Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics 2025 (ACO-COT)

Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics 2025 (ACO-COT)

Available from: 14/04/2025 (AEST)

Where to publish: https://www.aco.org.au/certificate-in-ocular-therapeutics/

Provider: Australian College of Optometry

Contact: Shazia Tahseen, [E] cpd@aco.org.au, [P] 03 9349 7546

Activity Outline

The didactic portion (lecture component) of the course is pre-recorded and delivered virtually, with a face-to-face clinical placement component from November '25 and continuing into 2026,  and face-to-face webinars (held over Zoom), with the opportunity for candidates to interact with the presenter.

The online component will involve approximately 38 hours of online lectures and 14 hours of webinars plus recommended reading.

The practical component of the course involves 50 hours of clinical placement experience under the guidance of an experienced mentor.

Additional hours undertaken during forum discussion participation and recommended reading can be "self-recorded" via the "My Own Activities" section of your CPD Portfolio.

Learning Objectives

• A1.1 Understand the agents and mechanisms that cause cell injury
• A1.2 Understand these mechanisms in relation to clinical signs in eye disease
• A1.3 Understand the adaptive changes that occur in cells following injury and how this relates to eye disease
• A2.1 Understand the signs and function of acute inflammation and how it manifests in the eye
• A2.2 Understand the mechanisms of acute inflammation and how they lead to the signs of inflammation
• A2.3 Understand the process of chronic inflammation and how it affects the eye
• A3.1 Revise the basic structure of blood vessel types found in the eye
• A3.2 Identify the sites of the blood ocular barrier and the structures responsible for maintaining the barriers
• A3.3 Consider the mechanisms and consequences of breakdown of the blood ocular barriers
• A4.1 Describe the key functions of the immune system, and the multilayered mechanisms used to achieve these outcomes
• A4.2 Discuss the major components involved in an effective immune response, identifying the innate and adaptive mechanisms and rationalise how these are inextricably linked
• A4.3 Discuss the cellular and humoral components of immune responses
• A4.4 Describe how immune responses are calibrated, depending on the extent of the threat
• A4.5 Discuss how failings in the immune system can lead to disease
• A5.1 Understand the mechanisms of hypersensitivity
• A5.2 Understand the mechanisms of autoimmunity as related to the eye
• A5.3 Understand what is meant by immune privilege in the eye
• A6.1 Know the mechanisms of action of antimicrobials (Antibacterial, Antiviral, Antifungal, Antiprotozoal)
• A6.2 Understand how microbes resist antimicrobials and strategies to mitigate resistance
• A7.1 Review the basic principles of microbiology
• A7.2 Understand the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
• A7.3 Describe the structural and differentiating features of clinically important microbes and how they cause disease
• A8.1 Understand how microbes resist antimicrobials and strategies to mitigate resistance
• A8.2 Describe appropriate methods of personal hygiene, disinfection and decontamination to minimize risk of transmission of infection
• A8.3 Understand how to implement in-practice infection control procedures, including waste disposal and documentation of policies and procedures
• A8.4 Understand how to implement in-practice infection control procedures, including waste disposal and documentation of policies and procedures
• A9.1 Understand potential sources and types of infectious agents and associated routes of transmission
• A9.2 Describe appropriate methods of personal hygiene, disinfection and decontamination to minimize risk of transmission of infection
• A9.3 Understand how to implement in-practice infection control procedures, including waste disposal and documentation of policies and procedures
• A10.1 Understand cultural safety and the reasons for its importance in the context of quality health care
• A10.2 What is public health advocacy?
• A10.3 Outline public health advocacy in the urban, rural and remote settings
• A10.4 Outline the public health measures of a peak organisation, the Fred Hollows Foundation, including its activities across different nations (IAP, PEI, Nepal)
• A10.5 Understand and approach to key eye conditions relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
• A10.6 Understand the interface between patient presentations and the wider public health perspective
• A11.1 Consider the impact of social and cultural determinants of health on eye health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• A11.2 Understand the points at which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can have their health journey interrupted, leading to their failing to receive all the care required to prevent loss of vision
• A11.3 Consider ways to make your practice more appropriate and comfortable for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to use
• A12.1 Understand the Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander health context including social and emotional wellbeing and the social determinants of health
• A12.2 Understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research approaches and best practice for research
