Book review: The History of Australian Optometry

This year is shaping up to be critical for optometry. First the GOC has announced a fundamental review of optometry education. Secondly, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists has finally woken up publicly to the potential role of optometrists in alleviating the demographic pressure on ophthalmic services. Much it must be said, arising from its own previous reluctance to devolve more to primary care optometrists and ipso facto losing control.

How timely then, to receive The History of Australian Optometry written by Professor Barry Cole; arguably, if not the father then at least the midwife of the scientific and political arm of Australian optometry for nearly 60 years. In this 310-page authoritative tome, Cole details a uniquely personal view from the perspective of someone who was part of pretty much all the important decisions and discussions of the past 60 years. It is important to realise from the outset that in clinical, educational and arguably political terms Australian optometry leapfrogged over UK optometry around 30 years ago and has continued to develop a wider scope of practice.