ACO Fellowship

Fellowship of the College recognises members who have made a significant contribution to the practice and profession of optometry and to the community. Fellows of the College are members who are held in high esteem within the profession. There are four separate categories under which members can apply for Fellowship:

  • Personal achievement in acquiring skill
  • Contribution to knowledge and learning
  • Acquisition of special clinical expertise and/or
  • Professional leadership/service


Members may apply (at no charge) under one or more categories and provide supporting documentation to demonstrate the excellence of their work and how their contribution has impacted on the practice of optometry and the community.

Recognition of Fellows

Fellows are entitled to use the affix FACO and are listed in the ACO Annual Report and on the ACO website.

Criteria for Fellowship

Applicants for Fellowship need to:

  • Be full financial members of the ACO for the last three consecutive years
  • Practice in accordance with the ACO Code of Ethics and Practice Standards
  • The Professional Development and Membership Committee is empowered to recommend to Council admission to Fellowship for outstanding achievement without an application having been made

Application for Fellowship

Applicants need to complete an ‘Application for Fellowship of the Australian College of Optometry’ form and provide the requested documentation and names of referees. Applications are reviewed by the ACO Professional Development and Membership Committee from which recommendations are then made to the Council.

How to apply

The Application Form requests the following:

  • Applicant’s details
  • Referee information (2 referees, including 1 who is a Fellow of the ACO)
  • A summary of the applicant’s professional history (maximum 2 pages)
  • Information on why the applicants should be awarded a Fellowship (maximum 1 page)


To apply for Fellowship, please complete the Application Form

For further information please refer to the Information Sheet

Alternatively, the form can be emailed to applicants, on request.

Continuation of Fellowship

Fellowship of the College is ongoing. Fellows must continue to be a financial member (except in the case of honorary membership) and continue to adhere to the ACO Code of Ethics and Practice Standards.