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The Advanced Certificate in Glaucoma (ACO-ACG) offers optometrists training in current best practice for the pathophysiology, diagnosis and co-management of glaucoma.

Graduates completing this course will have enhanced knowledge of glaucoma and improved ability to participate in collaborative care with ophthalmologists. This six month course offers a flexible remote learning structure ideal for rural or remote optometrists and those balancing work and other commitments.

  • Start Date
    17 March 2025
  • Duration
    6 months
  • CPD Points
    Australia: Allocation Pending
  • Fees
    More info

How to apply


If you are not an ACO Member, create a free ACO user account to register for this course via the ‘Apply now’ button.

ACO Members should use their member login details.

Video: ‘How to register online for an ACO course’ 

Features


  • Study from home – flexible, online learning
  • Interactive case study discussions
  • Local clinical placements*
  • ODOB (NZ) approval for independent glaucoma prescribing

 

*Please note: Candidates are required to organise their own placements at a practice local to them.

Entry requirements


Candidates must be an optometry graduate and be registered as an optometrist in Australia or New Zealand. However, course enquiries from international applicants or optometrists with limited registration are welcome and should be directed to the ACO (cpd@aco.org.au).

It is recommended that candidates have a minimum of six months general practice experience prior to commencing this course.

Overseas optometrists should note completion of this course does not offer a pathway to an Australian visa. Please visit Optometry Board for information on practicing in Australia and New Zealand.

2025 Fees

Australia
(Inc GST)
New Zealand
(Ex GST)
ACO Member$2,994$2,694
Non Member$3,770$3,393

Meet Alex, 2021 Graduate


Since graduating in 2017, Alex Kaye has dedicated himself to regional optometry and is passionate about delivering all aspects of general optometry to his community. For Alex, this certificate was the next step in enhancing his scope of practice.

“Glaucoma is a common and complex condition, and we encounter patients at all stages of the disease spectrum. Pursuing the course was a way to better care for these patients as well as serve my curiosity about glaucoma management.

Its diagnosis and management require

multiple elements. To see how these elements fit together and have a better understanding of a patient’s risk of glaucoma or risk of progression is very rewarding. Having 6 months dedicated to one topic provides plenty of opportunities to identify and address areas of weakness through various learning experiences.

I focused my attention on clinical skills, such as identifying subtle glaucomatous progression through OCT as well as the indication for the use of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) as a first-line treatment. While these treatments are implemented by the ophthalmologist, gaining new insights allowed me to be more confident in caring for my glaucoma patients.

The course can be conducted at your own pace and the structure is laid out at the beginning, so it’s easy to plan ahead. Like most things, I find the more effort you put in the more you will get out.”