The Australian College of Optometry (ACO) will commence its Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics this month, on 16 April.
The need for optometrists to be trained to prescribe medicines for the treatment of ocular conditions is increasingly important. With optometry graduates now completing their studies with a therapeutics qualification, the expectation that existing optometrists are therapeutically qualified has increased.
The Australian College of Optometry’s Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics (ACO-COT) was created to provide a quick and affordable solution to becoming therapeutically qualified for optometrists. The course provides flexible, self-paced online learning, allowing optometrists to successfully balance their work and home life, without the commitment of scheduled, face to face learning.
Recent ACO-COT graduate Anthony Savage from Kapiti Coast OPSM, said his professional standing in the community and approach to clinical practice has significantly improved after completing the course. “My clinical practice is much better now as I can help patients with the medicines available without a lengthy trip to a hospital over an hour away,” he said. “Having many elderly patients, this has been a godsend.”
Mr. Savage described the ACO certificate as “convenient” and “flexible” and ideal for working around professional and family life. He also described organising the clinical placement component of the course as “easy” and confirmed his New Zealand location did not affect his studies. “The course worked very well for remote learning. Having qualified overseas, I was a little apprehensive in the style of lecturing in Australasia, especially having an online format. Nevertheless, the lectures and clinical placements together with the academics presenting the course made it a worthwhile and enjoyable experience.”
Mr. Savage said the growing demand for prescribing medicines for ocular conditions had motivated his enrolment in ACO-COT. “I wanted to have the option to prescribe medicines easily and be equally as qualified as the new Australasian graduates,” said Mr. Savage.
When asked if he would recommend the course to his peers, Mr. Savage answered with a resounding yes. “Overall I have enjoyed the course. It was well run and highly organised. My practicing days are more interesting and challenging, and ultimately I am saving patients the inconvenience of travelling further afield for secondary care.”
The ACO Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics commences on 16 April 2018.
Contact: (AUS) 03 9349 7477 and email: [email protected]
For more information, visit: www.aco.org.au/professional-development/ocular-therapeutics-course