The ACO’s Certificate in Advanced Ocular Therapeutics prepares optometrists for a more complex role in primary health care, delivering intensive training in systemic pharmacology and co-management to support an evolving clinical scope.
The Australian health care landscape is evolving, and with it, the expectations placed on primary eye care providers. While the Optometry Board of Australia (OBA) continues its review of the registration standards for scheduled medicines, the need for a deeper, more systemic understanding of ocular disease is already a clinical reality.1 In response, the Australian College of Optometry (ACO) has announced a new professional development program: the Certificate in Advanced Ocular Therapeutics, set to commence on 1 June 2026.
As a valued educator and advocate for community eye health since 1939, the ACO is a not-for-profit organisation committed to improving access to quality eye care through innovation and leadership. This new four-month certificate is designed to do more than prepare for potential prescribing rights; it provides optometrists with a deeper understanding of ocular disease and the broad range of therapeutic treatments currently available. By moving beyond basic foundations, the course is designed specifically to provide practitioners with advanced clinical care pathways to suit the rapidly changing health care environment.
Many optometrists report that they would benefit from a deeper understanding of the management of complex cases. The ACO curriculum specifically addresses this by equipping participants with the tools to elevate the standard of care for their patients; championing patient safety while driving efficiencies in the health care system.
Mary Travis, Clinical Education Co-ordinator, noted that the course positions optometrists to play an increasingly vital role in delivering comprehensive primary eye care.
“Our new course in Advanced Ocular Therapeutics is designed to refine the skills and knowledge to practise with an enhanced clinical scope while fostering stronger collaborative relationships with local health professionals, including general practitioners,” Mary said.
The curriculum focuses on five core areas essential for a holistic approach to eye health. Beyond advanced pharmacology and immunology, participants will undergo intensive training in the physiology of the renal, hepatic, and cardiovascular systems, which provides critical knowledge of the systemic implications of ocular conditions and understand the contraindications of various treatments.
The program also highlights special considerations for vulnerable populations, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, and paediatric dosing. Furthermore, a central pillar of the course is the Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) framework, which ensures a person-centred approach to every clinical decision that is consistent with AHPRA National Prescribing Competencies Framework.
Designed with working professionals in mind, the course involves interactive learning with a diverse group of clinicians. A key focus is communication for effective collaborative care, acknowledging that modern eye care is an iterative process of information gathering and clinical decision-making that often involves the broader healthcare team. By refining skills in oral medicine management and fostering inter-professional relationships, the course ensures that Australian optometrists remain at the forefront of clinical excellence.
The Certificate in Advanced Ocular Therapeutics commences 1 June 2026. Further information can be found at profession.aco.org.au/advanced-ocular-therapeutics.
References
- Optometry Board of Australia. Public consultation: Review of the Registration standard: Endorsement for scheduled medicines and Guidelines for use of scheduled medicines. Melbourne: AHPRA; 2025 Oct.
About the Australian College of Optometry
The Australian College of Optometry (ACO) is a not-for-profit organisation committed to improving the eye health of communities through public eye care services, vision research and optometry education. As of February 2025, ACO’s patient services have been rebranded as ‘ACO Eye Health’.
ACO Eye Health is Victoria’s public health optometry provider, caring for communities through its Melbourne clinic network, advanced optometry services and extensive outreach programs.