At the Australian College of Optometry (ACO) our vision is to achieve world leading eye health outcomes for all.
We are committed to improving the eye health and well-being of communities through clinical optometry practice, research and education. We are committed to creating a rewarding and positive working environment for all staff.
Hear what our optometrists have to say about the range of work they can get involved in with the ACO – here.
At the ACO we offer the following opportunities and benefits
- Salary packaging benefits
- A strong commitment to diversity
- Professional learning and development
- Employee assistance program
- Career progression opportunities
- Staff recognition program
- Discounted glasses and contact lenses
Current opportunities
About the ACO
Our vision is to achieve world leading eye health outcomes for all.
We aim to be a global leader in primary public health eye care, providing best practice and holistic care to patients in need. We will achieve this through clinical excellence, translational clinical and public health research, education, and collaboration. Patient-centred models will underpin everything we do.
The ACO is currently undergoing a substantial period of change, supporting our strategic goals of aligning the research, clinical practice, and educational work we do. Our new strategic plan is focussed on creating OneACO; a patient centred, collaborative culture that embraces equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout.
About the position
Reporting to the Outreach Program Coordinator this position will support service delivery within the Outreach and Rural VES team though the delivery of comprehensive administrative functions.
Accountabilities
- Provide high level administrative and organisational support to operate service delivery across Outreach, Aboriginal Services, and Victorian Eye Care Services (VES).
- Liaise with relevant outreach and aboriginal services sites and organisations to maximise bookings and service delivery.
- Perform efficient and accurate auditing of online VES applications & claims.
- Assist with Victorian Aboriginal Spectacle Subsidy Scheme (VASSS) administration.
- Coordinate meetings and events, including catering, travel and accommodation as needed.
- Undertake the input and analysis of data, including ensuring effective security, storage and distribution of data, records, and reports.
- Provide high levels of customer service in accordance with best practice guidelines, policy, and procedures.
About you
As a public health administrator, you will be able to provide high level administrative support to the Outreach and Rural VES team with the ability to prioritise effectively to ensure deadlines are met and the service remains compliant.
Skills and Knowledge
- Strong organisational and prioritising skills.
- High level of computer literacy with demonstrated Microsoft Office experience.
- Strong written and verbal communicator with the ability to tailor communication to different audiences.
- Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Effective team player.
- Ability to use own judgement and exercise independence where appropriate.
Essential criteria
- Motivated to serve the community and people experiencing disadvantage.
- A qualification in a relevant field/ substantial relevant skills and work experience will be well regarded.
Please note: due to government mandates, all ACO employees are required to be either up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination (2+ booster), or hold a medical exemption.
We will be reviewing candidates during this time and reserve the right to close applications sooner if suitable candidate is found. We encourage prospective candidates to apply as soon as possible.
Key details:
• Location: Carlton (other sites as required)
• Employment Type: Full time
• Remuneration: Salary Commensurate with experience – Equivalent to UoM Academic level D or E
We are only accepting applications for this position via Seek, to apply please click here
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About the ACO
Our vision is to achieve world leading eye health outcomes for all.
We aim to be a global leader in primary public health eye care, providing best practice and holistic care to patients in need. We will achieve this through clinical excellence, translational clinical and public health research, education, and collaboration. Patient-centred models will underpin everything we do.
The ACO is currently undergoing a substantial period of change, supporting our strategic goals of aligning the research, clinical practice, and educational work we do. Our new strategic plan is focussed on creating OneACO; a patient centred, collaborative culture that embraces equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout.
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About the position
The ACO is seeking an experienced senior leader in education and research to join our Executive Management Team. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this new role within the organisation offers the postholder the opportunity to develop and realign the ACO’s unique clinical research, delivering translational clinical outputs.
The Director of Education and Research will be responsible for driving the ACO’s reputation as a leading provider of specialised educational and training programs through maintaining and developing partnerships with external education providers, developing, and harmonising our CPD work, and supporting the training and development of graduates.
Accountabilities
• Demonstrate senior leadership for all ACO staff in accordance with the core values of the ACO.
• Lead and support teams of staff expert in the delivery of clinical education, training and high-quality clinical care and management.
• Oversee best practice and assist to drive improvements in capacity and models of care and patient management in the area clinical teaching and training.
• Develop and drive the operational plan to ensure the evolution of the ACO’s Research, Education, Teaching and Training programs supports the strategic initiatives and direction of the ACO.
• Lead the development of strategies and frameworks to position the ACO as a leader in translational Clinical and public health Research and Education.
• Oversee the management, development, and review of courses, ensuring their quality, availability, and suitability to meet course requirements according to accreditation criteria.
• Oversight of the research and education services provided by the ACO, to ensure funding agreements and grant criteria is met.
• Develop strategies to diversify sources of funding to ensure ongoing financial viability.
• Promote, build, and maintain effective relationships and collaborations with external stakeholders including government, hospitals, other health providers, universities, and industry professionals.
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About you
As an expert in your field, you will be experienced in leading and supporting teams in the delivery of clinical education and high-quality clinical care. You will have the knowledge and capacity to provide outstanding leadership and foster excellence in research, education, training and teaching.
You will have demonstrated experience in the management and development of educational programmes, including clinical training, online learning, lectures, workshops, short courses, and conferences. You will have the ability to utilise a range of teaching/ learning methodologies, incorporating these into the ACO education and graduate placement programmes.
Skills and Knowledge
• Ability to think and act strategically and align the operational plan to the organisation’s strategic direction.
• Experienced in the development and management of integrated education pathways.
• Strong governance and operational reporting skills and experience working with Boards and Committees.
• Experienced in managing budgets, grants, and other funding streams.
• Inspirational and collaborative leadership style with demonstrated experience in leading high performing teams.
