Eye care chains are treating optometrists more like retail workers than health professionals, with sales targets and pressure to cut consultation times, a major union says.
Specsavers, OPSM, Bupa Optical and others are accused of prioritising glasses sales above patient care, leaving serious health conditions potentially undetected.
A Health Services Union-led study, released on Thursday, suggests the median consultation time with an optometrist has fallen from 45 minutes to 30 minutes since 2006.
Optometrists are often the first line of detection for life-altering conditions including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration, as well as tumours and impending strokes.
Optometrist and HSU delegate Rory Dowdall said the changes put patient health at risk.
"As optometrists, a lot of people think it's just glasses," Mr Dowdall told AAP.
