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Optometry Australia’s Advanced Practice Recognition (APR) Program is now accepting applications for our first intake round. This exclusive professional development initiative is designed to elevate expertise, expand career opportunities and help you stay ahead in the evolving field of optometry.
Are you eligible?
✔ Active Optometry Australia member
✔ Minimum 5 years’ experience as a practising optometrist
✔ Advanced experience in glaucoma care management
✔ Committed to completing the Program over a 4-month period starting April 2025
The APR Program requires optometrists to demonstrate expertise through a structured application process. Your path to qualification starts with these simple steps (detailed more comprehensively online, here).
- Step 1: Submit your application form and CV to policy@optometry.org.au by Tuesday 8 April 2025.
Once accepted into the program, you will be guided through the following:
- Step 2: Submit evidence showing your clinical experience in glaucoma. This step is based on a point system. See the comprehensive overview of the APR Program requirements and assessment process for further information. You will need to familiarise yourself with the Case Log explainer, then complete the Case Log Template. For other types of evidence, a list of accepted documents is included in the comprehensive overview of the APR Program requirements and assessment process.
- Step 3: Submit two detailed 3,000-word case reports demonstrating your clinical expertise in glaucoma.
- Step 4: Provide a brief written response demonstrating your leadership competencies.
- Step 5: Participate in a 1-hour Clinical Discussion Interview. This will be scheduled by our team in July 2025, once Steps 1-4 are completed.
We encourage potential applicants to review this comprehensive overview of the APR Program requirements and assessment process.
Why apply?
Exclusively available to Optometry Australia members, the APR Program leads to new and exciting opportunities, opening pathways to future-proof your optometry career.
Successful applicants will:
- Gain CPD points to meet professional development requirements.
- Earn the Optometry Australia Credentialled Advanced Practitioner – Glaucoma (OACAP-G) title.
- Be supported by expert-led governance committees.
- Access exclusive ongoing education through the annual APR Program Glaucoma Symposium.
- Strengthen collaboration and deliver better health outcomes for patients.
Once applicants successfully complete the APR Program, they will be awarded the title Optometry Australia Credentialled Advanced Practitioner- Glaucoma (OACAP-G), which comes with a range of benefits. They will also be required to attend an annual APR Program Symposium (either in person or virtually, fees associated) and manage at least 20 glaucoma patients per year to maintain their credentialling.
Take the next step in your professional journey today!
If you meet the eligibility criteria, take the next step in your professional development by reviewing the comprehensive overview of the APR Program requirements and assessment process, then submit your application to become an Optometry Australia Credentialled Advanced Practitioner- Glaucoma (OACAP-G) via email to policy@optometry.org.au.
Applications close on 8 April 2025, with participation capped at 20 practitioners. We are then anticipating two intake rounds per financial year from 2026-26.
Apply now
Need more information? We’re here to help
To find out more about the APR Program, visit our website where you’ll find information regarding assessment process, timelines, fees and application requirements and frequently asked questions. If this doesn’t answer your query, contact the Optometry Advancement team by email at policy@optometry.org.au.