Developed to meet the needs of practising optometrists, the Certificate in Advanced Contact Lenses (ACO-CACL) is designed to enhance your understanding of contact lens practice and enable you to increase your competency through theory and the development of appropriate skills.
An expert team of presenters will deliver lectures on a range of topics including rigid gas permeable, orthokeratology, mini-scleral, prosthetic, keratoconic and post-graft lens fitting.
The course offers a flexible remote learning structure ideal for rural or remote optometrists and those balancing work and other commitments.
Commencement
28 April 2025- Duration
6 months 
CPD Points
Australia: Allocation Pending- Fees
More info
Commencement
Duration
CPD Points
FeesHow 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.
Features
- Study from home – flexible, online learning
- E-learning materials and assessments
- Local clinical placements*
- Post-nominals upon completion
*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 registered as an optometrist in Australia or New Zealand. Course enquiries from overseas applicants or optometrists with limited registration are welcome and should be directed to 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.
Contact Us
2025 Fees | Australia (Inc GST) | New Zealand (Ex GST) |
|---|---|---|
| ACO Member | $2,994 | $2,694 |
| Non Member | $3,770 | $3,393 |
Meet Kim, 2024 Graduate
Kim Nguyen, an optometrist from Victoria, decided to enrol in the Certificate in Advanced Contact Lenses to enhance her skills in specialty contact lenses. Since learning about these lenses in university, she had developed a passion for fitting specialty contact lenses but felt the need to further develop her confidence and knowledge.
“Ever since learning about advanced contact lenses at university, I’ve been interested in practicing specialty contact lens fitting. I’m fortunate to have a small but growing number of patients who trust and appreciate my efforts and choose to continue seeing me for their contact lens appointments. I wanted to do what’s best for them by improving my skills in specialty contact lens fits.
I enrolled in the Certificate in Advanced Contact Lenses with the goal of increasing my confidence in interpreting topography maps, efficiently deciding on initial lens parameters, and troubleshooting complex fits.
The lectures, recommended resources, and writing case reports have encouraged me to be more proactive in researching studies. I’ve also learned to appreciate critically appraising each study I encounter, understanding the strength of evidence they provide. These skills extend beyond contact lens fitting and help in differentiating, diagnosing, and managing conditions that present in practice.
The placements were a definite highlight, allowing me to see how theory translates into practice. I now have a greater appreciation of grading and troubleshooting contact lens fits, and it was heartwarming to witness how successful specialty contact lens fits can be life-changing for our patients.
Since completing the course, my confidence in interpreting topography maps and dealing with rigid corneal lenses and orthokeratology has grown. I’ve taken on more orthokeratology patients, fitting them independently, and I’ve been able to share what I’ve learned with colleagues and assist them in orthokeratology fittings.”
