Industry News
ACO Extends Application Deadline for 2025 Advanced Certificate in Children’s Vision
The Australian College of Optometry (ACO) has announced an extended application deadline for the 2025 Advanced Certificate in Children’s Vision (ACCV), giving optometrists until 24 February 2025 to apply for this esteemed professional development opportunity.
Designed to enhance clinical expertise in paediatric eye care, the ACCV equips optometrists with the necessary skills to diagnose and manage a range of paediatric conditions, including amblyopia, strabismus, myopia control, and paediatric ocular disease. This six-month program offers an evidence-based curriculum combined with practical experience, ensuring that participants can confidently handle complex paediatric cases in their practice.
A key highlight of the ACCV is its clinical placement module, which allows participants to apply their learning under the supervision of experienced optometrists and ophthalmologists. This hands-on experience is instrumental in building the confidence and competence required for effective paediatric patient care.
Myopia management remains a crucial focus of the course, aligning with the growing need for optometrists to address the increasing prevalence of myopia in children. The structured learning approach ensures that professionals gain in-depth knowledge while balancing the demands of their existing practice.
A recent survey of past ACCV participants underscores the program’s effectiveness:
- 90% of graduates reported increased confidence in assessing and managing paediatric patients.
- 100% agreed that the course workload and their professional and personal commitments were manageable.
Catherine Tay, Clinical Education Coordinator of the course said, “Keeping up with the latest research and techniques is becoming increasingly essential in modern practice, particularly when managing the diverse and complex needs of young patients. Increasingly, there is a critical need for early diagnosis of myopia, appropriate intervention and effective education with families to safeguard children's visual development and overall health. Optometrists must be equipped to intervene early to ensure better lifelong outcomes for these young patients.”.
With its flexible, expert-led structure, the ACCV continues to be a valuable asset for optometrists seeking to expand their paediatric expertise. Interested professionals are encouraged to submit their applications by 24 February 2025 to take advantage of this opportunity.
For more details and to apply, visit the Australian College of Optometry’s website at: www.aco.org.au/advanced-certificate-in-childrens-vision
