Optometrist recognition

Eligibility for recognition as an optometrist

To be recognised as an optometrist for Medicare purposes, you must have current general or limited registration with the Optometry Board of Australia. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) supports this national board.

You must send us a copy of your AHPRA registration certificate with your application for your first provider number.

Claim Medicare benefits as an optometrist

If you meet the recognition criteria, you can apply for your initial Medicare provider number. Once you have your provider number you can claim benefits for eligible services that you provide.

Read more about Medicare benefits for health professionals.

Removal of recognition

We’ll remove your recognition if your registering organisation tells us that you no longer meet Medicare eligibility requirements.

You can also write to us to tell us to stop recognising you for Medicare purposes. This can be an email or a letter and must include your:

• provider number
• full name
• date of birth.

You must send the request yourself. No one can send it on your behalf.