The Australian optometric workforce 2005, analysed by local government areas

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Public Health
• Optometry Workforce Analysis

Background:

• Previous Australian optometric workforce studies used broad geographic comparisons.
• A granular approach is needed to understand optometric distribution considering population density variations.
• This study examines optometrist distribution across Local Government Areas (LGAs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the distribution of optometrists across Australian Local Government Areas (LGAs).
• To assess the adequacy of optometric services relative to population needs in different LGAs.
• To identify geographic disparities in optometric workforce density.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Optometrists Association Australia data for full-time equivalent optometrist numbers per LGA.
• Applied Australian Bureau of Statistics data for LGA age distributions to estimate service demand.
• Incorporated Medicare data to calculate optometric service adequacy.

Main Results:

• Optometrists are concentrated in high-population capital city regions, leaving rural and remote LGAs underserved.
• Significant excesses of optometrists were found in Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide LGAs.
• Notable deficits in optometrist numbers were identified in Casey (VIC), Lake Macquarie (NSW), and Onkaparinga (SA).

Conclusions:

• Substantial variations in Australian optometrist distribution exist across LGAs.
• LGA-level data alone may not accurately reflect access to optometric services.
• Accessibility challenges persist in rural areas despite apparent LGA adequacy, due to distance and part-time services.