HACSU, alongside our national union, the HSU, officially launched the national Focus on Optometry campaign on 21 May, shining a spotlight on the growing pressures facing workers across the optometry sector.
The campaign has been driven directly by members raising concerns about increasing workloads, shorter consultation times, growing sales targets, and mounting pressure to prioritise KPIs over patient care.
Optometrists are highly trained and registered health professionals who carry significant responsibility for the health and well-being of their patients. Support staff across the industry also play a critical role in keeping services running and supporting quality patient care every day.
Workers have made it clear that the increasing focus on sales and performance targets is placing pressure on both clinicians and support staff, and many are concerned about the impact this is having on professional standards, workplace culture, and patient outcomes.
Through this campaign, HACSU and the HSU will be advocating for optometrists to be expressly included in the HPSS Award, while also campaigning for fair working conditions and greater recognition for all workers across the sector.
Strong union membership and workplace organisation will be critical to the success of the campaign, and members are encouraged to start conversations with colleagues about getting involved.
Over the coming weeks, HACSU officials will also be visiting workplaces to speak directly with members and workers about the campaign, the issues impacting the sector, and how workers can help build momentum for change.
Members can help support the campaign by talking to co-workers about joining the union and encouraging workers across the sector to get involved.
Visit focusonoptometry.com.au to view the campaign, share it with colleagues, and help grow support across the profession. Together, change is possible.