ACO Continuing Professional Development Policy
Generally, ACO CPD events are open to optometrists, optometry students and other health professionals. Please refer below to information that applies to specific events.
Staff Support Courses
Registration is open to staff employed by ACO members, ACO staff and non members.
Seminar Series Lectures
Attendance at ACO Seminar Series lectures is free of charge for ACO members. Non members may attend the Seminar Series but must register in advance and pay $66 (this enables attendance at one or both lectures).
Clinical Workshops or Events Where There is Direct Examination of Subjects
Participants must meet the following criteria:
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Be a registered optometrist in Australia or New Zealand, or an OCANZ candidate with specific registration status (current at the time of the education event) or a General practitioner (medical) and
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Hold current professional indemnity insurance.
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On enrolment, provide the ACO with correct information on their registration status, registration number, currency of practice details and professional indemnity status (all of which must be current at the time of the event).
Note: the ACO reserves the right to refuse registration of any person for a workshop/event where there is direct examination of subjects.
Payment of Registration Fees
Fees for all CPD events must be paid, in full, at the time of registration.
Discount Policy for ACO Members Who Work Part-time
Full and Affiliate ACO members who are engaged in less than 10 hours of paid work per week are entitled to a discount of 50% of the registration fee for all ACO CPD. (Note: the number of enrolments who fall into this category may be capped).
Cancellation by Participant
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Cancellation of registration for ACO CPD should be directed to the Professional Development Development Division Tel: 03 9349 7477. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or by Fax to 03 9349 7559.
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A refund, less 20% administration fee, is available if a cancellation is notified 7 days prior to the event.
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Registrations are transferable by request.
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Additional cancellation fees may be applicable where accommodation or other packages, arranged on the behalf of a participant, are cancelled.
ACO CPD Event Cancellation, Postponement or Program Amendment
The ACO reserves the right to cancel, postpone or amend the program of a CPD event. If this occurs, participants will be notified as soon as possible by telephone and/or email. Where a CPD event is cancelled, registration fees will be fully refunded.
The ACO will not be liable for any expenses that participants may have, or may incur, as a result of a postponement or cancellation (eg travel, accommodation).
Contact Information
For further enquiries on ACO CPD policy, contact the Professional Development Division Tel: 03 9349 7477 or Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it



