Registrations are now open for the Australian College of Optometry (ACO) certificate courses in 2026, including a new Certificate in Advanced Ocular Therapeutics.
Continuing its commitment to evidence-based practical education for optometrists, the ACO said courses were developed with leading clinicians and academics, designed to equip optometrists with hands-on skills and knowledge to enhance patient care.
“While industry favourites such as the certificates in children’s vision, glaucoma and advanced contact lenses return, a new Certificate in Advanced Ocular Therapeutics also joins the suite in June, promising to equip optometrists for regulatory changes currently under consideration by OBA,” the ACO said.
The 2026 courses include:
- Advanced Certificate in Children’s Vision – commencing 9 February 2026
- Advanced Certificate in Glaucoma – commencing 16 March 2026
- Certificate in Advanced Contact Lenses – commencing 20 April 2026
- Certificate in Public Health and Leadership in Eye Care – commencing 4 May 2026
- New for 2026: Certificate in Advanced Ocular Therapeutics – commencing 1 June 2026
ACO’s Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics, which provides therapeutic endorsement, now runs on alternate years and will return in 2027.
New Certificate in Advanced Ocular Therapeutics
Designed to support comprehensive patient care by deepening optometrists’ pharmacological and clinical knowledge, the ACO said the course prepares practitioners to confidently prescribe oral medicines for a range of ocular conditions as the profession continues to evolve.
The college said participants will engage with clinicians across disciplines, expanding their understanding of systemic health, pharmacology and inter-professional collaboration.
“It’s important that our certificate programs continue to evolve alongside the profession, giving optometrists the tools and confidence to take the next step in their practice,” said Ms Shazia Tahseen, ACO education services manager.
Leveraging theory with real-world learning
Each course combines online learning, live webinars and hands-on clinical placements, allowing practising optometrists to upskill without disrupting their day-to-day work.
Participants learn directly from expert clinicians, discuss real-world cases with peers, and gain practical experience that builds confidence and supports improved patient care.
“ACO course focuses on practical, evidence-based learning that participants can apply straight away. Graduates leave better prepared to manage complex cases and work more effectively with their patients and colleagues,” Tahseen explained.
This was the case for optometrist Ms Hannah Jackson, who completed the Advanced Certificate in Children’s Vision in 2024. Eager to deepen her understanding of children’s vision, especially binocular vision disorders, Jackson also felt unsure in some of her testing skills and recognising what falls ‘outside the normal range’ in younger children.
“This became my motivating reason to do the course – to become a better optometrist,” Jackson said.
“Through the course, I have become much more confident with my management of high anisometropia, hyperopia and subsequent amblyopia management. Previously, I often felt the need for a second opinion as a point of reassurance, but I now feel confident in my diagnoses and management plans with the most up-to-date knowledge and assessment skills. These cases have all responded very well to ongoing management.”
Applications for ACO’s 2026 certificate courses will be opening soon. For more information, head to profession.aco.org.au/courses-and-events.