• A12.3 Understand evidence based practice approaches to the social determinants of health and eye health.
• A12.4 Know your role in developing culturally responsive practice to contribute to improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• A13.1. Have historical insights into safe drug use
• A13.2 Understand molecular targets
• A13.3 Understand the principles of pharmacology
• A14.1 Discuss the concepts of affinity, potency and efficacy
• A14.2 Discuss the quantitation of drug action.
• A14.3 Understand the nature of agonists and antagonists
• A15.1 Understanding of requirements for getting drugs to and from their sites of action
• A15.2 Determine how much drug to give (dosage)
• A15.3 Know ocular considerations on how to give a drug
• A15.4 Determine how often you give a drug (frequency)
• A16.1 Understand the process of chemical transmission in the nervous system and from this identify possible targets for drug modulation of this process
• A16.2 Describe the basic anatomy of 1) the autonomic nervous system (ANS), it’s parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions and 2) the somatic nervous system
• A16.3 Describe the major neurotransmitters and receptors involved in chemical transmission within the ANS and somatic nervous system
• A16.4 Describe the major neurotransmitters and receptors involved in chemical transmission within the ANS and somatic nervous system.
• A16.5 Discuss agonists and antagonists that have selective activity at cholinoceptors and adrenoceptors and give examples of any therapeutic use that they might have (with focus on ocular therapy)
• A17.1 Discuss drugs that alter cholinergic and adrenergic nervous system activity through modulation of the synthesis, release and inactivation of these transmitters
• A17.2 Give examples of the therapeutic uses of drugs that act in the above manner
• A17.3 Discuss agonists and antagonists that have selective activity at cholinoceptors and adrenoceptors, and gives examples of any therapeutic uses for these drugs
• A18.1 Describe the endogenous synthesis of the eicosanoids with particular emphasis upon the key roles played by the enzymes phospholipaseA2, cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase
• A18.2 Discuss the major actions of prostaglandins and leukotrienes in the body and their therapeutic uses, and describe how non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) produce their anti-inflammatory effect
• A18.3 Describe the major unwanted effects common to most NSAIDs and the mechanisms underlying these effects
• A18.4 Apply this knowledge to understand the rationale behind the development and uses of COS2 selective drugs (-coxibs), and be aware of some of the problems with drugs in this class
• A18.5. Discuss the mechanisms of action, unwanted effects and therapeutic uses of glucocorticoids and compare and contrast these features with the NSAIDs
• A18.6 Be familiar with the mechanism of action of cyclosporine and relate this to its use in the treatment of dry eye syndrome
• A19.1 Understand the Key points in establishing the diagnosis of microbial keratitis
• A19.2 Understand the microbiological profile and treatment of microbial keratitis
• A19.3 Identify risk factors for microbial keratitis and how addressing these reduces the recurrence of infection
• A20.1 Understand the clinical presentations of HSV and HZO
• A20.2 Understand the treatment options for these different clinical scenarios
• A20.3 Understand the management of corneal neovascularization
• A21.1 Understand the symptoms and signs of contact lens related complications
• A21.2 Understand the therapeutic benefits of contact lenses
• A21.3 Know the expectations for management and awareness of the therapeutic dilemma; To treat versus early referral onwards
• A22.1 Understand the definition and epidemiology of dry eye
• A22.2 Understand how to clinically assess and grade dry eye
• A22.3 Understand current management options for dry eye disease
• A22.4 Be able to formulate a management approach depending on dry eye disease subtype and severity
• A23.1 Diagnose or list the differential diagnoses for patients presenting with corneal egenerations or dystrophies through a basic understanding of these conditions
• A23.2 Form a knowledge foundation prior to counselling patients with these conditions
• A23.3 Triage the referral needs regarding need for and urgency of referral to an ophthalmologist
• A23.4 Understanding of the appropriate management options for patients with corneal dystrophies and degeneration
• A24.1 Understand the different types of conjunctival lesions
• A24.2 Recognise distinguishing clinical features of different types of conjunctival lesions
• A24.3 Develop background knowledge of treatments for conjunctival lesions
• A25.1 Discuss the mechanisms and epidemiology; signs, symptoms and distinguishing features; and therapeutic and nontherapeutic management of conditions that lead to conjunctival inflammation
• A25.2 Be familiar with conditions covered in this lecture including cicatricial disease, degenerations, cysts, and deposits
• A26.1 Establish the diagnosis of conjunctivitis (differentiating it from other causes of red eye)
• A26.2 Establish appropriate therapy according to cause of conjunctivitis
• A26.3 Prevent complications of conjunctivitis
• A26.4 Prevent spread of communicable disease
• A26.5 Educate and engage the patient and healthcare colleagues in management of this disease
