Optometrists perform eye examinations and vision tests to determine the presence of visual, ocular, and other abnormalities, ocular diseases, and systemic diseases with ocular manifestations, and prescribes lenses; other optical aids, therapy and medication to correct and manage vision problems and eye diseases.

Skill Level

1

Unless you are exempt in very limited circumstances, you are required to have a positive Skills Assessment to apply for the visas listed above.

Skills Assessment authority for Optometrist is Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand Limited (OCANZ). To have a positive skills assessment, you must meet the following criteria:

• There are two requirements to obtain a positive skills assessment:
  • Applicants must demonstrate their eligibility to sit the Competence in Optometry Examination; and
  • Applicants must pass all components of the Competence in Optometry Examination (COE)
• Eligibility
  • Qualification
    • Applicant must demonstrate their successful completion of a course equivalent to 4 years full time study or 3 years full time study followed by one year supervised clinical practice and the passing of a professional examination
      • Note: there is a list of Overseas Optometry Qualifications that allow direct admission into the COE. Please see the Assessment of Optometrists with Overseas Qualifications document located on the OCANZ website
    • If the applicant does not hold this type of qualification, OCANZ will assess the eligibility of the applicant’s qualification by assessing:
      • Educational prerequisites for course entry
      • Length of course
      • Standard of the institution providing course
      • Standard of the qualification
      • Course content – minimum 2000 hours of formal instruction that comprises one third in biomedical, visual and optical sciences
      • The extent of supervised clinical training – minimum 400 hours of clinical experience
      • Whether the qualification entitles registration to practice independently of the country of origin
    • English Language Skills
      • OCANZ does not require an applicant to provide evidence of their English language competency. However, they advise that a comprehensive knowledge of English is essential to practicing optometry in Australia and New Zealand. This level of skill is also required to sit the COE.
• Competency in Optometry Examination (COE)
  • Four parts
    • Written examination – 2 parts
      • Diagnosis and Management examination – 1 x 3-hour written paper covering biomedical, vision and optical science and clinical science, comprising 132 multiple choice questions
      • Clinical Science examination – 1x 3-hour short answer question examining the applicant’s skill in patient diagnosis and management
    • Clinical examination – 2 parts
      • Skills Station examination – assessing clinical skills
      • Patient examination – four patient examinations in a clinical setting

Perform eye examinations and vision tests, prescribe lenses, other optical aids and therapy, and diagnose and manage eye movement disorders and associated sensory problems.

Tasks

• Examining patients’ eyes and setting tests to determine the nature and extent of vision problems and abnormalities
• Assessing ocular health and visual function by measuring visual acuity and refractive error, and testing the function of visual pathways, visual fields, eye movements, freedom of vision and intraocular pressure, and performing other tests using special eye test equipment
• Detecting, diagnosing and managing eye disease, referring patients to, and receiving referrals from other health providers, and prescribing medications for the treatment of eye disease
• Diagnosing eye movement disorders and defects of binocular function
• Prescribing lenses, contact lenses and low vision aids, and checking suitability and comfort
• Prescribing exercises to coordinate movement and focusing of eyes
• Managing programs for eye movement disorders, and instructing and counselling patients in the use of corrective techniques and eye exercises
• Advising on visual health matters such as contact lens care, vision care for the elderly, optics, visual ergonomics, and occupational and industrial eye safety
• Conducting preventative screening programs
• Conducting rehabilitation programs for the visually impaired

Skill Level

Occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Registration or licensing may be required.

Occupations in this Group

• 251411 Optometrist
• 251412 Orthoptist