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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
    5 May 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
  • 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.

2025 Fees

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

Meet David, 2022 Graduate


Feeling the increasing need to stay up to date in fitting complicated contact lenses, and in particular fitting Ortho-K for Keratoconus patients, Victorian optometrist David Box decided to pursue the Certificate in Advanced Contact Lenses in 2022.

“My favourite module was the Ortho-K. This module was informative and covered in detail the fitting techniques adding to Corneal maps and what to aim for in fitting this type of lens in myopia control.

Ortho-K is a growing area of speciality in Optometry, and it was great to stay up to date in how to fit these lenses.

The course has increased my confidence in prescribing and fitting RGP, mini-scleral and Ortho-K lenses. I practise in regional locations, and it has benefited my patients who I now don’t have to refer to city clinics for fitting.

I would recommend the contact lens course as it creates a specialty within your practice and increases your interest and enjoyment in optometry. The ACO courses are extremely well run.

The theoretical modules are complimented with the clinical placements to create a detailed learning experience.”