251411
Optometrist
Performs eye examinations and vision tests to determine the presence of visual, ocular and other abnormalities, ocular diseases and systemic diseases with ocular manifestations, and prescribes lenses, other optical aids, therapy and medication to correct and manage vision problems and eye diseases. Registration or licensing is required.
Relevant occupation lists
MLTSSL — Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List This list is used for several skilled visa pathways, including the points-tested 189, 190 and 491 where the applicable rules allow. Being on it does not make an occupation eligible for every skilled or employer-sponsored visa, so check the specific subclass, stream and current instrument.
CSOL — Core Skills Occupation List Introduced on 7 December 2024, the CSOL is used for the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa, subclass 482, and the Direct Entry stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme visa, subclass 186. Check the stream-specific requirements and any restrictions on the proposed position.
Visa pathways listed for this occupation
Select a visa to read the fuller explanation on this website, including the requirements you need to consider alongside the occupation listing.
Recorded subclass 189 invitation round
80In the recorded round on 4 June 2026, the lowest score invited for this occupation was 80 points.
The lowest invited score describes what happened in one round. It can change with the occupations selected, places available and candidates waiting, so it is not a fixed score to aim for. Where candidates have the same points, invitation order uses the EOI’s date of effect, broadly the time it reached that score. Check the tie-break information alongside the points result.
States and territories select candidates for the subclass 190 and state-nominated subclass 491 pathways through their own programmes. There is no single national invitation cut-off for those pathways, so look at the relevant jurisdiction’s criteria and published selection information.
Skills assessing authority
Where your visa requires a skills assessment, check the designated authority, the assessment pathway and when the result must be available. The authority sets its own criteria for qualifications, experience and evidence; a positive assessment does not by itself establish that every visa requirement is met.
- OCANZOptometry Council of Australia and New Zealand Limitedhttp://www.ocanz.org/
ANZSCO
The material below reproduces the Australian Bureau of Statistics ANZSCO entry. Read it as the occupation’s classification description, alongside the current visa and assessment requirements.
Occupation description
Performs eye examinations and vision tests to determine the presence of visual, ocular and other abnormalities, ocular diseases and systemic diseases with ocular manifestations, and prescribes lenses, other optical aids, therapy and medication to correct and manage vision problems and eye diseases. Registration or licensing is required.
ANZSCO skill level 1
Skill level 1 ANZSCO broadly places these occupations at bachelor’s degree level or above. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification in the classification, and some occupations require additional experience or training. This does not automatically replace the qualification requirements of a skills assessment or visa.
In Australia and New Zealand: Occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). Registration or licensing may be required.
Typical tasks
- examining patients' eyes and setting tests to determine the nature and extent of vision problems and abnormalities
- assessing ocular health and visual function by measuring visual acuity and refractive error, and testing the function of visual pathways, visual fields, eye movements, freedom of vision and intraocular pressure, and performing other tests using special eye test equipment
- detecting, diagnosing and managing eye disease, referring patients to, and receiving referrals from other health providers, and prescribing medications for the treatment of eye disease
- diagnosing eye movement disorders and defects of binocular function
- prescribing lenses, contact lenses and low vision aids, and checking suitability and comfort
- prescribing exercises to coordinate movement and focusing of eyes
- managing programs for eye movement disorders, and instructing and counselling patients in the use of corrective techniques and eye exercises
- advising on visual health matters such as contact lens care, vision care for the elderly, optics, visual ergonomics, and occupational and industrial eye safety
- conducting preventative screening programs
- conducting rehabilitation programs for the visually impaired
2514 Optometrists and Orthoptists
Optometrists and Orthoptists perform eye examinations and vision tests, prescribe lenses, other optical aids and therapy, and diagnose and manage eye movement disorders and associated sensory problems.
ANZSCO classification hierarchy
- 2Professionals
- 25Health Professionals
- 251Health Diagnostic and Promotion Professionals
- 2514Optometrists and Orthoptists
- 251411Optometrist
Other occupations in this unit group
Unsure whether this occupation fits your work?
Choosing an occupation involves more than finding a familiar job title. I can review your duties, qualifications and visa history with you, explain which occupation your evidence may support and identify any gaps before you apply for a skills assessment. That discussion can also help you understand how the occupation choice affects the visa options you are considering.
Book a consultationSources: the Department of Home Affairs for occupation lists, visa links, restrictions and assessing authorities; the Australian Bureau of Statistics for ANZSCO descriptions, tasks, skill levels, alternative titles and specialisations. The directory uses ANZSCO 2022 and, where relevant to the visa framework, ANZSCO 2013. Refer to the original entries for current requirements, attribution and reuse terms.
Home Affairs skilled occupation list · ABS occupation classification entry
Estimate your skilled migration points — Check the points categories for visas 189, 190 and 491
Next step
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