Official recognition of optometrists’ advanced clinical skills is a step closer with the successful completion of Optometry Australia’s (OA) pilot for an Advanced Practice Recognition (APR) programme.
The APR programme was introduced in July 2024 and aligns with OA’s Optometry 2040 strategy. By enabling members to pursue and be recognised for advanced practice in particular areas, it aims to empower members to meet evolving healthcare needs, promote optometrist-to-optometrist referrals, enhance collaborative care, and enhance the profession’s role in multidisciplinary teams.
Additionally, the APR programme will play a pivotal role in addressing gaps in advanced eye care, improving access for patients, and streamlining co-management pathways with ophthalmologists and other professionals.
OA has described the initiative as “a win-win for optometrists, healthcare partners, and the community”.
“We recognised the incredible skills and qualifications of practitioners within the optometry workforce and saw a unique opportunity to support those working in advanced ways,” said Ms Skye Cappuccio, Chief Executive Officer of OA. “The APR programme is not only about enhancing careers but also about creating tangible benefits for patients and strengthening our profession’s position within healthcare teams.”
The APR Programme is not only about enhancing careers but also about creating tangible benefits for patients
Applications for First Round to Open
Following completion of a successful pilot programme involving a “carefully recruited” cohort of optometrists, representative of a range of locations, career stages, and practice types, the APR programme is about to be officially launched.
The first programme, which will be capped to just 20 participants, will be on glaucoma management. OA plans to offer two programmes per year following the inaugural round.
OA said prior to opening applications for the first round it is incorporating feedback and experiences from pilot participants and working closely with the governance committee and other stakeholders to understand its outcomes.
The governance committee has been carefully selected to represent the profession, comprising practitioners from diverse backgrounds and practice locations across Australia, including representatives from both corporate and independent practice.
It also includes practitioners at different stages of their careers and individuals who are experts in their respective fields. In particular, we have a range of glaucoma experts contributing their specialised knowledge to the programme.
Other key stakeholders include consumer bodies and regulatory bodies, ensuring a well-rounded approach to programme development.
Professional Benefits of APR
Graduates of the APR programme will earn the title ‘Optometry Australia Credentialled Advanced Practitioner – Glaucoma’ along with a suite of benefits which include:
- Use of logo and title to convey their advanced expertise to peers, patients, and the broader community,
- Inclusion in a credentialled practitioners directory, facilitating referrals, and collaborative opportunities.
- Access to a network of advanced practitioner peers for support, learning, and sharing best practices,
- Invitations to exclusive annual symposia to deepen clinical knowledge and foster professional connections, and
- Recognition for continuing professional development (CPD) activities undertaken during the credentialling process.
Optometry Australia is yet to advise when applications will open for the APR programme. For updates, visit the OA website.