• A27.1 Know the overview of eyelid/lacrimal anatomy and clinical presentation of common eyelid/adnexal conditions and clinical evaluation with emphasis on any urgency of referral
• A28.1 Outline the adnexal conditions of pre-septal cellulitis and orbital cellulitis
• A28.2 Stress the critical importance of recognising Orbital Cellulitis at the earliest possible time and ensuring urgent systemic/intravenous anti-biotic treatment
• A29.1 Know first aid considerations for trauma and chemical injuries (excluding globe perforation for any traumatic injury)
• A29.2 Know the importance of excluding globe penetration for any eye trauma, exclude intraocular foreign body for corneal laceration with high velocity metal-on-metal injuries
• A29.3 Know first aid for globe rupture: avoid pressure on the eye and avoid seidel test with pressure.
• A29.4 Understand the risks of infection with all eye trauma
• A29.5 Know the management of corneal abrasion including prevention of recurrent corneal erosion syndrome
• A29.6 Know the importance of prevention in eye injury and protecting injury to non-injured eye in future
• A30.1 Understand history taking and examination of the acute red eye
• A30.2 Differential diagnoses of the red eye by location and signs/symptoms
• A30.3 Management of common causes of red eye
• A31.1 Appreciate the pathological processes of uveal inflammation, especially the crucial aspects of the blood-aqueous barrier
• A31.2 Appreciate key signs and symptoms of anterior uveitis, especially the differences between acute and chronic presentations.
• A31.3 Appreciate the association between uveitis and systemic diseases especially the search for associated diseases
• A32.1 Know the differential diagnosis of anterior uveitis and understand the systemic diseases associated with uveitis
• A33.1 Be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of Posterior Uveitis
• A33.2 Appreciate the referral, underlying systemic conditions and management of Posterior Uveitis
• A33.4 Appreciate any overlap between Anterior and Posterior Uveitis
• A34.1 Understand the similarities and differences in presentation, appearance and management of episcleritis and scleritis
• A34.2 Understand the importance of prompt diagnosis of scleritis
• A34.3 Understand the possible differential diagnoses of episcleritis and scleritis in anterior segment inflammation
• A35.1 Understand the principles of ocular management of acute anterior uveitis, including referral criteria for ophthalmological management
• A35.2 Understand the reasons and requirements for systemic evaluation of patients with uveitis
• A35.2 Understand the therapeutic alternatives /options in acute anterior uveitis
• A36.1 Know the elements of the diagnosis of glaucomatous optic neuropathy
• A36.2 Know the classification of the type of Glaucoma Objective
• A36.3 Assess the risk of vision loss in glaucoma
• A37.1 Understand the principles of medical management of glaucoma
• A37.2 Be aware of medication options for the treatment of glaucoma
• A37.3 Appreciate the complexity of medical glaucoma management
• A38.1 Outline the definition, epidemiology and pathophysiology of primary angle closure
• A38.2 Understand the clinical management of PAC
• A38.3 Understand the diagnosis, management and prognosis of angle closure
• A38.4 Recognise the importance of routine gonioscopy
• A39.1 Understand the overview of surgical management in glaucoma
• A39.2 Understand the various laser and surgical options in glaucoma management
• A39.3 Be aware of potential glaucoma surgery complications
• A40.1 Be able to recognise and diagnose common secondary glaucomas
• A40.2 Be aware of management strategies for common secondary glaucomas
• A41.1 Understand how glaucoma will impact other clinical findings besides IOP, such as pupil reactions, visual acuity, colour vision, and how this can be used in differential diagnosis
• A41.2 Understand the differential diagnosis of glaucoma with other conditions affecting the optic nerve and retina, including OCT/VF/other clinical findings
• A41.3 Understand the differential diagnosis of glaucoma with other conditions affecting the visual pathway, both intraorbital and intracranial, including OCT/VF/other clinical findings as appropriate
• A42.1 Understand the appropriate context and use of oral medications in optometry
• A42.2 Understand the appropriate prescribing considerations of these medications
• A42.3 Understand the appropriate management and safety profile of these medications
• A43.1 Appreciate the relevant factors in the assessment for cataract surgery
• A43.2 Be able to manage standard postoperative care for cataract surgery
• A43.3 Appreciate when the case is not progressing as standard
• A44.1 Knowledge of therapeutic medicines relevant to post-operative cataract care
• A44.2 How to manage raised post-operative IOP
• A45.1 Understand the principles and indications of refractive surgery
• A45.2 Assess the suitability of patients and provide refractive options
• A45.3 Detect and manage complications of corneal laser refractive surgery
• A46.1 Understand preoperative assessment and the decision making involved in lens-based refractive surgery, the main choices being refractive lens exchange (RLE) and phakic IOLs
• A46.2 Recognise side-effects and complications following lens-based refractive surgery and to understand their management
