Advanced Practice Recognition

Why apply for the APR Program?

The Advanced Practice Recognition (APR) Program is an Optometry Australia exclusive, member-only initiative designed to recognise optometrists with advanced clinical expertise, and expand career opportunities. We encourage members to consider applying for the Program, because it:  

• Supports strategic career trajectory planning for optometrists. This ensures that talent within the optometry field is nurtured and retained, contributing to a vibrant, dynamic and engaged workforce. 
• Counts towards continuing professional development (CPD) requirements.
• Graduates of the APR Program will earn the title “Optometry Australia Credentialled Advanced Practitioner – Glaucoma”.
• Provides ongoing learning through the exclusive annual Glaucoma Symposium to deepen clinical knowledge and foster professional connections. 
• Strengthens collaborative care with ophthalmologists, benefiting individual practitioners while also helping to ensure timely access to care for patients. 

Note: All therapeutically endorsed optometrists in Australia and New Zealand who are currently registered to practice with the Optometry Board of Australia are recognised as having met the Entry-level Competency Standards for Optometry which include diagnosing and managing patients with glaucoma.   

Optometrists who have completed the Advanced Practice Recognition – Glaucoma program are recognised as having met the minimum requirements as set out in the Advanced Competency Standards in Glaucoma and have the required expertise necessary for managing more complex glaucoma cases in clinical practice. 

Background

As part of Optometry Australia’s efforts to realise its preferred future for optometry in 2040, an APR Program in optometry has been established, aiming to recognise and credential optometrists with demonstrated expertise in particular clinical areas. Optometry Australia believes the APR Program, available exclusively to Optometry Australia members,  positions optometry to adapt to evolving healthcare landscapes, in close alignment with the forward-looking strategy of  Optometry 2040. 

Are you eligible?  

✔️ Active Optometry Australia Member
✔️ Minimum 5 years’ experience as a practising optometrist with therapeutic endorsement 
✔️ Advanced experienced in glaucoma care management
✔️ Committed to completing the Program over a 4-month period  (part-time study options are available on a case-by-case basis).

Take the next step towards becoming a Credentialled Advanced Practitioner 

The APR Program requires optometrists to demonstrate expertise through a structured application process.  

The application fee to become an Optometry Australia Credentialled Advanced Practitioner – Glaucoma is $2,200 (incl GST). 

In addition, a small annual fee will be charged upon registration to the APR Program Symposium. The application and symposium fees are non-refundable. 

In 2026, we will run two intake rounds to be scheduled between March and November 2026. 

Applications for round one open in the last week of February 2026. 

Your path to qualification starts with these simple steps:  

• Step 1: Submit your application form, CV and cover letter to  apr@optometry.org.au. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and in the order they are received, therefore do not delay sending us your documents.
  
  Please refer to the comprehensive overview of the APR Program requirements and assessment process (pages 4-5) for further detail on the information and documents to include in your application.

• Step 2: Submit evidence showing your clinical experience in glaucoma (e.g.: case logs, lectures, publications, advanced certificates).
  
  
• Step 3: Submit two detailed 3,000-word (maximum) case reports demonstrating your clinical expertise in glaucoma.
   
• Step 4: Demonstrate your leadership competencies.
  
• Step 5: Participate in a 75-minute Clinical Discussion Interview.  

Specific information on the requirements for each step is available here.  

Once applicants successfully complete the APR Program, they will be awarded the title Optometry Australia Credentialled Advanced Practitioner- Glaucoma (OACAP-G), which comes with a range of benefits described in the FAQs below and the resources available in ‘How to apply‘.  

To maintain OACAP-G status, credentialled professionals must: 

• maintain their membership to Optometry Australia and registration with the Optometry Board of Australia, 
• attend the annual APR Program Symposium, (optional during the year of credentialling; registration fee applies),  
• manage at least 20 glaucoma patients per year, and provide evidence of this if requested by Optometry Australia.  

Credentialled professionals are not required to complete additional CPD to maintain their credentialling, although all optometrists are expected to maintain their 30 hours of CPD (including 10T hours) to ensure compliance with Ahpra requirements. 

If you have any questions, our team is here to help, reach out to us any time at apr@optometry.org.au.

Not yet ready to apply? We welcome expressions of interest all year round, please email us at apr@optometry.org.au.

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