The delivery of eye health care in Australia is undertaken by an eye health labour force that consists of: - ophthalmologists - ophthalmic nurses - optometrists - orthoptists - optical dispensers - optical mechanics. The number of full-time equivalent ophthalmologists, optometrists and orthoptists increased by 15%, 11% and 20% respectively between 2001 and 2006. Ophthalmologists are on average older than other eye health workers. In 2006 the average age of ophthalmologists was 52 years. The average age of the other eye health occupations ranged from 36 years (orthoptists) to 46 years (ophthalmic nurses).

This report was written by Brendan Brady with guidance from David Braddock and Felicity Summers and assistance from Scott Sims of the Labour Force Unit of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Mark Cooper-Stanbury and Robert Long from the Population Health Unit of the AIHW provided guidance and comments throughout the process. Staff of the AIHW Information Services and Publishing Unit provided support with
the design and publication process.

This project was funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing through the 2006–2010 National Eye Health Initiative.