Membership Services

Accreditation

 ::  How to get Accredited

Thank you for selecting the VCO practice accreditation program. Practice accreditation is a relatively new initiative for optometric practice and at the College we are keen to assist you in every way to achieve due recognition for the quality of service you provide.

The steps to becoming acredited

1. Request or download an application form.
2. Return your application form with the application fee. A self assessment form is then posted to you.
3. Within 1 month complete the self assessment form and return it to the College.
4. The self assessment form is reviewed by the Professional Support Manager and considered by the Professional Standards and Membership Committee.
5. If the committee decide on the basis of the self assessment information provided that the practice is likely to meet accreditation standards the practice is provisionally accredited. Alternatively, the committee provides advice to the practice principals on areas of concern.
6. The balance of the fee is payable on confirmation of the practice visit date.
7. An experienced optometric assessor visits the practice, meets with the principals and staff and is shown the premises and equipment. Each practice location is assessed and any issues or concerns discussed.
8. The Assessors report is considered by the Professional Standards and Membership Committee leading to one of three outcomes; full accreditation, conditional accreditation, or refusal to accredit. The reasons for refusal are identified so that the practice might address them and resubmit for accreditation.

For further information contact the Manager, Professional Development by telephone on (03) 9349 7530 or by email at profdev@vco.org.au