ACO Continuing Professional Development – General Information
As part of its mission, the Australian College of Optometry provides leadership to the optometric profession in the promotion and delivery of innovative Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Through careful planning by the ACO Professional Development and Membership Committee, opportunities are provided for optometrists to continue learning throughout their career. As a requirement of national registration and of ACO membership, optometrists need to obtain a minimum 40 CPD points per year. (Note: the Optometry Board of Australia recognises the ACO as an approved CPD provider)
Generally, ACO CPD is open to optometrists (ACO members and non-members), optometry students and other health professionals. There are specific requirements for registrants wishing to attend clinical workshops or other events where there is direct examination of subjects. There are also opportunities for optometry support staff to attend specific courses aimed.
The full ACO Continuing Education program will be available shortly. Read further for specific event details.
Events for Optometrists
|
Event |
CPD Points |
Details |
| ACO Seminar Series | 6 CPD points for 2 lectures (including 2 points for optional assessment) |
The Seminars Series, consists of 2 lectures, generally held on the 3rd Tuesday, every 2 months. Registration is free to ACO members more |
|
Clinical Workshops |
10 CPD points per workshop |
These 3.5 hour, small group workshops are conducted in a clinical environment and enable optometrists to adopt new skills and practice techniques under personal instruction more |
| Refresher Courses | 10 CPD points per course (including 3 points for optional assessment) |
Generally conducted on Saturdays and are of 3.5 hours duration more |
| ACO National Conference | Up to 38 CPD points (TBC) | To be held on Saturday 20 - Sunday 21 October 2012 more |
Support Courses for Optometric Staff
These full day courses are designed to provide knowledge and skills to enhance the role of optometric staff and to increase the overall quality of care and services in optometry practices more
How Do I Register and Pay for ACO CPD?
There are a number of ways to register and pay for ACO CPD: by phone, fax, mail, email or online more
CPD Remote Learning Opportunities (up to 20 CPD points)
ACO DVD Subscription: a set of 5 DVDs (10 lectures) of the annual Seminar Series Lectures at a special member rate of $65 (non member rate $365).Obtain 10 CPD points for viewing the full series or 20 CPD points with optional online assessment more
Audio CPD Subscription: members are entitled to receive, on loan, up to two CD’s per month, with additional printed material more
Online CPD: members are able to access online CPD presentations (webinars) throughout the year more
Are You Interested in Obtaining CPD Points?
Throughout the year, the ACO offers a wide range of CPD opportunities for members and non-members, including face-to- face events (Conferences, Seminar Series, Clinical Workshops) and remote learning (DVD and Audiovisual Subscription services, online CPD via webinars). In many instances, optional assessment CPD points are available through the completion of multiple choice questionnaires. (Note: the ACO is an approved CPD provider by the Optometry Board of Australia and records CPD points gained by participants for the renewal of national registration). For specific CPD points allocation refer to the specific event.
ACO Continuing Professional Development Policy
The ACO CPD Policy explains the terms and conditions relating to all ACO CPD, including refunds and cancellation of events more
Contact Information for ACO CPD
For further enquiries, please contact the Professional Development Division Tel: 03 9349 7477 or Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
