Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent visa (Points-tested stream)
Submitted EOIs<20*
Recent invited-status presenceNo published EOIs with invited status appear
Visa applications lodged<20*
Optometrist - ANZSCO 251411
Skilled occupation profile
Optometrist
ANZSCO 251411Optometrist 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.
MLTSSLCSOLSkilled Employer Sponsored Regional Occupations
Recent SkillSelect information
Recent SkillSelect information for Optometrist
SkillSelect information published for May 2026 provides a historical snapshot of available EOI activity for Optometrist, ANZSCO 251411. Selected published indicators relevant to this occupation are shown below.
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated visa
Submitted EOIs<20*
Recent invited-status presenceNo published EOIs with invited status appear
Visa applications lodged<20*
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – State or Territory nominated
Submitted EOIs<20*
Recent invited-status presenceNo published EOIs with invited status appear
Visa applications lodged<20*
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Family Sponsored
Submitted EOIs<20*
Recent invited-status presenceNo published EOIs with invited status appear
* <20: the official source published a small-number value below 20. The exact number is not shown by the official source.
† PointsView-calculated indicator: calculated from the published SkillSelect points distribution where sufficient data is available.
This information gives historical SkillSelect EOI information. It does not predict invitation chances, guarantee visa outcomes, or state a minimum invitation score.
Occupation guide
Occupation details and migration pathways
This guide brings together the key occupation tasks, possible visa pathways and skills assessment information for Optometrist ANZSCO 251411.
Typical tasks and duties
Optometrists may perform the following tasks:
- determine the nature and extent of vision and eye problems and disease by examining patients' eyes using specialised instruments, techniques and tests
- correct vision defects by prescribing and dispensing glasses or contact lenses, special optical aids or vision therapy
- examine patients for signs of eye disease and systemic conditions, including glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure and multiple sclerosis, and work with medical practitioners and eye surgeons to co-manage patients when required
- manage some eye conditions by prescribing ocular therapeutic drugs
- monitor patients' vision and ocular health with the use of imaging techniques such as digital retinal photography and computerised vision tests
- conduct eye screening and testing for the purposes of determining occupational fitness or fitness to drive
- undertake managerial, retail and administrative tasks.
Possible visa pathways
This occupation appears on MLTSSL and CSOL and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Occupations. The right visa pathway depends on factors such as your age, English level, qualifications, work experience, skills assessment, points score, nomination options and employer sponsorship.
Skilled Independent visa subclass 189A permanent skilled visa for invited applicants who may be able to apply without state, territory or employer sponsorship.Skilled Nominated visa subclass 190A permanent skilled visa for applicants nominated by an Australian state or territory government.Skilled Work Regional visa subclass 491A provisional regional skilled visa for applicants nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible family member.Skills in Demand visa subclass 482A temporary employer-sponsored visa for skilled workers where an Australian employer cannot find a suitably skilled Australian worker.Employer Nomination Scheme visa subclass 186A permanent employer-sponsored visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer.Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa subclass 494A provisional regional employer-sponsored visa for skilled workers sponsored by an employer in regional Australia.
Skills assessment
For skilled migration purposes, Optometrist may require a suitable skills assessment. The correct assessment pathway depends on the visa stream and your personal circumstances.
Additional occupation-specific assessment information
The assessment authority for this occupation is Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ) and OCANZ skills assessment will assess if your educational qualifications and work experience are at a professional level and closely related to your nominated occupation for migration purposes.
You are required to receive a positive assessment for your qualifications and work experience from Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ) if you are planning to migrate to Australia through skill migration program.
Legacy subclass 187 pathway
Do you currently hold, or have you previously held, a subclass 457 or 482 visa?
If you have worked for a sponsoring employer in regional Australia, please note that Optometrist — ANZSCO 251411 was included in the legacy Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) occupation list. The subclass 187 Direct Entry stream is closed to new applications, but the Temporary Residence Transition stream may remain available to certain transitional subclass 457 and subclass 482 workers. Eligibility is limited and depends on your visa history, relevant dates, sponsored regional employment, employer nomination, age, English and other requirements. Being included on this occupation list does not establish eligibility.
If this may describe your circumstances, we can assess whether the subclass 187 transitional arrangements may still apply to you.
Check your options
Check your skilled migration options
If Optometrist is your nominated occupation, complete our skilled visa assessment form so we can review your possible migration pathways.
PointsView report available
Optometrist historical SkillSelect report
The current PointsView report includes historical SkillSelect data through June 2026 for ANZSCO 251411.
View report detailsPurchase full report
Historical information does not predict invitations, visa outcomes or migration eligibility.
Reviewed by Principal Migration Consultant
Reviewed by Mohammad Reza Azimi
This occupation page has been reviewed for migration context by Shada Migration Services. Mohammad has assisted clients with Australian migration matters since 2009 and holds a Graduate Certificate in Migration Law from the Australian National University.
Last reviewed: July 2026
