1:30min
In July 2024, Optometry Australia proudly introduced the the Advanced Practice Recognition (APR) Program, a key initiative supporting optometrists to achieve formal credentials for their advanced expertise in specific clinical areas, starting with glaucoma management. The Program aligns with our Optometry 2040 strategy, empowering members to meet evolving healthcare needs, promote optometrist-to-optometrist referrals, enhance collaborative care, and enhance the profession’s role in multidisciplinary teams. Importantly, the program in no way reduces the existing scope of practice of the profession, but provides an avenue for members to pursue and be recognised for advanced practice in particular areas.
This initiative is a win-win for optometrists, healthcare partners, and the community. Optometry Australia Credentialled Advanced Practitioners will play a pivotal role in addressing gaps in advanced eye care, improving access for patients, and streamlining co-management pathways with ophthalmologists and other professionals.
Now, in early 2025, we are thrilled to announce the successful completion of the pilot phase. The pilot brought together a dedicated cohort of optometrists, carefully recruited to represent a range of locations, career stages and practice types, to test and refine the APR framework. Their feedback and experiences have been invaluable, allowing us to fine-tune the Program for its official launch, and we are very grateful for their support.
Incorporating insights from the pilot and working closely with the governance committee and other stakeholders to understand its outcomes, we are currently preparing to open applications for the first public intake round of the APR Program. The governance committee has been carefully selected to represent the profession, comprising practitioners from diverse backgrounds and practice locations across Australia, including representatives from both corporate and independent practice. It also includes practitioners at different stages of their careers and individuals who are experts in their respective fields. In particular, we have a range of glaucoma experts contributing their specialised knowledge to the program. Other key stakeholders include consumer bodies and regulatory bodies, ensuring a well-rounded approach to program development.
Applications will launch in the coming months, with a cap of 20 participants. Following this inaugural intake, the Program will offer two application rounds each year (up to 20 participants per round), providing consistent opportunities for optometrists to engage in this professional growth pathway.
Graduates of the APR Program will earn the title “Optometry Australia Credentialled Advanced Practitioner – Glaucoma,” along with a suite of benefits which include:
- Use of logo and title to convey their advanced expertise to peers, patients, and the broader community.
- Inclusion in a credentialled practitioners directory, facilitating referrals and collaborative opportunities.
- Access to a network of advanced practitioner peers for support, learning, and sharing best practices.
- Invitations to exclusive annual symposia to deepen clinical knowledge and foster professional connections.
- Recognition for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities undertaken during the credentialling process.
CEO Skye Cappuccio reflects on the Program’s journey: ‘We recognised the incredible skills and qualifications of practitioners within the optometry workforce and saw a unique opportunity to support their work in advanced ways. The APR Program is not only about enhancing careers but also about creating tangible benefits for patients and strengthening our profession’s position within healthcare teams.’
Building on the foundation laid by our pilot participants, we are excited to take the next step. Expressions of interest for the 2025 cohort will open soon, and we encourage all members to explore how this innovative Program could advance their professional journey.
Further information about the program and how to become credentialled will be released over the course of the next few months. Visit our website here to learn more, and if you would like to discuss the program further, please contact us at policy@optometry.org.au.