the declarations you are required to make about meeting the Board’s registration standards,’ he said.

‘You could be asked to give information in support of your declarations so it’s important to know what the requirements are for registration to practise.’

AHPRA, on behalf of the Board, is sending out a series of reminders to practitioners with a registered email address.

It is important that optometrist make sure AHPRA has their current contact information so they don’t miss future email and hard copy reminders to renew.

To update contact details using AHPRA’s secure online services, optometrists can visit the AHPRA website:

• go to the bottom of the home page 
• click on Update Contact Details under Services for Practitioners 
• use their user ID and secure password, and 
• follow the prompts.

Under the National Law1, all registered optometrists are responsible for renewing their registration on time each year.

The following pages on the Optometry Board website contain useful information for optometrists:

• Registration standards 
• Registration renewal 
• FAQ for optometrists 

For more information

• Visit the Optometry Board website 
• Lodge an online enquiry form 
• For registration enquiries: 1300 419 495 (within Australia) +61 3 8708 9001 (overseas callers) 
• For media enquiries: (03) 8708 9200

Download a PDF of this Media release - Renewal of registration for optometrists due soon - 26 September 2013 (82.6 KB,PDF)

¹The Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, as in force in each state and territory (the National Law)