Entry-level competency standards for optometry 2022

Area of Science:

• Optometry
• Healthcare Professional Standards
• Competency-Based Education

Background:

• The Entry-level Competency Standards for Optometry in Australia define the essential knowledge, skills, and attributes for safe and competent practice.
• The 2022 standards represent the sixth iteration, necessitating a comprehensive revision to align with current optometric practice and professional expectations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To revise and update the Entry-level Competency Standards for Optometry in Australia to ensure they reflect contemporary practice.
• To incorporate feedback from optometrists and stakeholders, including enhanced expectations for cultural responsiveness and culturally safe care.

Main Methods:

• A steering committee appointed by Optometry Australia oversaw the revision process.
• Development was informed by a review of best-practice health professional competency standards and included workshops with optometrists and stakeholders.
• Two rounds of consultation, including targeted stakeholder and public feedback, were conducted on the draft standards.

Main Results:

• The revised standards feature a redesign of the Domains, a reduction in detail, and strengthened emphasis on cultural responsiveness and culturally safe care.
• The updated Entry-level Competency Standards for Optometry 2022 were endorsed by Optometry Australia and accepted by the Optometry Board of Australia in February 2023.
• These revised standards accurately capture the entry requirements for the optometric profession as of 2022.

Conclusions:

• The updated Entry-level Competency Standards for Optometry 2022 provide a contemporary framework for optometric practice in Australia.
• The revisions ensure optometrists are equipped with the necessary skills and attributes to provide safe, competent, and culturally responsive eye care.