Optometry Australia (OA) is encouraging members with advanced experience in glaucoma care to apply for its Advanced Practice Recognition (APR) program, with applications for the first 2026 intake now open.
The initiative is a cornerstone of Optometry Australia’s long-term vision for the profession. It is designed to formally recognise optometrists with advanced clinical expertise while supporting career progression and workforce sustainability.
“The APR program keeps experienced optometrists engaged, creates clear advanced career pathways, and improves collaboration within optometry and across professions, within the existing workforce,” said Dr Nicola Anstice, OA’s Director of Education and Research.
“By recognising expertise in glaucoma care, the APR program enables optometrists to manage more complex cases in collaborative models by building leadership depth and positioning the profession to play a greater role in meeting eye health demand,” she said.
Graduates of the program will earn the OA Credentialled Advanced Practitioner – Glaucoma (OACAP-G) credential, signalling their expertise in managing more complex glaucoma cases in clinical practice.
It’s a forward-looking initiative that supports lifelong learning and the evolving role of optometry in Australia’s eye healthcare landscape
Pathway for Advanced Clinical Recognition
OA said it established the APR program as part of its efforts to realise its preferred future for optometry in 2040.
“The APR program empowers optometrists to be recognised for advanced practice while delivering high-quality, evidence-based glaucoma care within their existing scope of practice,” Dr Anstice said.
“It’s a forward-looking initiative that supports lifelong learning and the evolving role of optometry in Australia’s eye healthcare landscape.”
She said the APR program is also designed to strengthen collaborative care pathways between optometrists and ophthalmologists, helping to improve timely access to care for patients with glaucoma.
Credentialled practitioners can use the OACAP-G title and logo, gain access to exclusive symposia and peer networks, and unlock opportunities in education, speaking, and future program assessment roles.
Program Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must be:
- An active OA member,
- A therapeutically-endorsed optometrist registered to practise in Australia or New Zealand,
- Have a minimum of five years’ clinical experience,
- Demonstrate advanced experience in glaucoma care management, and
- Commit to completing the program over approximately four months (with part-time options considered on a case-by-case basis).
Two intake rounds will run this year, one commencing in March and the other in July/August. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and capped at 20 candidates per round.
For further information visit: optometry.org.au/practice-professional-support/advanced-practice-recognition.