• A46.3 Appreciate the importance of timely communication between the optometrist and surgeon involved in the shared care of the patient
• A47.1 Understand the pinciples of shared care, types of co-management, the Tele-Health co-management model and the c urrent legislation and shared care of the glaucoma patient
• A48.1 Understand the legal basis of optometry prescribing in Australia: Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act, role of AHPRA and the OBA, role of the states
• A48.2 Understand the regulatory agencies surrounding medicines in Australia: TGA, ARTG, SAS, PBS
• A48.3 Understand the professional obligations of optometrists surrounding the use of ophthalmic medicines
• A48.4 Understand the specific OBA regulations surrounding the diagnosis and management of glaucoma, and care pathways from other stakeholders such as Optometry Australia, RANZCO, NHMRC
• A49.1 Understand the concepts of Scope of Practice, Responsible Authorities, and Restricted Activities under the HPCA 2003
• A49.2 Understand the concept of optometrists as Authorised Prescribers
• A49.3 Understand the roles of Medsafe and PHARMAC in approving and subsidising medicines
• A49.4 Understand prescription writing requirements in NZ
• A49.5 Understand the ODOB clinical practice guidelines on the use of oral medicines in optometry
• A49.6 Understand the different ODOB scopes of practice and endorsements
• A50.1 Describe Optometrists role in medication stewardship and delivery of person-centered care
• A50.2 Discuss the causes of inappropriate prescribing and the potential harms and adverse effects, considering the individual patient, community, healthcare system and environment
• A50.3 Describe the 12 guiding principles for Medication Management in the Community
• A50.4 Apply practical strategies considering personal biases, for best practice prescribing
• B1.1 Revise the types and cellular effects of injury
• B1.2 Revise the signs of inflammation and how it applies to the eye (acute Vs chronic inflammation), using trachoma as an example of co-existing acute and chronic disease affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• B1.3 Review the concepts of natural and specific immunity in the eye, and humoral and cellular immunity in the eye
• B2.1 Discuss innate and adaptive immune system in the body generally and how it relates to normal eye function and eye disease
• B3.1 Understand key concepts in microbiology
• B4.1 Recognise pathophysiological processes considering quality use of medicines
• B4.2 Understand the concepts of patient centred care and informed consent
• B4.3 Understanding the diffidence between knowing what is on the OBA list of medicines and the availability of meds on PBS subsidised vs. private scripts
• B4.4 Recognise the other health professionals who are part of the patient’s regular care team and communicating to them
• B5.1 Discuss the diagnosis of microbial keratitis in more detail in different populations
• B5.2 Discuss the appropriate choice of treatment agent in different populations, dosage, and overall treatment plan
• B6.1 Discuss the challenges of managing all forms of herpes simplex and zoster keratitis
• B6.2 Judicious use of topical corticosteroids and oral antiviral medicines to treat herpetic keratitis
• B7.1 Know the importance of history and detailed examination of the acute red eye by anatomy
• B7.2 Know the differential diagnosis of the chronic red eye to exclude ophthalmic surface squamous metaplasia involving conjunctiva but less often cornea
• B8.1 Be aware of the differential diagnosis of anterior chamber cells
• B8.2 Know the treatment of acute anterior uveitis
• B8.3 Understand complications associated with anterior uveitis
• B9.1 Know the management of acute, low-grade inflammation, including identification of the primary cause for the inflammation
• B9.2 Consider the decision-making processes that inform the best option(s) for management of the inflammation in a patient centred manner
• B9.3 Consider the of potential off target and side effects of any treatment
• B9.4 Consider the review schedule and referral triggers
• B10.1 Discuss the issues related to making a diagnosis of glaucoma
• B10.2 Discuss factors which influence the treatment options in glaucoma
• B11.1 Assess automated perimetry, recognise glaucomatous visual field defects and the progression and structure/function
• B12.1 Understand the principles of effective management and monitoring for glaucoma progression in a shared care, co-monitoring environment with ophthalmologists and the threshold for greater intervention and referral
• B13.1 Make a careful appraisal of the patient’s circumstances and presentation and initial decision as to whether the management of their condition is best conducted by or in collaboration with another health professional
• B13.2 Make a comprehensive assessment of the pathophysiological processed underlying the ocular (and perhaps systemic) disease, formulating a number of potential management strategies, considering the pros and cons of each
• B14.1 Discuss side effects, off target effects and expected outcomes with the patient and gain informed consent
• B 14. 2 Discussion of expectations around medication choice, review periods, triggers for referral or urgent review, prognosis and any long term outcomes that the patient needs to be aware of

Max CPD hours awarded: 103.25

Session Information