• Ability to lead, support and motivate through change.
• Strong understanding of clinic operations, regulations, and risks.
• An understanding of OHS principles and risk reduction.
• Willingness to attend other sites as required.
Essential criteria
• A relevant higher degree qualification in optometry, translational, clinical, or public health research, or related discipline.
• Experienced academic with extensive knowledge and experience in academic teaching and/or conducting research in an area of vision research.
• Seven (7) years demonstrated experience in a senior leadership role.
• Motivated to serve the community and, in particular, for people experiencing disadvantage.
Please include a cover letter outlining how your skills and experience align with the key selection criteria.
Please note: due to government mandates, all ACO employees are required to be either up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination (2+ booster), or hold a medical exemption.
We will be reviewing candidates during this time and reserve the right to close applications sooner if suitable candidate is found. We encourage prospective candidates to apply as soon as possible.
STAFF OPTOMETRISTS – CARLTON
Key Details
• Locations – Carlton, ACO metro clinics
• 9–day fortnight for full time optometrists
• Work 8.30am–5.45pm with 45min lunch break
• NFP salary packaging benefits — increase your take home pay!
• No late nights, Sundays, or Public Holidays.
STAFF OPTOMETRISTS OUTREACH FOCUS
Key Details
• Full time (Part time may also be considered)
• Locations – ACO Outreach locations working at Carlton as required
• 9–day fortnight for full time optometrists
• Work 8.30am–5.45pm with 45min lunch break
• NFP salary packaging benefits — increase your take home pay!
• No late nights, Sundays, or Public Holidays
About the ACO
Our vision is to achieve world leading eye health outcomes for all.
We aim to be a global leader in primary public health eye care, providing best practice and holistic care to patients in need. We will achieve this through clinical excellence, translational clinical and public health research, education, and collaboration. Patient-centred models will underpin everything we do.
The ACO has recently undergone a substantial period of change, supporting our strategic goal of aligning the research, clinical practice, and educational work we do. Our new strategic plan is focussed on creating OneACO; a patient centred, collaborative culture that embraces equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout.
About the position
We have several opportunities available for experienced optometrists who aim to make a real difference within a public health setting. The ACO offers successful candidates the opportunity for professional development within speciality clinics including Paediatrics, Glaucoma, Teaching and Outreach.
Focusing on clinical care, not sales, optometrists at the ACO have access to a wide range of state-of-the-art ophthalmic technology, including wave front aberrometry, anterior and posterior OCT, confocal ophthalmoscopy, wide field fundus photography, and electrodiagnostic, enabling you to have a direct impact on the health outcomes of patients from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Accountabilities
- Provide high quality clinical services.
- Apply a high standard of clinical skill and knowledge, whilst working to established clinic protocols.
- Develop at least two areas of advanced clinical skill or knowledge leading to participation in advanced clinics.
- Use advanced diagnostic equipment, such as OCTs and fundus cameras.
- Participate in clinical research as required.
- Participate in clinical teaching as may be evidenced by being assigned as a clinical educator (normally after at least three years of experience).
- Maintain accurate and detailed patient records, including history, results, and treatment plans.
About you
As an experienced optometrist with developed specialised skills or a keen interest in speciality clinics, you will ensure all ACO patients receive exceptional patient care from routine eye exams through to more challenging and complex cases.
The ACO supports a diverse patient group, and it is essential all staff respect the feelings, needs and cultural differences of others.
Skills and Knowledge
- Minimum of two years’ experience working in clinical optometry
- Evidence of achievement of and commitment to high standards of clinical skill and knowledge
- Demonstrated enthusiasm for clinical work.
- Evidence of a strong service focus, including capacity to respond and show initiative in the provision of quality services.
- A capacity to contribute towards the goal of the ACO Clinic of providing good care to patients in an efficient and effective way.
- A high level of competence in the areas of clinical equipment and technology, computers, and public speaking
- Evidence of ability to contribute as a member of a team as well as the ability to work independently.
Essential criteria
- A degree or Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand certification that allows registration to practice optometry.
- Prescribe therapeutic medicines in Australia certification.
- Registered by AHPRA in a capacity that allows the provision of clinical optometry services.
- Motivated to serve the community and, in particular, for people experiencing disadvantage.
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification to the requirements of the Optometry Board of Australia.
Please note: due to government mandates, all ACO employees are required to be either up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination (2+ booster), or hold a medical exemption.
Please note: due to government mandates, all ACO employees are required to be either up to date with their vaccination against COVID-19 (2 doses & booster) or hold a medical exemption.
Interested? Apply Now!
To apply, please send our People and Culture team at careers@aco.org.au
• a covering letter addressing the key selection criteria; and
• a CV
Successful applicants will be contacted for an interview.
Closed to Applications
How to apply
Applications must include
- A cover letter referring to the position title and addressing the key selection criteria
- Your curriculum vitae, outlining past experience and qualifications
- Current contact details for yourself and referees
- Supporting documents as outlined in the position description
Interview process
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to attend an interview with a panel of two or more staff members. Depending on the seniority of the position a second interview may be conducted.
Communication
The ACO will make every effort to acknowledge applicants who have fulfilled the application requirements. We will endeavour to communicate with both successful and unsuccessful applicants in a timely manner. If you are seeking specific information and/or feedback regarding the outcome of your application please email careers@aco.org.au.
Employee screening
Employment for all positions is conditional on a satisfactory National Police Check (for working with children/vulnerable groups). A Working with Children Check may be required for some positions
Diversity
The Australian College of Optometry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQI+ people, people living with disability and those from culturally and linguistically diverse groups.
Privacy notification
We collect personal information for the purpose of processing and considering your application in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2000.
Assessments
For some positions applicants may be required to undertake an assessment. The assessment process will be outlined prior to your interview.
