Optometry axed from skilled list down under

An oversupply of optometrists and orthoptists in Australia has resulted in their removal from the country's skilled occupation list (SOL).

The revised list, which does include dentists, surgeons and vets, took effect at the start of this month following feedback from optical bodies.

Calls for removal were also made during the review process last year, but both occupations remained on the 2010 list after the government found 'insufficient labour market evidence of oversupply'.

However, fresh findings of a decline in occupational growth and above average unemployment led advisory body Skills Australia to recommend omission this time around.

Optometrists and orthoptists were two of only four occupations to be removed from the 2011 SOL, with panel beating and vehicle painting the others.