OptometristsAll overseas trained optometrists who wish to work in Australia are required to have their optometric qualifications assessed for equivalence of standards, and be registered as an optometrist in Australia. The Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand is the assessing authority for Optometry. Skills assessment is by examination, known as the Competency in Optometry Examination. Only persons registered with an Australian optometrists registration board are permitted to practise optometry in Australia. If you hold a qualification in optometry obtained from an institution outside Australia and New Zealand you must pass the Competency in Optometry Examination before applying for registration. Candidates may sit for the Written Parts of the Competency in Optometry Examination in Australia (Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and other capital cities if suitable arrangements can be made), New Zealand (Auckland), United Kingdom (London), South Africa (Johannesburg) and the USA (Washington). The Clinical Parts are conducted at one venue in either Australia or New Zealand. The basic eligibility requirements to sit for the Examination are a qualification in Optometry (obtained after at least 3 years of full-time study followed by a minumum of one year of supervised clinical training) and English language ability. Graduates of the New Zealand optometry undergraduate course are offered automatic registration in all Australian jurisdictions. Contact the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand for more information. There are six states and two territories in Australia. Each have an optometrist regulatory authority which maintains its own register of qualified optometrists. Each optometrist must be registered in the state or territory in which they intend to practice. There are mutual recognition laws in Australia which provide recognition of registration across state boundaries. Therefore an optometrist registered in one state may apply for registration in another state under mutual recognition. There is a similar system in operation between Australia and New Zealand. The registration requirements, processes and fee scale for each regulatory authority is unique, however, each regulatory authority assesses each application on an individual basis. Details of each registration process and fees can be found by going to the relevant website (see the links below). Some overseas qualified optometrists may be required to undertake additional training in Australia before their skills are recognised, licensed or registered. For more information contact the relevant state or territory licensing or registration body (listed below). You can also check with the Overseas Qualification Unit in your chosen state or territory.. You may benefit from becoming a member of the Optometrists Association Australia, which is the relevant industry association for optomitrists. This could help you with your employment prospects, networking, contact with industry and professional development and may provide you with important information and support. Australian Optometrist Regulatory Authorities New South Wales Victoria Queensland South Australia Western Australia Tasmania Northern Territory Australian Capital Territory |